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The Senior Director of Enterprise Systems & Project Management leads the strategic direction, management, and optimization of the institution’s enterprise systems and project management efforts. This role partners closely with the IT Executive team to align enterprise systems and project initiatives with the institution’s long-term goals. The Senior Director also leads the PMO, guiding cross-functional teams through strategic projects while ensuring the application of project management best practices and aligning efforts with institutional objectives. The position requires a strong focus on leadership, stakeholder engagement, organizational change, and technical oversight to ensure the success of both enterprise systems and project portfolios.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Strategic Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with the IT Executive team to define and execute the strategic direction for Enterprise Systems and the PMO, ensuring alignment with the institution’s long-term goals.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Development & Integration, Business Intelligence, and other IT groups to achieve institutional objectives.

• Lead change management efforts for system upgrades and new technological initiatives, ensuring seamless communication, training, and adoption by stakeholders.

• Serve as Co-chair of the Banner Support Committee and actively participate in the Workday Support Committee, fostering shared decision-making and collaboration across user groups.

• Research and propose emerging technological solutions, writing business proposals that recommend implementing innovative strategies.

Enterprise Systems Oversight

• Lead the Enterprise Systems team in maintaining, optimizing, and supporting platforms such as Banner, DegreeWorks, BDMS/Xtender, Ethos, EMS, and CBORD, ensuring 99.9% system uptime.

• Oversee the technical architecture, ensuring scalability, security, and adherence to industry standards while maintaining a semi-annual product upgrade schedule.

• Support major term course registration events, including registration load tests, and ensure the seamless integration of other campus systems with Banner.

• Manage database management, disaster recovery practices, data integrity, access control, and security standards for enterprise systems.

Project Management Leadership

• Guide the PMO in adhering to the IT Project Management framework, ensuring high project standards, accountability, and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Lead cross-functional teams executing and delivering strategic projects, including the College’s 5-year Workday program.

• Maintain and enhance the project management framework, incorporating changes or improved practices suitable to the institution.

• Serve as ClickUp's central Workspace administrator, ensuring the institution's effective rollout and adoption of project management tools.

• Provide training and support to stakeholders outside the PMO to ensure consistent use of project management methodologies and best practices.

Team Leadership and Performance Management

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional development within the Enterprise Systems and PMO teams.

• Oversee the workload distribution for Project Managers, providing coaching, empowerment, and regular performance check-ins.

• Conduct weekly planning and review meetings for the Enterprise Systems team to establish action plans and track progress.

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for both the PMO and Enterprise Systems teams, reporting progress and status updates to IT senior leadership.

• Manage a comprehensive project portfolio and conduct monthly review sessions with IT senior leadership to discuss project performance, issues, and strategic alignment.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to perform the job effectively.

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, technology management, or equivalent experience is required. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.

• 8-10 years of experience in enterprise system management and/or supporting student information systems required.

• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience is required, with a project management professional (PMP) certification preferred.

• Proven experience in leading enterprise systems, project management teams, and strategic initiatives, including organizational change and stakeholder engagement in strategic projects or programs.

• Experience managing project portfolios, scorecards, and charters, with demonstrated proficiency in modern project management/portfolio management platforms preferred.

• Previous experience in Higher Education required, with a strong preference for familiarity with Ellucian Banner or other higher education administrative systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – This may be representative but not all-inclusive of the knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job. 

• Technical Proficiency: Extensive knowledge of Oracle, SQL, reporting, integration, and dashboard development.

• Data Analysis and Problem Solving: Excellent data analysis skills with the ability to find opportunities in challenges and develop solutions.

• Project Management Expertise: Experience managing large and complex projects or programs, with a deep understanding of project management methodologies and tools.

• Vendor and Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to manage vendors, negotiate, resolve conflicts, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Ability to motivate and persuade project teams, work collaboratively across departments, and foster relationships to overcome technical or business barriers.

• Communication and Documentation: Exceptional written and verbal communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Independence and Accountability: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, attention to detail, and a commitment to follow through on issues until resolution.

• Service Orientation and Results Focus: Strong service-oriented mindset focusing on achieving results and delivering value to stakeholders.

• Time Management: Superior time management and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer.

• Occasional lifting and transporting of lightweight equipment, such as laptops or networking devices (up to 25 pounds).

• Manual dexterity for keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

• Ability to attend in-person meetings or presentations, which may require moving between different campus buildings or locations.

• Visual acuity for reading technical documents, data, and system reports on screens or paper.

• Ability to communicate clearly in meetings and presentations, both in-person and via digital platforms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Usual office conditions

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

This position is primarily a hybrid role with mandatory days in the office as needed. The hybrid arrangement will be made upon hire. Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the Boston campus to ensure operational effectiveness.

Compensation: $143,300.00 - $182,700.00 annually, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-15E

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division: Division of Information Technology

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. 

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.