Director Software Program Management - Princeton University

Overview:

Software Application Services (SAS), a department within Princeton’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and support of Princeton University’s enterprise application portfolio of approximate 120 academic and administrative applications. SAS is comprised of approximately 105 developers and support specialists and completes on the order of 200 projects per year. These systems and projects cover essentially all major applications and business functions spanning the entire University.   

 

The Director of Software Program Management is a key member of the SAS senior leadership team. This person partners with the Associate CIO of SAS to help ensure we are providing optimal services in support of the mission of Princeton University. The Directorcontributes to the departmental vision, conducts special projects, manages specific programsand contracts, and guides our multiyear strategic initiatives, projects, and objectives. 

 

The Director plays a central and coordinating role in ensuring that SAS’ software projects are being competently led, that the project documentation is accurate and complete, that responsibilities and status are clearly and completely communicated and understood, and that the needs and objectives of the functional partners and departments being served by these projects are being met. The Director will have their fingers on the pulse of SAS projects spanning the entire University and play an essential role in ensuring that these software projects are progressing as planned, the development teams are clear of obstacles and have the resources they require, and that the objectives of our projects are being met on-time, on-budget, and on-scope. 

Responsibilities:

Project and Program Oversite

• Manage multiyear SAS programs such as the University’s technology modernization effort and academic toolkit revitalization, ensuring successful delivery. 
• Play a central role in guiding progress on, and ensuring accuracy of,SAS’ annual project slate ensuring we are meeting project objectiveson-time, on-budget, and on-scope without overstretching our developers’ capabilities. 
• Employ a detailed understanding of SAS’ technologies, technical skillsets, and resource availability in measuring available capacity against business partner demand. 
• Work closely with SAS Associate CIO to maintainan accurate, real-time understanding of department commitments against department accomplishments. 
• Act as a partner, guide, and problem solver forthe software project resources, clearing obstacles, recognizing resource needs, and bringing solutions to project teams. 
• Prioritize, manage, and continuously fine-tuneproject priorities for the department. 
• Review the risk landscape on SAS services and projects, identifying areas of concern and needed action plans. 
• Partner with SAS Directors to establish KPIs for projects that are part of key programs.
  

Strategic Planning and Coordination

• Provide guidance and leadership to SAS’ ongoing planning and coordination efforts. 
• Be a trusted advisor to the Associate CIO for SASon a wide range of project, customer, and business decisions. 
• Partner with the Associate CIO and other Directors to define and develop internal and external project- and service-related communications. 
• As part of the department’s senior leadership team, contribute to developing the department vision and multiyear strategy. 
• Keep abreast of campus customer needs, aspirations, and initiatives and notify the SAS senior leadership team as appropriate.  
• Identify system metrics and establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure performance and health of SAS IT systems in ServiceNow. 
• Establish best practices for project and program management, recommending tools to enhance efficiency and collaboration. 
• Assist in Agile transformation by providing guidance and support to teams transitioning to Agile methodologies. 
• Ensure SAS compliance with evolving audit and regulatory requirements relevant to IT operations and act as a liaison to Audit and Compliance. 
• Partner with the university’s procurement department to review contracts ensuring compliance with service level agreements, identifying any discrepancies and facilitating necessary adjustments with SAS Directors. 
• Build trusted relationships with the Academic Manager's Group (AMG) to strengthen the partnership between SAS and OIT. 
• Identify opportunities for SAS and student partnerships, fostering collaboration and innovation within the academic community.
  

Administrative

• Lead special initiatives in partnership with the Associate CIO as needed. 
• Represent SAS at various OIT and campus meetings and events. 
• Represent SAS in various committees, advocating for interests in campus engagements and institutional bodies. 
• Act as SAS communications liaison to facilitate the dissemination of information throughout OIT, ensuring transparency and alignment. 
• Monitor SAS budget, collaborate with finance and operations & planning to address concerns, and promptly alert the associate CIO of any discrepancies. 
• Monitor SAS’ progress and performance bywatching and tracking key metrics and indicators. 
• Lead SAS’ social committee with the goal of building andmaintaining a strong SAS culture that values and respects diversity, equity, and inclusion across the entire department. 

Qualifications:

Essential Qualifications

• 10+ years of project and program management leadership experience, preferably supporting software services and technology. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate and influence broadly. 
• Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to identify opportunities and solve problems creatively. 
• Strategic thinker with a business mindset. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to assess and communicate a problem and recommend solutions.   
• Listen to and understand the interests of business partners, stakeholders and staff, and advocate for their needs. 
• Exceptional consensus builder. 
• Strong planning skills. 
• Strong experience coordinating and overseeing a large number of diverse and complex projects and initiatives. 
• Ability to work effectively at all levels of an organization and influence others to progress toward a common goal. 
• A commitment to building a diverse organization and an inclusive culture. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of IT leadership and management with operations experience at an institution of higher education. 
• Project management certification.  
• Solid experience working with Agile methodology. 
• Master's degree in business administration. 
   

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours:36.25Eligible for Overtime:NoBenefits Eligible:YesProbationary Period:180 daysEssential Services Personnel (see policy for detail):NoPhysical Capacity Exam Required:NoValid Driver’s License Required:No Experience Level:Director:#LI-JJ1