Project Management Specialist

The Project Management Specialist evaluates, schedules, and manages multiple, complex and interrelated projects. The position is responsible for coordinating project delivery and communicating project status to management and project sponsors in a timely and accurate manner. The position contributes to maturing the project management methodology and tools while advancing and supporting the project practice through coaching, mentoring, and training activities.

1.Project Leadership/Coordination (60%)
a. Manages scope, budget, schedule, risks, issues, and resources for large, complex projects utilizing the company project methodology
b. Develops, maintains, and tracks project plans to achieve project goals
c. Coordinates project activities between various stakeholders and provides guidance to the project team(s)
d. Maintains project visibility through effective and timely communications
e. Proactively manages issues and risks, escalating as needed
2.Training & Mentoring (20%)
a. Develops and delivers training on use of project methodology and tools
b. Coaches and mentors less experienced associates
c. Provides insight into the effectiveness of project methodology tools and training
d. Provides guidance and direction to other project teams
3.Improving Project Practice (15%)
a. Maintains awareness of current practices in project management
b. Develops best practices for project management processes and tools
c. Provides input on GAFRI’s project management methodology and assists in implementing improvements
d. Participates in project assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of, and compliance with, defined project practices
e. Leads or contributes to the IT Project Advisory Board
4.Project Office Support (5%)
a. Resolves Project Office HelpSTAR (user support) issues
b. Performs MS Project Server administration; develops security models and maintains views
c. Works with IT Management as required on cyclical IT work portfolio planning

• B.S. or B.A. in Business or Information Technology or equivalent experience
• 8+ years of Project Leader experience using formal methodologies
• 4+ years of insurance product experience (development and deployment) strongly preferred
• Project Management Professional certification strongly preferred
• Must have led highly complex projects lasting 10+ months, with budgets in excess of $500,000, and teams of 8+ people
• Proven experience coordinating multiple projects at once
• Familiarity with software development life cycle models
• Strong organization, communication, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to work at a detailed level while maintaining focus on overall goals and objectives
• Ability to understand and communicate business and technical issues / project dependencies
• Ability to work autonomously, under pressure, with limited supervision
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional organization

Other Knowledge:
MS Project – expert
MS Enterprise Project Management Solution 2003 (“Project Server”) – intermediate to expert
MS Office suite – intermediate to expert
MS Visio – beginner to intermediate

If interested, please apply online at http://track.jobviper.com/ViewJob.asp?id=563715-3-343