IT Senior Project Manager

Description/Duties An Information Technology (IT) Senior Project Manager is responsible for performing a variety of advanced, professional-level work in planning, coordinating, and managing one or more large-scale, highly complex/high risk projects, which may have a Citywide or multiple department impact through the project’s lifecycle and implementation. Duties include: developing, implementing, and training staff on project management standards, strategic planning, and related activities; managing projects using the Department of Innovation and Technolgy (DoIT) Project Management Standards; incorporating other approaches as necessary given organizational culture, situational nuances, project ecosystem, and other factors; ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of all project processes and documentation, management reports, and project status reporting according to DoIT Project Management Standards; organizing, planning, and directing all project activities throughout the project’s lifecycle and implementation (examples: research/analysis, requirements gathering, risk assessments, technical alternatives, development, and implementation planning); acting as primary contact for each project; developing project proposals which include business justification, return-on-investment, risk assessment, and goals/objectives; facilitating meetings with customers, staff, and contractors in support of project activities; facilitating resolution of project issues; scheduling and tracking resource needs and activities (including City staff, contractors, and outside agencies) to meet project objectives, and ensure overall quality of work; ensuring all work is done in alignment with City and DoIT long-term strategies; monitoring, evaluating, and providing performance appraisal feedback on City staff’s quality of work; managing formal solicitations and other procurement processes which includes defining the technical and business requirements, and writing, evaluating, and managing the selection of solutions; managing project budgets to ensure projects remain on-time and on-budget; and performing related duties as required. This class is distinguished from the IT Manager class by the latter having supervisory responsibilities and multiple services responsibilities. The IT Senior Project Manager class is distinguished from the IT Project Manager by the latter’s responsibility for one or more small- to large-scale projects concurrently, moderate project complexity and risk, and managing a smaller number of resources for each project. The incumbent’s primary responsibility is to manage and deliver multiple complex technical projects, or one or more very complex projects, and mentor the IT Project Coordinators and IT Project Managers. Incumbents must possess excellent communication skills, which are essential when dealing with both internal and external parties to communicate business and technical knowledge. This class exercises long-term project supervision over professional and technical staff. This class may include supervising and coordinating the day-to-day activities of project management or other staff of usually three or less direct reports. Work is performed independently and with initiative in performing day-to-day responsibilities to meet the continuous demands associated with the completion of simultaneous projects, requests for a variety of resources, and other issues that cannot be resolved which will be escalated to the appropriate DoIT executive staff. The IT Senior Project Manager is supervised by an IT Manager or Deputy Chief Information Officer, who evaluates work through reports, conferences, meetings, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-administrative. Position Assignment:This position leads the successful delivery of assigned projects by managing all stages of the full project life cycle from initiation to completion. Ensures projects are proceeding according to the agreed scope, schedule, and budget. The projects will be technology centered, large-scale, and highly complex covering cybersecurity, business applications, innovation, networking, and DoIT infrastructure. Typically, two to four medium- to large-projects will be managed simultaneously. The position will work with stakeholders and team members at different levels across the City. This position is expected to have mastery level knowledge of project management tactics and will follow our internal project management framework. This position works under the supervision of a Deputy CIO in the Department of Innovation and Technology alongside other project managers and business analysts in a Program Management Office. About the Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for the Senior IT Project Manager role is a grounded, adaptable, and service-oriented leader with a successful track record of managing large-scale, complex technology projects in multi-stakeholder environments. They are highly organized, display exceptional attention to detail, disciplined in following structured project management processes and standards while remaining agile and solution-driven, and able to think creatively and adjust course when traditional methods fall short. The candidate operates with humility and professionalism. They bring a no-ego mindset to leadership which helps them de-escalate conflict, foster collaboration, and keep teams aligned around shared goals. They are especially skilled at building trust across diverse teams, navigating sensitive dynamics, and ensuring that differing perspectives are heard and integrated into project outcomes. They bring emotional intelligence and resilience to the role: capable of maintaining professionalism, composure, and focus when working with challenging personalities or navigating sensitive situations. They demonstrate a deep understanding of how public sector organizations operate, including the policies, formalities, and budgetary processes unique to municipal government. They are comfortable working within procurement frameworks, preparing recommendations for City Council and executives, and managing projects in a highly visible and accountable environment. With extensive experience coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, they excel at communicating technical information in accessible terms and building trusted relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions. Qualifications & Requirements Employee Values:All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity. Minimum Qualifications Required.Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field. Extensive (5+ years) experience in Information Technology project management of large-scale systems or services. Special Requirements.For this position, an individual receiving a conditional offer of employment from the City of Mesa must pass a background investigation through the City of Mesa Police Department, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation prior to commencing employment with the City of Mesa(by assignment). Because of the confidential, sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a background investigation is required(by assignment). Substance Abuse Testing.Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures(by Assignment). Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.Experience in budgeting functions and Microsoft Project, along with certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) are highly desirable.