Job Description
Job Summary: The Information Technology Project Manager plays a critical role in leading technology initiatives that support the academic, research, and administrative missions of The University of Tulsa. This position is responsible for managing all phases of IT project lifecycles—from planning and scoping to execution and delivery—ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with higher education standards. The Project Manager collaborates with faculty, staff, and administrative units to understand their needs, analyze existing processes, and translate those into actionable IT project requirements. This role also supports the university’s application portfolio, ensuring systems are optimized to enhance student success, teaching, research, and operational efficiency. The university fosters a highly collaborative environment; therefore, strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential. The Project Manager will work closely with stakeholders across campus to provide strategic technology leadership and ensure the successful implementation of innovative solutions. Key Responsibilities: Project Management Lead the initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing of IT projects in alignment with the university’s strategic goals. Develop comprehensive project charters, stakeholder registers, and communication plans to ensure clarity and alignment from project inception. Define and manage project scope, schedule, cost, quality, resources, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder engagement according to PMP standards. Establish and maintain project governance structures, including steering committees and project teams, to ensure accountability and decision-making support. Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues; develop mitigation and contingency plans to minimize impact on project objectives. Monitor and control project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), earned value management ( EVM ), and other project tracking tools. Facilitate regular project status meetings, prepare executive summaries, and provide transparent updates to stakeholders at all levels. Ensure proper documentation and knowledge transfer at project closeout, including lessons learned and post-implementation reviews. Promote the use of standardized project management methodologies, templates, and tools across the IT department and university. Mentor and support junior project managers or team members in project management best practices and tools. Project Management Office ( PMO ) Leadership Establish and maintain a Project Management Office ( PMO ) to standardize project management practices across the university. Develop and implement PMO policies, procedures, and templates to ensure consistency and quality in project delivery. Provide strategic direction and oversight for the PMO , aligning project initiatives with the university’s strategic goals. Monitor and evaluate the performance of the PMO , identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing best practices. Facilitate training and development programs for project managers and team members to enhance project management skills and knowledge. Collaborate with university leadership to prioritize and allocate resources for key projects and initiatives. Ensure effective communication and collaboration between the PMO and other departments, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Lead the development and maintenance of a project portfolio management system to track and report on project progress and outcomes. Promote the use of project management tools and technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery. Provide mentorship and support to project managers, helping them navigate challenges and achieve successful project outcomes. Skills and Characteristics Strong project management and organizational skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Ability to work collaboratively across academic and administrative units Analytical thinking and problem-solving aptitude Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic university environment Understanding of academic calendars and shared governance structures Service-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement Preferred Qualifications PMP Certification or equivalent project management credential Experience working in a higher education IT environment Familiarity with systems such as Ellucian Banner, Workday Student, or Oracle PeopleSoft Expertise in Microsoft 365, including Azure, SharePoint, Teams, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate Knowledge of accessibility, data privacy, and compliance standards in higher education Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and complex IT projects
Physical Demands
Special Job Dimensions: Typical work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Work days and hours vary due to the nature of the University environment and the responsibilities of this position, with occasional evening and weekend work required. Note: The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job. The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary from day-to-day. Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field; or 2+ years of relevant project and application management experience Proven experience in IT project management, including scoping, planning, and execution Strong presentation skills and ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences Ability to lead consultative discussions with faculty, staff, and executive leadership
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications PMP Certification or equivalent project management credential Experience working in a higher education IT environment Familiarity with systems such as Ellucian Banner, Workday Student, or Oracle PeopleSoft Expertise in Microsoft 365, including Azure, SharePoint, Teams, Power BI, Power Apps, and Power Automate Knowledge of accessibility, data privacy, and compliance standards in higher education Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and complex IT projects