Job Title: Project Management Specialist

Location: Teacher Administration Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports to: Project Management Administrator

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12-month/ Exempt

Salary Schedule: S04/92E Step 1 starting salary = $112,682.61.

Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience.

Position Purpose:

The Project Management Specialist is generally responsible for coordinating and completing projects on time, within budget, and within scope. Oversees all aspects of projects. Sets deadlines, assigns responsibilities, monitors, and summarizes the progress of projects. Prepares reports for upper management regarding the status of projects.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Conducts and/or attends IMS meetings/functions.

Develop and manage work breakdown structure (WBS) of information technology projects.

Attends meetings/conferences as a representative of the technology project team.

Defines project objectives and progress tracking measures.

Leads, coordinates, and manages District information technology (IT) projects, as directed.

Coordinates the implementation of information technology projects.

Develops project scope, goals, milestones, and deliverables.

Communicates project status to stakeholders and leadership.

Resolves problems related to the project.

Develops and maintains a detailed project schedule, which includes administrative tasks and all sites involved in the project(s).

Delegates appropriate project tasks and responsibilities to staff members.

Conducts project closeout meetings.

Maintains and keeps the current Project Management calendar.

Works directly with staff to develop a comprehensive workflow process for each project.

Coaches, mentors, and supervises project team members and contractors, influencing them to take positive action and hold themselves accountable for their assigned work.

Conducts meetings to determine requirements based on new project priorities, changes in legislation, and system needs.

Presents to the Board of Education key technology items relating to existing and/or planned district technology projects (upon request).

Evaluates software/hardware requirements and/or enhancements before recommending purchases.

Develops cross-functional, change management, and implementation strategies, ensuring that all participating parties are committed to the effectiveness of the processes and procedures.

When assigned, function as project leader on major continuous improvement process efforts, including directing the work of others on projects of lesser scope.

Communicates with hardware and software vendors throughout the project management process.

Works with the IT Training team to develop training plans/strategies for IMS staff and/or technology users, as well as District staff during project implementation.

Provides excellent customer service to staff and vendors.

Proposes project cost analysis and budget forecasting.

Works with key stakeholders to identify opportunities for future technology projects to expand the use of Enterprise Applications as appropriate.

Leads strategic and tactical information technology planning efforts that align with the District’s strategic plan.

Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by supervisor and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position requires the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and a fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Travel within the District will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.

Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Work in an office environment, school buildings and warehouse setting.

Ability to lift, move and reposition objects and materials- frequently exerting force equal to lifting fifty (50) pounds.

Interrelations:

Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.

Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day-to-day tasks.

Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.

Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.

All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or comparable experience.

Minimum three to five years in a leadership position, with project management processes experience preferred.

Project Management Certification preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Suite products, including Word, Excel, Visio, and project management-specific software applications.

Ability to provide skilled facilitation services to support teams in meeting or exceeding project expectations.

Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people in addition to IMS team representatives, including project sponsors, senior managers, stakeholders/customers external agencies and vendors.

Strong knowledge of current hardware, software and communication technologies utilized in an educational environment.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills working with project scheduling software applications.

Strong written and communication skills and ability to prepare and conduct presentations.

Effective skills in leadership, team building, communication, budget planning, and strategic planning.

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and manage conflict, including appropriate handling of all confidential matters.

Strong understanding and experience in the deployment of project life cycle methodology and associated project phase requirements.

Strong organizational skills and the experience and knowledge to balance multiple projects simultaneously.

Problem sensitivity awareness and the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.

A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.

Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).

Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).

Successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination to determine ability to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

Omaha public schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.