Job description

(Senior) IT Project Manager Student Affairs Technology Student Affairs Technology is at the heart of transforming the student experience through innovative IT services for Student Affairs departments across campus. We work closely with business leaders and IT professionals to deliver technical solutions that enhance efficiency and build operational resilience. We’re looking for passionate individuals from all backgrounds who are eager to help shape and nurture a vibrant community aligned with our mission. By joining our team, you’ll directly contribute to advancing the University's academic goals, fostering environments that promote student learning and success, and supporting the holistic development of all students. Your work will play a crucial role in creating a thriving campus for everyone. DETAILS for the IT PROJECT MANAGER This position leads critical operational and strategic projects, ensuring they are executed with precision and aligned with the organization's goals. Plays a key part in implementing and maintaining project management best practices and effectively managing resources across the department. Contributions include developing and tracking project schedules, goals, and budgets, and communicating with stakeholders to ensure the success of each initiative. • Develop detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans and status reports. • Facilitate project meetings and manage the day-to-day operational aspects of projects. • Document project requirements and business process improvements. • Monitor the status of all projects in the portfolio and provide updates to the leadership team and project stakeholders. • Work with SA Tech leadership, project stakeholders and staff resources to establish project priorities and objectives. • Employ consistent project management techniques for significant projects across Student Affairs Technology. • Create an open environment where conflicts as to project priorities, resource contention, and funding decisions can be aired and resolved in an objective manner. • Communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully and propose solutions. • Assist other project managers in the department as necessary. • Create and deliver training related to projects as needed. • Collaborate with the Director of System Development and Support for SA Tech and project managers to refine and implement project management tools, techniques and standards to be used across the department. Provide technical and analytical guidance to other project management efforts in SA Tech. • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications for the IT Project Manager: • High school diploma or equivalent. • Any one or any combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories: • College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) • Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field. • Demonstrated experience with project management or project lead experience with IT projects (such as technology system upgrades or replacements, infrastructure upgrades or software development). • Demonstrated experience utilizing project management standards and best practices. Preferred Qualifications for the IT Project Manager • Three (3) years of project management experience with IT projects (such as technology system upgrades or replacements, infrastructure upgrades or software development). • Certification in project management or project portfolio management through a recognized certification entity such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). • Experience leading large, cross-functional projects involving multiple departments or units. • Experience creating and delivering training materials associated with IT projects. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for the IT Project Manager • Excellent communication skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Strong customer service focus. • Ability to organize and track large numbers of tasks in a complex environment. • Ability to work in an environment with a wide variety of staff and students. • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality. DETAILS for the SENIOR IT PROJECT MANAGER The position provides senior-level project management leadership within Student Affairs Technology. Lead complex, high-priority operational and strategic technology initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals and priorities. Work closely with SA Tech leadership, business stakeholders, technical teams, and external vendors to establish best practices, priorities, resolve complex project issues, manage competing resources, and ensure successful delivery of critical initiatives. • Provide senior-level leadership for complex, high-priority, and cross-functional technology projects, working with SA Tech leadership, project stakeholders, and staff resources to establish project priorities, objectives, scope, and desired outcomes. • Oversee and monitor the department's project portfolio, assessing project status, dependencies, risks, resource constraints, and competing priorities. Provide regular, high-level updates and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders. • Develop and oversee comprehensive project plans, including schedules, milestones, deliverables, budgets, resource plans, dependencies, risk mitigation strategies, communication plans, and status reporting for significant projects. • Facilitate executive-level and cross-functional project meetings, decision-making sessions, and project governance activities. Manage the day-to-day operational aspects of projects while providing appropriate escalation and recommendations to leadership. • Identify, assess, and proactively manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and changes, developing mitigation and resolution strategies and escalating significant concerns when appropriate. • Create an environment for effective collaboration and conflict resolution when addressing competing project priorities, resource constraints, funding decisions, scope changes, or stakeholder concerns. Communicate difficult or sensitive information tactfully and develop objective, solution-oriented recommendations. • Provide leadership, mentoring, and guidance to project managers and project teams, including reviewing project plans, identifying risks, strengthening project management practices, and supporting effective project execution. • Lead organizational change and process improvement efforts associated with technology initiatives, ensuring project requirements, business processes, impacts, and desired outcomes are clearly documented and communicated. • Develop and deliver training, presentations, and project communications for project teams, stakeholders, leadership, and other audiences as needed. • Collaborate with SA Tech and project management leadership to establish, refine, implement, and continuously improve project management tools, methodologies, standards, governance practices, and reporting processes used across the department. • Represent Student Affairs Technology on institutional committees, working groups, or initiatives as appropriate. • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications for the Senior IT Project Manager: • High school diploma or equivalent. • Any one or any combination totaling five (5) years (60 months) from the following categories: • College coursework which includes Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: • 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) • Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) • 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) • Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) • Work experience in IT-related functions, such as hardware/software support, programming, network design, network engineering, IT systems integration, or closely related field. • Demonstrated experience with project management or project lead experience with IT projects (such as technology system upgrades or replacements, infrastructure upgrades or software development). • Demonstrated experience utilizing project management standards and best practices. Preferred Qualifications for the Senior IT Project Manager • Five (5) years of project management or project lead experience with IT projects (such as technology system upgrades or replacements, infrastructure upgrades or software development). • Experience working within a higher education or similarly complex organizational environment • Experience with computer object management, or configuration policies and profiles in Microsoft Active Directory or Entra ID (Azure Active Directory) • Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing professional development to project managers and project teams • Certification in project management or project portfolio management through a recognized certification entity such as the Project Management Institute (PMI). • Experience leading large, cross-functional projects involving multiple departments or units. • Experience creating and delivering training materials associated with IT projects. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for the Senior IT Project Manager • Advanced knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, standards, and best practices. • Excellent presentation, facilitation, and interpersonal communication skills. • Strong strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. • Strong customer service focus and ability to build trust with stakeholders. • Ability to effectively manage competing priorities, complex dependencies, resource constraints, and changing requirements. • Ability to work in an environment with a wide variety of staff and students. • Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality. Work Schedule, Travel or Other Job Expectations for both levels (IT Project Manager & Senior IT Project Manager) • May be required to be on call in cases of project deadlines. • This position is eligible for hybrid (remote and in-person) work. • May include visits to different locations where stakeholder offices and meeting spaces are located. Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 - Information Technology Technical Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 10/19/2026. • Salary Information: The budgeted salary at the IT Project Manager level is $70,000 - $85,000 per year and at the Senior IT Project Manager level is $85,000 to $100,000 per year. • Hybrid position: Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. • Work Schedule : The expected work schedule for this position is Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Central Time) or similar. • Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization. For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at sucss.illinois.gov . Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 10/19/2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Shared AHW HR at iustaffdevelopment@mx.uillinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. Champaign-Urbana Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify . Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu . Requisition ID : 1038466 Job Category : Technical Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu

Requirements

Must-haves

(Senior) IT Project Manager
Student Affairs Technology
Student Affairs Technology is at the heart of
transforming the student experience through innovative IT services for Student
Affairs departments across campus. We work closely with business leaders and IT
professionals to deliver technical solutions that enhance efficiency and build
operational resilience. We’re looking for passionate individuals from all
backgrounds who are eager to help shape and nurture a vibrant community aligned
with our mission. By joining our team, you’ll directly contribute to advancing
the University's academic goals, fostering environments that promote student
learning and success, and supporting the holistic development of all students.
Your work will play a crucial role in creating a thriving campus for everyone.
DETAILS for the IT PROJECT MANAGER
This position leads critical operational and strategic
projects, ensuring they are executed with precision and aligned with the
organization's goals. Plays a key part in implementing and maintaining project
management best practices and effectively managing resources across the
department. Contributions include developing and tracking project schedules,
goals, and budgets, and communicating with stakeholders to ensure the success
of each initiative.
detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans and
status reports.
project meetings and manage the day-to-day operational aspects of projects.
project requirements and business process improvements.

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

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azureaiaccessibility

Platform: cornerstone
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off

Professional Development