Senior Project Manager, Science and Technology Strategy

Position Summary:

TheSenior Project Manager for Science and Technology Strategyis a key individual contributor working closely with the Chancellors Executive Director for Science and Technology Strategy (Chancellors Executive Director) in advancing Vanderbilt Universitys Chancellors institutional goals and priorities for science and technology development in areas including but not limited to energy innovation defense and national security health sciences and biotechnology and quantum and AI to the Director of Projects on the Science and Technology Strategy team theSenior Project Manager manages plans and coordinates projects to advance the Chancellors science and technology strategy mission and vision in coordination with key stakeholders within the Vanderbilt University community as well as externalrepresentatives and partners. The Senior Project Managerperforms duties of a highly complex detailed and confidential nature and maintains confidentiality regarding communication and information received and gathered in office on high-priority institutional objectives and activities.

TheSenior Project Manager managesplansandcoordinatesactivitiesofexecutivelevelprojects for the Science and Technology Strategy team includingensuring that objectives are accomplished on time and on budget; developing or reviewingplanstodeterminetimelinebudget staffing and other parameters andresources; establishing work plans; and coordinating project their extensive knowledge and experience with formal project management and analytics the Senior Project Manager develops and implements new processes technologies and techniques to enhance the value and cost-effectiveness of projects undertaken by the Science and Technology Strategy close collaboration with the Director of Projects the Chancellors Executive Director and university leadership the Senior Project Manager contributes to the creation of new and refinement of existing institutional goals and priorities to enhance the universitys competitiveness in the science and technology space. With the Director of Projects the Senior Project Manager is also an advisor and senior leadership team member working closely with the Chancellors Executive that capacity the Senior Project Managerprovides back-up for the Director of Projects including researching potential strategic opportunities composing written materials and presentations and assisting with special events. The Senior Project Manager negotiates complex challenging and delicate situations to advance institutional priorities with professional maturity judgment discretion and nuance.

About the Work Unit:

The Science and Technology Strategy team reports to the Chancellors Executive Director for Science and Technology Strategy and is charged with advancing Vanderbilt Universitys Chancellors institutional goals and priorities for science and technology development in areas including but not limited to energy innovation defense and national security health sciences and biotechnology and quantum and AI service of this mission the Chancellors Executive Director and the Science and Technology Strategy team work closely and collaboratively with the Chancellor the Chancellors chief-of-staff and other key team members in the Chancellors office as well as senior leaders from across the institution including the Vice Chancellors Provost Vice Provosts and deans.

(further work unit details to be added by the Chancellors office)

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Management of executive projects (80% effort)

• Managesplansandcoordinatesactivitiesofexecutivelevelstrategicprojectsto ensure that goals or objectives of projects are accomplished within prescribed time frame and fundingparameters.

• Develops or reviewsprojectproposalsorplanstodeterminetimeframefundinglimitations proceduresforaccomplishingprojectsstaffing requirementsandallotmentofavailableresources to various phases of projects.

• Establishes work plan and multi-disciplinary staffing for each phase of project and arranges for recruitment or assignment of project personnel. Advises the Project Coordinator and other less experienced partners and collaborators from within or outside of the university to ensure human capital needs for institutional projects are met.

• Works closely with the Project Coordinator on monitoring and ensuring appropriate progress on executive projects including reviewing or preparing data analytics and project performance reports.

• Using extensive knowledge and experience with formal project management and analytics develops and implements new processes technologies and techniques to enhance the value and cost-effectiveness of projects.

• Identifies and corrects problems as needed. Takes initiative to resolve project or interpersonal issues using own advanced training knowledge of workflows and project mapping as well as leveraging the wisdom of senior team members and other university departments as appropriate.

• Communicates effectively and efficiently with parties within and outside the university including high-profile collaborators and partners. Demonstrates a consistently collaborative teamwork-oriented approach.

• Demonstrates strong technical skills including thorough knowledge of project management software (e.g. Teams Asana etc.) and the ability to quickly learn utilize and train others on new technologies as needed with the goal of streamlining and improving team operations.

• Maintain an extensive understanding of the universitys policies and procedures as well as the universitys goals and priorities in science and technology strategy.

Strategy development and leadership (20% effort)

• In close collaboration with the Director of Projects the Chancellors Executive Director and university leadership contributes to the creation of new and refinement of existing institutional goals and priorities to enhance the universitys competitiveness in the science and technology space.

• Working closely with the Director of Projects supports the pursuit of strategic opportunities including researching and prioritizing opportunities supporting the recruitment of team members to target such opportunities and collaborating with stakeholders on preparation of strategic proposals.

• Independently or in collaboration with the Director of Projects composes and drafts formal high-level written materials and presentations.

• Demonstrates strong verbal and writing skills including briefing and agenda preparation taking cogent and concise meeting minutes and following up on key action items and deliverables.

• With oversight from the Director of Projects develops strong relationships and builds a broad network with internal and external partners and collaborators who are critical to the realization of the institutions strategic objectives in science and technology.

• Identifies complex challenges or threats to institutional initiatives or specific projects that would require coordination among multiple internal and external collaborators to address including those that may be beyond the Senior Project Managers area of immediate responsibility and recommends solutions.

• In coordination with other Chancellors office staff and the Director of Projects organizes specialevents(e.g.sitevisits/tours or networking events)including ensuring logistical support and facilitation as needed.

• Performs data analysis engage in market research and fact finding and provide facts-based benchmarking and performance analysis including preparing datavisualizations.

Supervisory Relationships:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Projects.

Education and Certifications

• A Bachelors degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.

• An Advanced Degree from an accredited institution of higher education ispreferred.

• Projects management certification from an accredited provider (e.g. PMP) ispreferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of seven years project management experience in higher education is required.

• Experience with project management software is required.

• Professional training in projects management is preferred.

• Knowledge of higher education science and technology development culture and landscape.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with meticulous attention to detail. Highly organized and well-coordinated.

• Critical thinking skills as well as the ability to work successfully with minimal supervision and exercise independent thinking and judgment.

• Advanced interpersonal skills to develop and maintain professional relationships within the university and communicate effectivelywith external representatives and partners.

• Ability to manage complex projects take initiative and multi-task work well under pressure meet deadlines adapt to changing priorities and willingness to rapidly learn new skills as needed.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data and prepare data reports and visualizations.

• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies within a complex and fast-paced organizational environment demanding high energy discretion patience enthusiasm and humor.