IT Project Manager, Senior

POSTING TYPE: Open & Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
HOURS: Mon-Fri Full-time
HIRING RANGE: $99,074- $123,842/year (Grade 111)
FULL SALARY RANGE: $99,074-$154,803
LOCATION: Hastings ADC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on August 11, 2025

Oversees the planning, execution and delivery of complex technology projects. Responsible for defining project scope, objectives, and timelines, as well as allocating resources and managing budgets to ensure successful project completions. Serve as key point of contact for communication and collaboration, providing regular updates to stakeholders and resolving any issues that may arise. Manages and directs all documentation related to the project. Walks customers through the impact on existing systems, evaluates options with the customer. Guides customers through the selection of cloud based solutions, including security and attorney reviews.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota's third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is "Be More" and we strive every day to achieve excellent public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

* College diploma or university degree in the field of computer science/engineering, information systems, or related discipline AND 8 years' experience working as a project manager on medium to large complex I.T. projects and programs primarily in a Microsoft development, infrastructure, and database environment.
OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work experience must include the following:
* 7 years' experience developing detailed project plans using Microsoft Project or equivalent software for medium to large scale complex projects and programs.
* 5 years' experience leading medium to large size teams for enterprise-wide projects
* 4 years' experience assisting less experienced staff in developing, executing, and monitoring project plans.
* 4 years' experience managing programs that contain multiple projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS BEYOND MINIMUM REQUIRED:

• Master's degree in field of computer science/engineering or information systems
• Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI.
• Project Management certificate from college, university, or other accredited provider
• PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

Strategy & Planning:
1. Analyze project proposal and develop project plans and associated communications documents.
2. Collaborate with project sponsors and team members and manage stakeholder expectations.
3. Manage, guide, and facilitate team activities as related to each project.
4. Mentor and motivate team members to take positive action and accountability for their assigned work
5. Lead efforts to design and implement project management methodologies to drive crucial and relevant projects.
6. Manage project activity of vendors and consultants to meet project objectives
7. Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the project team.
8. Offer visionary direction and motivate others in the PMO team, helping set clear objectives and priorities.
9. Conduct business analytics, manage project timelines, and oversee cross-functional groups to attain project goals.
10. Prepare reports on project progress, costs, scheduling and problems
11. Demonstrate proven ability to provide project updates, etc. to team members, upper management, and Senior Leadership Team in customized deliveries that work best for them.
12. Proactively forecast challenges and counsel stakeholders when projects face potential risks.
13. Ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
14. Remain aware of any potential problems and work to mitigate any risks.
15. Play a pivotal role in improving internal operations and processes in coordination with leadership and cross-functional units
16. Lead Post-mortem/lessons learned/operational transition meetings

Acquisition & Deployment:
1. Work with business unit and IT leadership to communicate resource requirements and constraints, resolve competing priorities and align project activities with the Organization strategic objectives.
2. Coordinate project activities within the IT project portfolio.
3. Build relationships with management, project stake holders, and end users to foster communication and help predict future project, operational, or technical needs.
4. Ensure the PMO's objectives support the company's overarching strategic goals.
5. Assist with project planning, staff and budget resource allocation, and project execution within the organizational portfolio.
6. Assess project suggestions, making informed decisions on project hierarchy and resource distribution.
7. Engage with stakeholders internally and externally, ensuring alignment with definitive project aims and County Board strategic goals.
8. Collaborate with disparate teams in a dotted-line matrix-driven organization, driving strategic and operational endeavors.

Operational Management:
1. Update job knowledge by researching current and new technologies and software products.
2. Identify and participate in educational opportunities, study and read professional publications, maintain personal networks, and participate in professional organizations to stay current and relevant and improve expertise as it relates to the information technology industry.
3. Collaborate and exchange knowledge with other Dakota County resources.
4. Mentor and nurture team members across Dakota County, fostering a high-performance environment.
5. Practice and advocate stringent project management practices, emphasizing risk management, quality assurance, and vital KPIs.
6. Develop and implement consistent, efficient processes and initiatives to elevate program and organizational operations.
7. Plan and conduct executive lunch-and-learn events on PM topic
8. Other duties as assigned.

* 8 years direct work experience in a project management capacity, including all aspects of process development and execution.
* Competent and proficient understanding of platforms, such as Microsoft Windows server, Microsoft .NET Framework, and SharePoint.
* Solid working knowledge of current Internet technologies, including Windows web applications development, SharePoint, and Windows IIS.
* Demonstrated experience in personnel management.
* Strong functional and technical understanding of project management software, such as Microsoft.

Personal Attributes:
* Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment is essential.
* Can conform to shifting priorities, demands and timelines through analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Reacts to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.
* Flexible during times of change.
* Ability to read communication styles of team members and contractors who come from a broad spectrum of disciplines.
* Proven track record in positively motivating team and instilling accountability for on time, within budget project delivery.
* Anticipate and resolve any problems, bottlenecks or scheduling conflicts.
* Ability to bring project to successful completion through political sensitivity.
* Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and staff.
* Adept at conducting research into project-related issues and products.
* Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies.
* Customer service skills an asset.
* Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment is crucial.
* Strong, independent leader with excellent negotiation skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
* On-call availability as assigned.
* Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines.
* Sitting for extended periods of time.
* Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects.
* Physically able to participate in training sessions, presentations, and meetings.
* Some travel between County locations may be required for the purpose of meeting with clients, stakeholders, or off-site personnel/management.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks