Program Management Office Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About CENIC:

Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students, together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Manager, Program Management Office (PMO), will be responsible for developing and scaling our program and project management functions to meet the growing demand for services and ensure delivery excellence across all projects for external customers and internal stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

• Supervision of Program Management Office staff.

• Ensure that all supervised personnel are aware of and adhere to general security principles, as well as CENIC-specific security policies, both established and evolving.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Build out the program and project management functions in our organization in order to ensure the Program Management Organization consistently performs to the highest standards of excellence.

• Develop project management processes that work seamlessly across all functions of the organization, delivering world-class service to customers, both external and internal.

• Coach and mentor the Program Management team so they consistently perform to the highest standards across the organization.

• Organizing and facilitating activities for the PMO team – including staff meetings, 1:1 meetings, and working sessions.

• Work to ensure that Project Management best practices are standardized across projects in order to maintain consistent delivery excellence in every project.

• Create individualized professional development plans for Program Management team members.

• Ensure that all project management tools are used and optimized for maximum efficiency.

• Regularly review team process under the lens of continuous improvement for efficiency and automation opportunities

• Maintain and publish dashboards related to member projects, internal company software projects, and initiatives.

• Identify any gaps in the project management toolset and be a proactive member of a cross-functional team in identifying and developing new tools.

• Work with project managers to ensure that all projects stay in scope and on schedule and course correct as needed when projects encounter issues, including providing an escalation path whenever necessary.

• Lead grant programs managed by CENIC on behalf of state agencies, leading regular meetings, providing regular written and oral reports, and ensuring CENIC executives are kept aware of program progress and challenges.

• Assist in member engagement activities for existing and prospective CENIC members

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent people skills.

• Strong business acumen.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Ability to consider, understand, and prioritize security (and privacy, where applicable) principles, practices, and procedures.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

1. B.S./B.A. degree in a related field or equivalent work experience

2. Five years of experience leading a Project Management function with a customer-facing organization.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

1. Master’s degree preferred (additional relevant experience may be substituted for education).

2. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) and/or formal coursework/training in project management strongly preferred.

3. Demonstrated mastery of project management practice in a complex, deadline-driven environment.

4. Demonstrated experience in using and leading the use of metrics and dashboards for process improvement

5. Well-developed and effective team facilitation and leadership skills.

6. Ability to establish a cooperative and accountable team environment.

7. Excellent emotional intelligence, patience, and active listening skills.

8. Experience managing in a matrix organization.

9. Experience managing statewide projects.

10. Proven ability to recommend and integrate processes to the Project Management function to ensure the project management team provides valuable and strategic support for the teams they support.

11. Experience scoping project work and determining resource allocation requirements.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

WORK HOURS:

The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required based on CENIC’s business demands.

TRAVEL:

Out-of-area and overnight travel may be occasionally required depending on CENIC’s business needs.

WORK AUTHORIZATION:

Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

CENIC does not offer STEM OPT training opportunities and cannot complete Form I-983.

WHY WORK AT CENIC?

Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization.

Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. Your work has meaning.

Generous Health Benefit Package: We value our employees' wellness. We offer a variety of medical, dental, and vision benefits. We have you covered with life, short-term, and long-term insurance. We also offer pet insurance at a discount.

Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation and sick leave, plus 15 paid holidays.

Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions. Pre-tax and Roth options are also available.

CENIC is an equal opportunity employer – Vets/disabled