Senior IT Project Manager

Job no: 503958 Work type: Regular Full-Time Location: Chicago - 300 E Randolph St, Remote Capability Area: IT Secure Computing & Operations

JOB SUMMARY:

NORC at the University of Chicago is seeking an experienced IT Senior Project Manager to manage the planning, implementation, and production support for NORC systems projects. This leader will plan and manage multiple medium to large sized IT systems development projects of moderate to high complexity, ensuring that project results contribute positive business value and meet agreed upon scope, schedule and cost objectives. At NORC, Project Managers lead a variety of different types of projects including large scale survey data collection and management systems implementation, internal initiatives and systems, new product and service launches, large-scale application development, systems integration, operational efficiency improvements, and infrastructure upgrades and deployments.

The IT Senior Project Manager will establish and maintain a collaborative partnership with internal business units (research and operations staff) as well as external clients while leading IT full stack development teams to meet project objectives. They will bring creative approaches to problem solving and identifying innovative solutions in order to produce quality deliverables supporting business needs.

Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Location: This is a hybrid role based in either our Chicago Loop or downtown Washington, DC office, with a minimum of six days per month in the office. Remote work status may be considered for outstanding candidates.

DEPARTMENT: Secure Computing Systems and Operations

NORC's Secure Computing Systems and Operations provide technology services to our staff and clients. Given the critical role technology plays in our day-to-day lives, we are committed to providing professional, high-quality solutions in order to further our collective goal of advancing social science research.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Development of the IT project plan, and managing its scope, schedule, resources, budget and risk. Applies advanced project management methods and techniques to execute project goals.

• Hands on management of IT team resources, tasks, and deliverables on multiple projects and projects with significant budgets and risks.

• Risk identification and mitigation planning and control. Issue management including tracking, assignment, and closeout of all project issues.

• Leads the effort in creative approaches to problem solving, especially for most complex projects; confers with project personnel to provide technical advice and resolve problems; works with project stakeholders, department management, IT senior management and NORC senior management to ensure company initiatives and project objectives are being met.

• Leads the preparation of solution descriptions and cost estimates for the significant new IT components on projects and may contribute to NORC new business proposals.

• Solves complex technical and business problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions.

• Works independently; receives minimal guidance. Contributes to performance reviews for team members.

• Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices and is expected to take a lead in improving procedures for the IT PMO.

• Report regularly to IT management on the status of all assigned projects. Report project delays and changes in requirements to the Project Director and IT management on a timely basis.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or similar field required, or equivalent experience. Master's degree preferred

• 10+ years of overall experience, with at least 5 years of current hands-on project management experience, leading projects that result in delivery of products and data

• Agile Scrum Master experience required, Waterfall SDLC methodology experience a plus

• Extensive knowledge of project management processes, project financial management, systems development methods, change management concepts and business process improvement methods

• Management of full stack systems development teams required, with demonstrated management of Java, SQL Server, and other portal technology projects

• Experience leading third-party implementations and version upgrade projects, coordinating vendors, managing integration risks, and supporting testing and cutover activities.

• Experience with SharePoint development projects, Salesforce implementations, and ServiceNow a plus

• PMP and CSM certification preferred

• Ability to work on multiple concurrent projects with shared resources

• Intermediate to advanced skills with project management tools including Microsoft Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Strong project management skills with hands-on experience managing and deploying application development projects, portals, and other complex IT systems

• Strong planning, organizational, and leadership skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make effective presentations to clients and senior management

• Strong meeting facilitation skills

• Strong business judgment

• Ability to hands-on direct the work of systems development staff in a team environment

• A passion for consulting; capable of stretching and applying skills in an open, entrepreneurial environment

• A flexible approach and attitude; you are not afraid to take on a challenge and be as hands-on as you are strategic.
• Qualified applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S. We regret that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

The pay range for this position is $138,000 - $160,000.

This position is classified as regular. Regular staff are eligible for NORC's comprehensive benefits program. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generously subsidized health insurance, effective on the first day of employment
• Dental and vision insurance
• A defined contribution retirement program, along with a separate voluntary 403(b) retirement program
• Group life insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Benefits that promote work/life balance, including generous paid time off, holidays; paid parental leave, bereavement leave, tuition assistance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

NORC is committed to equity and transparency in its pay practices. We publish salary ranges and benefit information for every job. The listed hiring range reflects what we, in good faith, expect to pay at the time of posting, though actual compensation may vary and may be adjusted over time. A candidate's placement within the range depends on factors such as competencies, education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and organizational needs. This role is bonus eligible. Bonus payment is contingent upon program terms and individual performance.



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Advertised: August 28, 2026 Central Daylight Time Applications close: September 4, 2026 Central Daylight Time

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