Senior Project Manager

Description

Summary

The Senior Project Manager is a strategic leadership role within the Project Management Office responsible for overseeing the planning, governance, and successful execution of complex, enterprise-wide initiatives that support the credit union’s strategic goals and operational priorities. This position provides leadership and oversight to a team of project managers and department leaders, establishes and maintains project management standards, and promotes the consistent application of project management methodologies across the organization.

The Senior Project Manager works closely with executive leadership, department leaders, and cross functional teams to ensure initiatives are aligned with the credit union’s strategic plan, regulatory requirements, and commitment to delivering high-quality financial services to members. This role is also responsible for developing the maturity of the PMO through the creation of standardized processes, project governance frameworks, training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Functions

1. Project and Program Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and successful delivery of complex, enterprise-level projects that support the credit union’s strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Develop comprehensive project plans including scope, objectives, schedules, budgets, risk assessments, and resource allocations.
• Manage multiple concurrent initiatives while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within approved budgets.
• Oversee project performance metrics and ensure alignment with organizational priorities and member service objectives. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among departments including lending, operations, compliance, IT, finance, and member services.

2. PMO Governance and Standards

• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Project Management Office’s governance framework.
• Establish and maintain standardized project management methodologies, tools, templates, and processes that align with industry best practices.
• Ensure consistency in project planning, execution, documentation, reporting, and performance measurement across the organization.
• Oversee project intake, prioritization, and portfolio management processes to ensure alignment with the credit union’s strategic plan.
• Monitor project portfolio performance and provide recommendations for prioritization, resourcing, and risk mitigation.

3. Team Leadership and Development

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to a team of project managers and project coordinators.
• Conduct regular coaching and performance development activities to enhance team capabilities and ensure adherence to PMO standards.
• Foster professional development by promoting certification, training, and sharing knowledge within the project management team. 
• Serve as a subject matter expert in project management principles and practices across the organization.

4. Methodology Training and Organizational Enablement

• Develop and deliver training programs that educate project managers and business leaders on project management methodologies, tools, and governance practices.
• Promote adoption of project management best practices across departments to improve project outcomes and organizational efficiency.
• Lead workshops and facilitate strategic planning sessions to support project initiation and business case development.
• Support change management efforts associated with enterprise projects and organizational transformation initiatives.

5. Stakeholder and Executive Communication

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership by providing strategic insight on project feasibility, risk, and resource allocation.
• Prepare and present executive-level project reports, dashboards, and status updates.
• Lead project steering committees and governance meetings to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues, risks, and conflicts that could impact project success.

6. Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all projects adhere to applicable regulatory requirements and internal policies relevant to financial institutions and credit unions.
• Partner with risk management, compliance, and audit teams to ensure project governance aligns with regulatory expectations.
• Implement risk management strategies and maintain project risk registers to proactively address potential impacts.

Requirements

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
2. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities with the capacity to develop project management capabilities across the organization.
3. Proven ability to influence senior leadership and drive organizational and technological change.
4. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced IS/IT environment.
5. Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Wrike, Jira, Smartsheet, or similar).
6. Strong understanding of IT governance, SDLC methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid), and best practices for delivering high-quality technology solutions.
7. Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess technical challenges, evaluate risks, and implement effective mitigation strategies.
8. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain project governance frameworks, standardized processes, and PMO best practices within an IS/IT setting.
9. Strong business acumen with the ability to align technical projects to organizational strategy, regulatory requirements, and member-focused service delivery.
10. Experience preparing clear executive-level reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate project status, risks, and impacts.
11. Ability to manage vendor relationships, evaluate technical proposals, and oversee contract and SLA compliance.
12. High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and sound judgment when working with sensitive organizational, financial, and member data.
13. Ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex technical change, ensuring adoption, training readiness, and operational success.
14. Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Wrike, Jira, Smartsheet, or similar).

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Information Systems, Management, or a related field. 
2. Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in project or program management.
3. Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-level projects and coordinating across multiple departments.
4. Strong understanding of project management methodologies including Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid frameworks.
5. Experience developing or supporting Project Management Office (PMO) governance structures and standards.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer – 7 to 8 hours per day.
2. Light lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects up to 25 lbs.
3. Intermittent walking and bending.
4. General office environment: works generally at a desk in a well-lighted, air-conditioned cubicle/office, with moderate noise levels.  

The preceding list of duties does not include all tasks and responsibilities that may be required with this position. Additional tasks may be assigned, as departmental and operational needs require.