JOB SUMMARY

The Project Manager supports the execution of strategic initiatives and provides project management support for the enrollment growth efforts, with particular emphasis in the university’s School of Graduate and Professional Programs. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment Management, and working closely with other university leaders in academics and marketing/communications, this position serves teams by documenting, managing, overseeing, and operationalizing marketing and recruitment plans. The manager coordinates resources, meetings, and information, to ensure plans are completed on time and within budget. The Project Manager also assures that tracking mechanisms regarding the success of these plans are in place and reviewed regularly to inform future planning. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Oversight (80%)

• Collaborate with the Vice President of Enrollment Management and other stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables
• Proactively lead the successful completion of team goals through project management and collaboration by monitoring progress and overcoming obstacles.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and expenditures.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Manage the unit’s project management software 
• Organize, attend, and participate in stakeholder meetings as appropriate.
• Document and follow up on important actions and decisions from meetings.
• Analyze project data, assess project risks, identify trends, and provide solutions to maintain project throughput.
• Exercise considerable judgment in analyzing issues and providing solutions
• Prepare necessary presentation materials for meetings.
• Provide administrative support or task completion as needed.
• Facilitate meetings where appropriate and distribute minutes to all project team members.
• Identify and assess project deadlines.
• Determine project changes in response to operational or planning challenges.
• Ensure projects adhere to established frameworks, document storage/retrieval, and reporting requirements.
• Apprise stakeholders as needed to promote engagement and agreement on project progress.

Reporting (10%)

• Create weekly and monthly reporting to document project progress, outcomes, successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders to track effectiveness of marketing and recruitment activities, including progress to goal, and shepherd conversations to respond accordingly

Research (5%)

• Research best practices, models, and other information to advance the progress of projects. 
• Write and edit internal communications. 

Performs other duties, as assigned (5%)

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND FUNCTIONS

• Project management skills and programming expertise.
• Exercise considerable discretion and maintain confidentiality about sensitive matters in carrying out responsibilities
• High level of judgment, diplomacy, discretion, and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, problem-solve, and drive process improvement initiatives.
• Exceptional written, presentation, and verbal communication skills for various audiences.
• Clear, concise, informative writing and speaking skills.
• Comprehensive organizational skills, including attention to project details, illustrations, and updates.
• Strong technical competency and working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Qualtrics
• Develops and maintains good working relationships and communications at all levels of the organization.
• Comfortable working autonomously and with limited direction to a clear objective
• Observes safety guidelines and follows safety procedures established by the university. 
• Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively alone and within a team environment.
• Support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary’s University as a Lasallian Catholic university. 

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate field of study or equivalent work experience is required; a Master’s Degree is preferred. 
• Experience working in complex, highly matrixed, collaborative work environments is preferred.
• Must have a strong academic background and record of project management using clear work plans and precise communications. 
• Familiarity with enrollment management principles and practices is preferred
• May consider other acceptable equivalent combinations of training and experience

Apply online at https://www.smumn.edu/about/offices-services/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota believes inclusion and human dignity contributes to a robust academic and work environment and is critical to achieving the University's mission in an increasingly diverse society. Individuals with expertise and diverse skills from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The successful candidate must support, respect, and advance the mission of Saint Mary's University as a Lasallian Catholic institution.

Saint Mary’s offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, flexible spending, retirement pension plan, and both undergraduate and graduate tuition remission plans.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.