Project Manager Organizational Excellence

Project Manager Organizational Excellence

The Project Manager in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness will be instrumental in advancing the university's organizational excellence through robust project management and process optimization. This role focuses on managing strategic projects that align with institutional goals, including but not limited to new regulations and business process changes. In addition, this individual will ensure the accuracy and efficiency of the university's data and processes. The Project and Organizational Excellence Manager will collaborate across departments to drive improvements, streamline business processes, and ensure data integrity within institutional systems.

The Project Manager Organizational Excellence serves as a central driver of high-impact, cross-functional initiatives that advance Missouri State University's strategic priorities and institutional effectiveness. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role leads complex projects spanning academic and administrative units, translating institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and emerging needs into actionable plans and measurable outcomes.

This position provides project management and technical support for institutional strategic planning and implementation efforts. The Project Manager, in collaboration with stakeholders, develops and executes project plans, anticipates risks and dependencies, and proactively addresses challenges to maintain momentum and achieve results.

This role supports organizational excellence by assisting in the evaluation and improvement of business processes and systems, helping develop scalable workflows and promoting accurate, usable, and well-governed institutional data. It emphasizes clear documentation, communication, and stakeholder support to facilitate successful adoption of new processes and initiatives.

Working closely with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Institutional Research, Assessment & Accreditation, and partners across the university, the Project Manager facilitates collaboration, aligns diverse perspectives, and provides recommendations.

Ultimately, this role supports institutional effectiveness by developing and coordinating efficient, data-informed processes that enable continuous improvement across the university, while informing and facilitating decision-making rather than directing it.

Duties include:

• Leading the planning, execution, and completion of institutional projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory changes and university priorities, while adhering to deadlines and budgets.
• Assisting Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness with budgetary planning and project fund reporting.
• Partnering with various departments to implement strategic initiatives, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data within institutional systems, collaborating with stakeholders to optimize business processes.
• Representing the University with on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations related to Organizational Excellence issues.
• Coordinating development of implementation strategies for new tools and methodologies. Leading the evaluation and testing of such tools, methodologies, and technologies, and providing the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness with the results of those evaluations and tests.
• Continuously monitoring project milestones and deliverables, providing timely progress updates and addressing potential challenges to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Facilitating the successful completion of all Organizational Excellence projects by compiling appropriate and necessary documentation regarding the projects.
• Evaluating proposed changes to project plans, facilitating discussions with key stakeholders to assess impact, approve modifications, and implement improvements.
• Overseeing project resources and coordinating with internal teams to secure necessary materials.
• Anticipating future institutional needs by staying informed of industry trends and engaging with relevant stakeholders to drive forward-looking projects.
• Remaining competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.
• Contributing to the overall success of Organizational Excellence by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications include:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field. Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
• Experience: Proven experience in project management, ideally within higher education or a similar institutional environment and expertise in formal project management methodologies (e.g., Waterfall, Agile) preferred. Strong understanding of business process improvement and data management; Experience with ERP implementation and budget management required.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent preferred.
• Experience managing projects within a higher education context and familiarity with data governance practices and institutional compliance requirements, preferred.
• Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and ability to manage complex projects from inception to completion on time and within budget required.
• Effort: Requires working at computer workstations for extended periods of time and may require regular lifting and carrying objects weighing up to twenty-five pounds, and occasionally up to fifty pounds. Occasional travel and extended work hours may be required to meet critical project deadlines.