IT Project Manager Sr/ Specialist



IT Project Manager Sr/ Specialist

Salary

$91,776.00 - $123,468.00 Annually

Location

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Remote Only

Job Number

24 IT PM SR 0957

Department

Office of the Secretary of State

Division

Information Technology

Opening Date

02/01/2024

Closing Date

3/29/2024 8:02 AM Pacific

Description



The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. Its critical responsibilities include: ensuring a fair and accurate elections process; connecting Washingtonians through the power of libraries; protecting our important government records; and registering corporations and charities. The Secretary of State also administers vital community programs that inspire giving, document our history, and assist crime survivors in avoiding further abuse. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide. 

The OSOS is looking for top-performing employees who embody its core values of integrity, service excellence, visionary leadership, collaboration and teamwork. It is committed to both employee growth and work-life balance. The benefits of working in state government also include potential eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit our website at: www.sos.wa.gov.

The Division of Information Technology (IT) is a support arm of the entire organization-touching every program, every division, all staff members, and most stakeholders. IT is a division comprised of several programs that drive OSOS operations. These programs include: Applications Development, Network Operations, ServiceDesk Support, IT Project Management, IT Policy and Planning, Digital Archives, and VoteWa. This IT position maintains expertise in a wide range of technology and their application to customers.

IT Project Manager Sr/ Specialist
Permanent, Full-Time

This position works as a senior project manager, managing IT projects for all OSOS divisions. These projects include multiple work streams that must be managed for efficiency and dependencies. This work includes initiating, planning, controlling, monitoring, closing, and reporting on the most complex enterprise projects. These software development or technology infrastructure projects that require detailed planning and execution and responding to constant changes in IT technology and best practices. These projects are performed in partnership with many internal stakeholders, partner agencies such as the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Office of Financial Management (OFM) and Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), and external vendors. The systems include our elections systems, digital archive systems, corporations and charities systems, technology infrastructure and many more.    
 
This OSOS IT Project Manager also represents the agency on OCIO teams related to very large IT projects that fall under OCIO and Quality Assurance (QA) oversight and may be funded from the state’s IT Investment Pool.  
 
This IT Project Manager also provides IT business analysis functions, working with business units to translate complex business requirements into IT system requirements. This position works closely with the IT Leadership team to improve project management processes related to all IT projects.
 
This position maintains a broad, deep understanding of OSOS’s business as well as a broad understanding of IT disciplines including IT Architecture, IT Security, IT Project Management, IT Quality Assurance, and IT Service Delivery.
 
The incumbent is fluent in best practices and industry standard methodologies for IT Projects.

Duties

IT Project Management: Employs experienced project management knowledge and leadership to lead some of the most agency-wide, large-scale software development or technology infrastructure IT projects. Organizes the project team, develops project plans, schedules, and budgets, and leads the execution of the plans.
Tasks include:

  • Leads IT projects by adhering to established project management principles outlined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and Agile Manifesto. This includes the 12 principles of agile project management, so that project risk is greatly reduced by focusing on an iterative and highly collaborative project management approach which works to identify issues early and embraces change throughout the project.
  • Develops IT project plans, sets and manages project schedule to include detailed work breakdown structure, manages budget and product backlog, develops and implements communication plans and strategy, staffing plan, and other project management artifacts to ensure business needs are met, ensuring OSOS and the state receives the highest value return on its investment in completed information systems or IT infrastructure projects.
  • Develops business cases, cost/benefit analysis and feasibility of proposed IT software development and infrastructure projects.
  • Negotiates with the executive sponsor, steering committee and business team so that delivered information technology solutions optimize resources, schedule and budget.
  • Coordinates technical staff, business team and vendors to negotiate practical technology solutions that meet business requirements.
  • Uses Business Process Reengineering methods and Organizational Change Management (OCM) strategies so new, more efficient processes and accompanying information systems are implemented and accepted by the business. 
  • Develops change management plans that include consideration of the human elements involved in change as well as the technical ramifications of changes in IT systems, ensuring new technology solutions are adopted by the business with minimal impact to agency staff. 
  • Coordinates the work of project team members through regularly scheduled meetings so that all team members are apprised of the project’s progress, allowing the project manager the ability to quickly take corrective action to address problems as they arise.
  • Leads Project Retrospective (Lessons Learned) meetings to guarantee requirements are implemented as intended by users, and to foster continuous improvement and develop lessons learned to evolve and mature our project management practices.
  • Ensures lessons learned from project retrospectives are documented and considered in future projects to tailor and improve project management practices.
  • Analyzes project risks, manages Risk Registers and develops risk mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
  • Organizes and leads project team meetings so that the project team remains focused on completing the highest priority work first.
  • Manages dependencies between multiple projects and work streams to ensure efficient use of staff resources and work efforts.
  • When the assigned project includes procurement, develops procurement and statement of work documents.  Evaluates vendor responses and assists in vendor selection process.
  • Manages stakeholders by forming, monitoring and maintaining constructive relationships with all individuals that can impact the project.
  • Monitors project status by comparing project progress to the project plan.
  • Reports directly to management (Executive Sponsor and Steering Committee) by preparing briefing papers and giving presentations.
  • Manages contracted resources related to the project.
  • Uses broad and deep understanding of the project management discipline to propose changes to project management processes for the agency.
  • Conducts special projects or research as needed to study or resolve IT issues.
  • Conducts presentations for various groups, such as management teams, steering committees and business teams to keep them apprised of project progress.
IT Project Consultation and Scoping: leads IT project teams and programmatic staff in analyzing and translating business requirements into IT system requirements  
Tasks include:
  • Gains an understanding of the business area for the given software development or infrastructure project to ensure the project is aligned with the strategic goals of the agency.
  • Facilitates requirements gathering meetings and workshops across the agency or with programs. Uses experience to know the questions to ask, defines problems, determines needs, and solves problems to facilitate collection of business requirements to ensure end-user requirements are met.   
  • Analyzes and develops requirements for information systems and infrastructure projects to include cost-benefit analysis; documents information systems requirements to include user acceptance criteria via detailed user stories and/or use cases to foster a high degree of collaboration between business and technical teams to ensure end-user requirements are met.
  • Consults with staff and external partners to analyze technology needs and problems; analyzes and resolves highly complex problems involving multiple system integration issues so that completed information systems integrate with other agency IT business applications and avoid the creation of ‘information silos’.
  • Develops business cases to describe the problem, its root causes and impacts, identifies gaps and shortcomings, and recommends solutions so that management has the information needed to make sound decisions. 
  • Identifies opportunities for improving business processes through information systems and/or non-system driver changes; assists in the preparation of proposals to develop new systems or to facilitate operational change.
  • Identifies the needs of stakeholder groups by applying Business Process Modeling (BPM) techniques to develop as-is and to-be process models.
  • Defines Key Performance Indicators (KPI) or other measures to assess the solution’s performance and effectiveness.
  • In collaboration with the IT and business staff, develops detailed procurement (e.g., Decision Packages, Fiscal Notes, Request for Proposal, Request for Quote, etc.) and statements of work (SOW) documents.
  • Evaluates vendor responses and assists in vendor selection process so that OSOS receives the best value from contracted resources.
IT Project Management Documents and Templates: Develops project management and procurement artifacts for software development or technology infrastructure IT projects
Tasks include:
  • Develops project plans and charters by analyzing the overall work and individual tasks required for IT software development and infrastructure projects so that project scope is clearly articulated to all stakeholders at the outset of the project.
  • Develops communications plans that include communication to multiple audiences including users, implementers, and management so that all impacted stakeholders are aware of the project to help reduce project risk.
  • Evaluates vendor responses and assists in vendor selection process so that OSOS receives the best value from contracted resources.
Keeps Current with Technology/Training: Stays current with IT project management, architecture, security, quality assurance, and service best practices, trends, technology and threats. Works with IT staff, system users, and agency management when needed
Tasks include:
  • Independently keeps current with industry standards and practices for project management by attending classes, attending seminars and webinars, participating PMI member activities, and reading industry publications.
  • Attends trainings, conferences and other events to maintain or develop skills.
  • Maintain awareness of potential external threats or risks to the security posture of the application portfolio

Qualifications

   Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), STEM or related field. (additional years of professional level IT experience may substitute year-for-year for education)
  • Four years of recent experience in IT project management
  • Ability to read and write English Language
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience implementing or managing IT application systems that cross-organizational and agency boundaries.
  • Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI), or a university or college.
  • Agile Certification, such as a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner or Scrum Master.
  • Knowledge and experience with WA OCIO policy 121 (IT Investments – Approval and Oversight Policy) and processes
  • Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certification.
  • Organizational Change Management (OCM) Prosci Certification

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions
In this position, the incumbent works primarily in an office setting, which will require the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time. The standard work hours are Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm; however, work can be required outside of standard hours to include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Occasional travel to local offices is required and occasional travel to county offices is required. The incumbent in this position must be able to represent the Office of the Secretary of State in a competent, confident, and professional manner, including professional dress, and be able to clearly and effectively communicate ideas and information both verbally and in writing, and work successfully with a wide variety of people in a team environment. The incumbent in this position must have the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and coordinate with other operational areas to resolve complaints or conflicts; and be able to move and maneuver objects weighing approximately 50 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation.    

 Special Requirements

  • Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  • Must have current Washington state driver's license or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
 How to Apply
  • Required: To be considered for this position you must attach the following:
    • Letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the duties and qualifications of the position.
    • Current resume
  • Three Professional references. Personal references will not be considered.
  • You must complete the supplemental questions at the end of this application. Incomplete responses such as "see resume" will not be considered.
  • All veterans must include a copy of your DD214 to receive preference in the hiring process.  You must black out your social security number before attaching it to your application.
The Office of the Secretary of State is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We do not discriminate on the basis of religion, age, gender, marital status, color, creed, national origin, political affiliation, military status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any sensory, mental or physical ability. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing the announcement in alternative format, should call (360) 704-4871.    

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the
Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.


Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.


As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

01
Where did you hear about this job opening?
02
Do you have a family member or relative currently employed at the Office of the Secretary of State? *Relative includes parent, child, spouse, domestic partner, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, any 'step' relations within the preceding categories, any in-law relations within the preceding categories and any others living in the employee's household*
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you answered yes in the previous question, what is the name of your family member/relative?
04
PLEASE READ THE BELOW AND TYPE YOUR INITIALS IN RESPONSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE STATEMENTS. • The Office of the Secretary of State has a Nepotism Policy that does not allow employment of relatives or family members in the same chain of command. I acknowledge this policy and I do not have familial connections or household members employed at the Office of the Secretary of State. I understand that if I am hired and it is discovered that I have a relative or household member working in the same division, my employment will be terminated immediately.
05
Do you have a bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology (IT), STEM or another closely related field?
  • Yes
  • No
06
In reference to the previous question, please provide the field (title) and level of your degree. If you do not have this, please write "N/A" in the box below.
07
How many years of experience do you have in IT project management?
  • I have 8+ years of experience
  • I have 7 years experience
  • I have 6 years of experience
  • I have 5 years of experience
  • I have 4 years of experience
  • I have less than 4 years of experience 5 years of experience
  • I do not have this experience
08
In reference to the previous question, please provide a brief description on when and where you gained this experience. If you do not have this experience, please write "N/A" in the box below.
09
Can you read, write, speak, and understand the English language?
  • Yes
  • No
10
As it pertains to your lived professional background and experience, please select all that apply.
  • Prior experience implementing or managing IT application systems that cross-organizational and agency boundaries.
  • Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute (PMI), or a university or college.
  • Agile Certification, such as a PMI Agile Certified Practitioner or Scrum Master.
  • Knowledge and experience with WA OCIO policy 121 (IT Investments – Approval and Oversight Policy) and processes.
  • Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certification.
  • Organizational Change Management (OCM) Prosci Certification.
  • None of the above apply to me.

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
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View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
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