State of California

Sr. Project Manager

State of California$103K — $138K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of project management experience in IT, preferably in a government context.
  • Expert-level understanding of project integration, scope, time, cost, and quality management processes.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret legislation and translate compliance requirements into actionable steps.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple complex IT projects simultaneously with significant impact.
  • Exceptional communication skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders across multiple levels of an organization.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and manage complex IT projects independently.
  • Oversee project integration and communication management activities in adherence to best practices.
  • Evaluate legislation and its impact on departmental IT processes and practices.
  • Prepare formal reports for control agencies like DOF and CDT.
  • Conduct resource management including financial oversight and risk management for active projects.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for telework with a hybrid work schedule.
  • Opportunities for personal development and professional growth.
  • Access to state employee benefits package, including health and wellness programs.
  • Supportive work environment that emphasizes teamwork and accountability.
Full Job Description
Under the general direction of the Information Technology Manager I, the Information Technology Specialist II (ITS II) independently plans, organizes, and manages the most complex analytical tasks related to independent oversight of information technology (IT) projects, including project management of IT projects at the expert level. The ITS II has responsibility for project integration management, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource planning, communications management, risk management, and project procurement.

The ITS II leads, manages, schedules, and conducts the activities necessary to manage an IT project and system development methods based on state policies, industry best practices, and alignment with the Department and Division's vision, goals, and objectives. In this role, the ITS II reviews legislation, evaluates potential effects on Department of Justice (DOJ) processes, identifies implications for program operations and data practices, and translates legal or policy requirements into clear, actionable steps. The incumbent is a key contributor to the DOJ IT Project Portfolio and performs highly complex analytical, interpretive, and coordination work that supports DOJ's ability to comply with state and federal laws, legislative directives, and public reporting responsibilities. The ITS II collaborates closely with DOJ Program Divisions, the Legal Division, Legislative Affairs, and Executive Leadership. The incumbent manages sensitive information, handles high visibility requests, and provides recommendations that influence DOJ planning, compliance decisions, and public transparency initiatives.

The ITS II also prepares periodic formal reports and other relevant documents to control agencies such as Department of Finance, California Department of Technology, and Department of General Services. The ITS II prepares and assists staff in the preparation of Project Approval Lifecycle deliverables, Special Project Reports, and Post Implementation Evaluation Reports, and Financial Analysis and/or Economic Analysis Project Cost Worksheets.

Assignments will involve delegated, non-delegated medium and high criticality projects needed for continued operation of State business processes and/or implementation of legislative mandates. The project manager may be assigned to and responsible for management of multiple projects concurrently. The incumbent is involved in the planning and organization of the DOJ project resources to move the project towards completion. This includes resource management including finances, technology, and intellectual property. It also involves identification and management of risks, careful resource management, smart budgeting, and clear communication across multiple teams and stakeholders.

The ITS II's objectives are the successful development and implementation of the project's processes and procedures for initiation, planning, execution, regulation and closure, as well as the leadership and guidance of the project team's operations to achieve all the agreed upon goals within the set scope, time, quality, and budget standards.

The ITS II will provide leadership, motivation, coaching, remove roadblocks, and inspire the team to do their best work. Project managers serve the team but also ensure clear lines of accountability.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
This position is designated for telework under Government Code section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California and may require reporting to headquarters or field offices and facilities to fulfill operational needs. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the Department of Justice policies.

This position is eligible for telework, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II
Additional Documents
  • Job Application Package Checklist
  • Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-523404

Position #(s):
420-862-1414-901

Working Title:
Sr. Project Manager

Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II $8,625.00 - $11,557.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

# of Positions:
1

Work Location:
Sacramento County

Telework:
Hybrid

Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time

Work Shift:
Day Shift

Work Week:
Monday-Friday

Department Information This position is located in the California Justice Information Services Division, Enterprise Services Bureau, Project & Portfolio Branch, Project & Portfolio Management Section, Project & Portfolio Management Office.

Please disregard the SROA/Surplus language below as the Department of Justice requires applicants to submit their SROA/Surplus Letter if that is the basis of their eligibility.

For more information about the Department, please visit the Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov .

Please note that all new to state employees will be given the minimum salary of the classification. For current state employees and/or those with reinstatement rights, your salary will be determined in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Personal Leave Program: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR

Special Requirements A fingerprint check is required.

Clearly indicate JC-523404 in the "Examination(s) or Job Title(s) For Which You Are Applying" section of your State Application.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must submit a copy of your transcript or diploma . An official transcript will be required prior to appointment.

A background check is required (if applicable).

This is a 12 month limited term position, but may be extended to a maximum of 24 months and/or may become a permanent position based on operational needs.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/17/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Justice
Mail in-CJIS Divisions
Attn: Sheri Wise JC-523404
PO Box 160608

Sacramento , CA 95816-0608

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Justice
Drop off- CJIS Divisions
Sheri Wise JC-523404
4949 Broadway

Sacramento , CA 95820

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted along with your State application. The SOQ is a discussion of how an applicant's education and experience meets the evaluation criteria and qualifies them for the position. Please see Statement of Qualifications section below to complete the requirements.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Experience leading activities related to the analyses of information technology (IT) projects involving the integration of multiple systems, and development of new system interfaces.
  • Strong working knowledge of project management (PM) concepts, principles, practices, and processes prescribed by the PM Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), CA PM Framework (CA-PMF), state Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) and Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK).
  • Knowledge and experience with PM plans/templates, project portfolio management concepts, work breakdown structures, schedules, risk, and issue analysis.
  • Experience managing complex, large enterprise-wide projects of high risk and visibility.
  • Experience leading project teams, planning sessions, documenting goals, objectives, and actions needed to accomplish assigned in an orderly and timely manner.
  • Experience leading project teams in developing and maintaining statewide policies and IT standards including coordinating with state, federal, and local entities in implementing IT initiatives and policies.
  • Experience leading project teams with planning, developing, and managing of IT procurement and contracts.
  • Experience with project Budgeting,Cost Management and Cost Recovery analysis.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong negotiating skills, outstanding presentation/public speaking skills and the ability to represent the California DOJ effectively with control agencies and external partners.
  • Ability to reason logically, solve problems, analyze situations, reach sound conclusions and make recommendations.
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task, manage several projects concurrently, exercise good judgment and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to remain calm, in high pressure situations, and knowing when to escalate items as appropriate.
  • Proficient with MS Suite including Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and SharePoint and Visio.

Benefits
Please access this link for information on benefits afforded to employees who work for the State of California - https://www.calhr.ca.gov/Pages/California-State-Civil-Service-Employee-Benefits-Summary.aspx .

Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Human Resources Contact:
Sheri Wise
(000) -
[email protected]

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 210-7580
[email protected]
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Statement of Qualifications
The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position. The SOQ is a narrative discussion of the candidate's education, training, experience, and skills as it relates to the desirable qualifications and duties for the position. The SOQ serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ should explain in detail why the candidate believes his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities could apply towards this position. Your response should be typed in Arial 12 point font and no more than two pages in length. Resumes will not be considered a substitute for the SOQ. Your application may be disqualified from consideration if your SOQ does not adhere to the requirements.

For each of the statements below, please provide specific examples of your experience in the relevan

About State of California

The State of California is a government entity responsible for providing a variety of services to its residents, including education, healthcare, and public safety. The state was admitted to the Union in 1850 and has since grown to become the most populous state in the United States. California is known for its diverse geography, including beaches, mountains, and deserts. The state government is committed to promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for all Californians.
Learn more about State of California
Size
150 employees
Industry
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at State of California

  • State of California
    Talent Management
    $114K — $130K *
    Sacramento, CA 95823 (Sacramento County)
    Education, Government & Non-Profit
    In-Person
  • State of California
    Senior Counsel
    $143K — $193K *
    Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 (Sacramento County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person
  • State of California
    Marriage and Family Therapist
    $97K — $124K *
    Fresno, CA 93722 (Fresno County)
    Healthcare
    In-Person
  • State of California
    Marriage and Family Therapist
    $97K — $124K *
    Coalinga, CA 93210 (Fresno County)
    Healthcare
    In-Person
  • State of California
    Special Counsel
    $144K *
    Sacramento, CA 95823 (Sacramento County)
    Legal & Accounting
    In-Person

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Sr. Project Manager jobs: