Program Manager - Information Systems - Illinois Secretary of State

Job Title:    Program Manager – Information Systems Transformation
Division:     Administrative
Union:         N/A
Location:    501 S Second St,Springfield, IL – Sangamon County

Salary:        Salary Commensurate with experience.
          
Overview: 

Oversees the coordination and administration of multiple projects, ensuring they align with the organization's strategic goals and objectives, especially those related to transformation and modernization. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work across functional teams to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to specifications.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the program lifecycle, including defining program scope, setting goals, planning milestones, managing risk, and ensuring programs adhere to timelines and budgets. This involves attending regular steering committee meetings, adjusting program plans as needed, and creating program level documentation.
• Act as the primary liaison between project teams, internal departments, and external vendors. This includes scheduling meetings, resolving resource conflicts, and ensuring that external parties meet their contractual obligations.
• Create comprehensive program plans that outline tasks, timelines, resources, and dependencies. Utilize program management software to track progress and adjust in response to any changes in program scope, schedule, or resources.
• Implement performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate program health. Use dashboards and reporting tools to monitor progress, identify areas of concern, and provide regular updates to management and stakeholders.
• Maintain open and effective communication with clients and stakeholders. Gather requirements, provide updates, manage expectations, and solicit feedback to ensure program alignment with business objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors, negotiating contracts and agreements to secure the necessary resources and services.
• Create and maintain comprehensive program documentation, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget while delivering the outcomes of the program.
• Lead and mentor project managers and other team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned.

Specific Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale, complex programs across multiple teams and technologies.
• Proficient in Agile and Scrum methodologies, with certifications such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) being advantageous.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to lead cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage program/project risks effectively.
• Familiarity with program/project management software (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Asana, Trello, ServiceNow PPM) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to articulate project goals, progress, and outcomes.
• PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Requires willingness to travel and possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license as required by individual positions within the class.

Education and Work Experience:

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years college, preferably with courses in computer science, management information systems, mathematics or statistics, minimum three years' experience as a Program Manager on Transformation related projects, ANDfive years managerial experience in a computer-based management information system.

Application Process: 

• Please visit https://ilsos.applytojob.gov/apply to apply by completing the online application; you may also upload a resume or other attachments as needed.
• Preference will be given to Illinois residents in the hiring and selection process, in accordance with the Illinois Secretary of State Merit Employment Code.
• Questions regarding this posting or Illinois Secretary of State employment practices may be directed to Job Counselors at our Personnel offices in Chicago (312-793-5515) or Springfield (217-782-4783).  

 
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or veteran status, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or disability.