Position Summary
CalSTRS is seeking highly skilled IT Project Managers to lead complex technology initiatives that support the organization’s strategic goals. The IT Project Manager will oversee the full project lifecycle— from initiation to close-out—using PMBOK, SDLC, Agile, and ITIL best practices. This role requires managing large-scale IT projects, including custom-built solutions, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), modified off-the-shelf (MOTS), XaaS, infrastructure, and operational projects.
The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with strong project governance, stakeholder engagement, and organizational change management expertise.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and manage project scope, schedule, budget, risks/issues, communications, milestones, and deliverables.
- Oversee day-to-day project operations, including resource allocation, quality assurance, and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop and maintain project documentation (Charter, Schedule, Communication Plan, Risk/Issue Log, Training Plan, Lessons Learned, Closeout Report, etc.).
- Ensure compliance with CalSTRS Project Management Methodology, SDLC, and PMO standards.
- Communicate project status to stakeholders through regular reports and executive-level presentations.
- Facilitate sponsor, team, and stakeholder meetings, ensuring timely decision-making and issue resolution.
- Support organizational change management, including training, communications, and knowledge transfer.
- Mentor internal project managers and contribute to process improvement within the PMO.
Minimum Qualifications
- 12+ years of project management experience, including full lifecycle management, with 7+ years as Sole or Lead Project Manager.
- 8+ years leading software/application projects using a formal SDLC.
- 8+ years managing COTS, MOTS, or XaaS projects.
- 5+ years managing infrastructure/operational projects (e.g., OS upgrades, hardware/software deployments, AV equipment, device refreshes).
- 5+ years project management experience in state or local government.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Project (5+ years).
- Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Visio, and analytical tools (5+ years).
- Proven ability in formal issue/risk management and stakeholder coordination (5+ years).
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience developing communication and Organizational Change Management (OCM) plans.
- 5+ years’ experience with Agile delivery in enterprise-wide initiatives.
- Experience with proprietary methodologies in large-scale projects.
- 3+ years’ experience with PPM and project management tools (Clarity, Jama, Microfocus ALM).
- PMP certification (or equivalent) strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship/ immigration status, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.