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Sr Software Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Grinnell College

Senior Project Manager

Grinnell, IA · On-site

Other projects may include ERP modernization, software implementations and integrations, business ... The Senior Project Manager will regularly engage with executive sponsors and institutional leaders ...

FHLB Des Moines

Senior Project Manager

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$102K - $121K/yr

The Senior Project Manager manages key projects as part of our strategic business plan and other ... Experience managing projects utilizing a Software Development Lifecycle in an Information ...

Aston Carter

Senior Project Manager

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Senior Project Manager The Senior Project Manager reports to the Project Lead and is responsible for managing and supporting multiple work streams within a broader program of work, ensuring that ...

UIOWA

Senior Project Manager

Iowa City, IA · On-site

The Senior PM is responsible for achieving project objectives and completion on time, on budget ... Proficiency in MS Software (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and project management ...

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All JobsSr Software Project JobsSr Software Project Manager JobsSr Software Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Sr Software Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$85K

$128.2K

$180.8K

How much do sr software project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr software project manager in Iowa is $128,242.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,400.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Sr software project manager?

A Sr Software Project Manager is a senior professional responsible for overseeing complex software development projects from initiation to completion. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets and timelines, mitigate risks, and ensure that project goals align with organizational objectives. Their role also includes stakeholder communication, resource allocation, and ensuring project deliverables meet quality standards. Typically, they have extensive experience in both project management and software development environments.

What are some common challenges Sr software project managers face when leading cross-functional teams?

Sr Software Project Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning priorities across diverse teams, managing competing deadlines, and ensuring clear communication between stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds. Navigating resource constraints while maintaining project scope and quality is another frequent hurdle. Successful Sr Software Project Managers use strong leadership, proactive risk management, and transparent decision-making to foster collaboration and keep projects on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr software project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Software Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, software development lifecycle knowledge, and typically a relevant degree or PMP certification. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Microsoft Project, and agile frameworks is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling effective team coordination and stakeholder management. These skills are critical for delivering projects on time, within scope, and to high quality standards in dynamic software environments.

What is the difference between Sr Software Project Manager vs Software Project Manager?

AspectSr Software Project ManagerSoftware Project Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 5+ years experience, PMP or PMI-ACP certificationUsually 3-5 years experience, may or may not have certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads complex projects, manages teams, interacts with senior stakeholdersManages projects, coordinates teams, reports to senior managers
Industry UsageCommon in tech, software development, IT firmsWidely used across tech, finance, healthcare, and other industries

The main difference between a Sr Software Project Manager and a Software Project Manager lies in experience, project complexity, and leadership responsibilities. The senior role typically involves managing larger, more complex projects and leading teams, often requiring advanced certifications. Both roles are essential in software development environments, but the senior position commands greater strategic influence and experience.

How much is a senior software project manager paid?

A senior software project manager's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. In some regions, salaries can exceed this range, especially for those with specialized skills or certifications like PMP or Agile expertise.
Sr Software Project Manager jobs near you

Senior Project Manager

Grinnell, IA • On-site

Grinnell College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 627 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Learn more about Grinnell Collegeexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Grinnell College is seeking a collaborative and experienced Senior Project Manager to join the Information Technology Services Project Management Office (PMO). This highly visible position will lead complex, institution-wide technology modernization and business transformation initiatives that advance Grinnell College's strategic priorities. This opportunity allows you to partner with senior leaders, faculty and administrative offices to drive organizational change and deliver meaningful outcomes for students, faculty and staff.
The Senior Project Manager serves as a trusted partner and strategic advisor to project sponsors, campus leaders, and stakeholders across the institution, providing leadership in project planning, coordination, communication, governance, and execution.
The position will initially play a significant role in supporting the College's upcoming Higher Learning Commission accreditation review, providing an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Grinnell's culture, governance, and institutional priorities while leading important campus-wide initiatives. Other projects may include ERP modernization, software implementations and integrations, business process improvement, and digital experience improvements for students, faculty and staff.
The Senior Project Manager will regularly engage with executive sponsors and institutional leaders to navigate complex organizational challenges, align initiatives with strategic priorities, and support informed decision-making. As a senior member of the PMO, this role will also contribute to portfolio management, governance processes, project management consultation, and the continued evolution of project management practices across the College.
The successful candidate will be energized by building relationships, navigating complex organizations, and driving meaningful organizational outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Complex Projects and Key Institutional Priorities
  • Lead enterprise-wide initiatives involving organizational change, process improvement, technology modernization, and cross-functional collaboration in support of the academic mission and strategic priorities
  • Partner with project sponsors and ITS leadership regarding project priorities, resource allocation, risk mitigation and implementation approaches
  • Establish trust and alignment across diverse stakeholder groups to advance initiatives.
  • Apply project management best practices to develop project plans and schedules, and coordinate with specialists on communication, training and change management plans
  • Ensure projects are completed successfully and institutional outcomes are achieved

Support Cross-Functional Projects and Institutional Coordination
  • Build productive partnerships across academic and administrative divisions while fostering collaboration, accountability, and shared ownership of outcomes
  • Facilitate meetings with project teams, vendors, consultants, and stakeholders; monitor progress, identify and resolve risks and issues, and communicate status, tradeoffs, and recommendations to stakeholders and leadership
  • Participate in working groups and non-PMO led projects as requested to advance institutional objectives

PMO Operations, Governance, and Portfolio Management
  • Support PMO operations, governance, and portfolio management, including regular status reporting, and consistent use of PMO methodologies, standards, and practices
  • Maintain project metrics, dashboards, and schedules
  • Contribute to strategic portfolio planning and prioritization discussions that help the College maximize institutional value and organizational capacity
  • Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for leadership, governance groups, and stakeholders

Provide Project Management Consultation and Training
  • Serve as a mentor and thought partner for colleagues seeking to strengthen project and change management capabilities
  • Consult with faculty and staff on project management approaches, resources, tools, and best practices
  • Develop and deliver training, resources, templates, and guidance to advance project management maturity across the institution

Contribute to Continuous Improvement and Professional Development
  • Participate in professional development to maintain project management expertise and certification requirements
  • Contribute to the ongoing evolution of project and portfolio management practices in the PMO and at the College
  • Perform other duties as assigned

ABOUT GRINNELL COLLEGE
At Grinnell College, meaningful work is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to advancing student success. Senior Project Managers lead initiatives that influence the experiences of students, faculty, and staff while helping advance systems and technology at a nationally recognized liberal arts institution.
In addition to meaningful and impactful work, we offer a generous benefits package that includes comprehensive healthcare, retirement benefits, paid leave, professional development opportunities, and educational benefits. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we strive to create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
Grinnell College values diversity, equity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and social responsibility. We seek candidates who share these commitments and are ready to collaborate across the College to strengthen belonging, advance our mission, and contribute to the communities we serve.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • A minimum of seven years of experience managing multiple, complex, cross-functional projects using established project management methodologies and tools.
  • Demonstrated success leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives involving senior leaders, complex stakeholder environments, and significant organizational change.
  • Experience managing project schedules, risks, issues, communications, and proficiency with project management methodologies and tools.
  • Project management certification from an accredited provider (PMP, PMI-ACP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) or agrees to complete certification within one year.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, facilitation, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build trust, facilitate discussions, navigate differing perspectives, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects and initiatives while exercising sound judgment and operating within broad institutional objectives.
  • Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, senior leaders, vendors, consultants, and external partners to achieve project objectives.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex operational or technical requirements into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex mission-driven organization.
  • Experience supporting institutional accreditation, assessment, continuous improvement, strategic planning, or quality initiatives.
  • Experience leading enterprise software implementations, digital transformation initiatives, business process improvement efforts, or institutional change programs.
  • Experience mentoring project managers or contributing to the development of project management standards and practices.
  • Training or certification in organizational change management methodologies (Prosci, CCMP, or similar).

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