Senior IT Project Manager at Westat
Rockville, MD
About the Job
Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Westat is seeking a Senior IT Project Manager to join our growing Technology and Digital Solutions (TDS) team. The Senior IT Project Manager is responsible for ensuring IT projects are completed on time on budget. The Senior IT Project Manager will communicate with stakeholders during all phases of the project.
This role is eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Hybrid supports 1-2 days per week on-site at Westat's Corporate offices in Rockville, Maryland. Remote employees will have required travel. Please note Westat will be relocating to Bethesda, Maryland in the fall of 2025.
Job Responsibilities:
• Develop and roll out standardized processes based on industry best practices for implementing, reporting, and monitoring progress toward project goals.
• Shape Westat's default project methodology, including Agile or Waterfall hybrid approaches, and recommended practices for project-level application.
• Coordinate cross-company IT initiatives leveraging diverse capabilities and expertise.
• Set project goals and develop plans to meet them.
• Develop project charters, define and control project scope, and proactively track and mitigate project risks.
• Implement tools and practices for PMO-level management and tracking to assess progress and status across a portfolio of projects.
• Manage resources and staff for projects, develop project schedules, budget estimates, and assign individual responsibilities.
• Use tools like MS Project, Smartsheets, and Jira to track project performance, provide forecasts, and status reports to management.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and implementation of technology and digital work as part of the Technology and Digital Solutions (TDS) leadership team.
• Participate in IT project and strategy meetings, organize and facilitate meetings, prepare materials, and document follow-up actions.
• Organize meetings to monitor and communicate progress on project development, including schedules and deliverables.
• Synthesize information, identify trends and issues, and conduct risk assessments for projects.
• Proactively make recommendations for senior leaders' consideration.
• Keep up to date on current and emerging technologies and best IT practices.
Basic Qualifications:
• Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 10 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing project management software, including MS Project, Smartsheets, and Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Demonstrated experience with project management reporting, project documentation (requirements, specifications, design documents).
• Experience with Agile methodology.
• PMP Certification required.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agile Certification, or additional similar certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO and CMMI standards highly valued.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with senior IT and business leaders.
• Demonstrated organizational proficiency, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a team environment.
• Strong problem solving and analytical organizational skills.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
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#HYBRID
#REMOTE
Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.
Westat is seeking a Senior IT Project Manager to join our growing Technology and Digital Solutions (TDS) team. The Senior IT Project Manager is responsible for ensuring IT projects are completed on time on budget. The Senior IT Project Manager will communicate with stakeholders during all phases of the project.
This role is eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement. Hybrid supports 1-2 days per week on-site at Westat's Corporate offices in Rockville, Maryland. Remote employees will have required travel. Please note Westat will be relocating to Bethesda, Maryland in the fall of 2025.
Job Responsibilities:
• Develop and roll out standardized processes based on industry best practices for implementing, reporting, and monitoring progress toward project goals.
• Shape Westat's default project methodology, including Agile or Waterfall hybrid approaches, and recommended practices for project-level application.
• Coordinate cross-company IT initiatives leveraging diverse capabilities and expertise.
• Set project goals and develop plans to meet them.
• Develop project charters, define and control project scope, and proactively track and mitigate project risks.
• Implement tools and practices for PMO-level management and tracking to assess progress and status across a portfolio of projects.
• Manage resources and staff for projects, develop project schedules, budget estimates, and assign individual responsibilities.
• Use tools like MS Project, Smartsheets, and Jira to track project performance, provide forecasts, and status reports to management.
• Contribute to the overall strategy and implementation of technology and digital work as part of the Technology and Digital Solutions (TDS) leadership team.
• Participate in IT project and strategy meetings, organize and facilitate meetings, prepare materials, and document follow-up actions.
• Organize meetings to monitor and communicate progress on project development, including schedules and deliverables.
• Synthesize information, identify trends and issues, and conduct risk assessments for projects.
• Proactively make recommendations for senior leaders' consideration.
• Keep up to date on current and emerging technologies and best IT practices.
Basic Qualifications:
• Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 10 years related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing project management software, including MS Project, Smartsheets, and Atlassian suite (Jira, Confluence).
• Demonstrated experience with project management reporting, project documentation (requirements, specifications, design documents).
• Experience with Agile methodology.
• PMP Certification required.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM), SAFe Agile Certification, or additional similar certifications preferred.
• Knowledge of ISO and CMMI standards highly valued.
Other Required Qualifications:
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with senior IT and business leaders.
• Demonstrated organizational proficiency, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a team environment.
• Strong problem solving and analytical organizational skills.
Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Parental Leave
- Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
- Sick Leave (10 days per year)
- Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays per year)
- Professional Development
- Health Advocate
- Employee Assistance Program
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Supplemental Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.
#LI-WST1
#HYBRID
#REMOTE