Senior IT Project Manager

Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the Information Technology Manager I, the Senior IT Project Manager works independently as a lead performing management and oversight of all phases of the Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC), System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL). The Senior IT Project Manager is a subject matter expert on project management methodologies and is an advisor to SCO leadership, SCO program partners and technology teams to ensure efficient and effective delivery of unique IT products, services or systems affecting SCO. They may also advise and provide recommendations to senior/executive leadership on governance and strategies in executing the IT project portfolio.

Duties Performed:

(Candidates must perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodations.)

• Lead multi-disciplined project teams working in a matrixed environment to develop and execute project plans for a portfolio of medium to large sized projects, which may include SCO enterprise and statewide impacts, external stakeholders and oversight from state control agencies.

• Utilize advanced knowledge and experience to tailor project management methodologies and lifecycle activities based on project size, complexity, and risk.

• Direct the planning and execution of complex IT initiatives by facilitating the definition of scope, objectives, deliverables, resource requirements, and project approach, including organizational change management considerations.

• Develop and maintain integrated, resource-loaded project schedules and comprehensive project management plans, ensuring appropriate rigor and documentation in accordance with State oversight requirements.

• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, including facilitating executive-level briefings, working sessions, and decision-making forums to ensure alignment, transparency, and effective communication across all levels of the organization.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks and issues; implement mitigation strategies; and ensure timely resolution. Enforce change control processes to maintain baseline integrity and ensure project artifacts meet audit, oversight, and historical documentation requirements.

• Oversee vendor performance, negotiate and manage contracts, and ensure deliverables meet contractual and quality expectations, approving vendor payments and managing project expenditures within approved budgets.

• Develop and coordinate complex project funding and reporting documentation, including Financial Analysis Worksheets (FAW), Budget Change Proposals (BCP), Spring Finance Letters (SFL), and Special Project Reports (SPR). Engage with executive leadership, control agencies (e.g., CDT, Department of Finance), and stakeholders to secure approvals, provide status updates, and ensure continued project authorization.

• As a member of the Project Management Office (PMO), may advise, mentor, train, and/or provide guidance and support to less seasoned project managers, and project staff or stakeholders in support of PMO standards and practices.

• Conduct complex impact analyses of changes to State IT policies and directives (e.g., SAM, SIMM, CA-PMF, Management Memos, Budget Letters), and recommend and implement updates to ensure ongoing compliance and alignment with enterprise objectives.

• Provide advanced analytical and planning support for complex research and development efforts, including evaluation of business process improvement proposals and IT-enabled solutions.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at The Emerald Tower on Capitol Mall, steps from Tower Bridge and is walking distance to the State Capitol. The building offers affordable monthly parking, employee gym access, an amenities center, and a beautiful mid-tower garden terrace. It is conveniently situated only blocks from Old Sacramento, numerous restaurants, a seasonal farmer’s market, and the Crocker Art Museum. Overlooking the Golden 1 Arena and Downtown Commons, the office is accessible from Sacramento Regional Transit’s light rail and bus systems, with convenient access to I-5, I-80, US 50 & US 99.

This position is eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the State Controller's Office policies.

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.

Special Requirements

A resume is required.

A Statement of Qualifications is required; please see ‘Required Application Package Documents’ for instructions.

Take the required examination here: Information Technology Specialist II Examination

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:

• Expert knowledge of project management principles, methods, techniques and tools and apply knowledge by demonstrating skills in managing projects and resources.
• Ability to assess, develop and manage scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, communications and risk.
• Proficiency in the use of automated tools such as MS Project and/or SCO’s project scheduling and resource management tool.
• Expert knowledge of State policies and procedures that guide information technology practices, and the State budget cycle as it relates to requests for project funding and approval.
• Expert knowledge of various types of procurement vehicles, Scope/Statement of Work (SOW) components, RFx development, bid evaluation and selection, contract negotiation and management.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to derive the appropriate level of information to different audiences, including senior and executive level leadership.
• Ability to effectively communicate in verbal and/or written form as needed to provide presentations, facilitate meetings and work sessions, address risks and issues, and create necessary plans and reports, etc.
• Abilty to foster positive project communication and team effectiveness, utilizing interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to utilize conflict management skills when needed and initiate escalation as appropriate to resolve situations that impact project success.
• Leadership experience in the planning and execution of organizational change management efforts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, building trust and relationships with a focus on ethics, integrity, personal accountability and credibility.
• Ablity to mentor others and effectively perform knowledge transfer.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

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 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 -

  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be no more than 2 pages, be single-spaced, use 12-point font, and address the prompts listed below :

  • Describe your experience leading large or complex IT projects that involved multiple stakeholders, vendors, and competing priorities.
  • Describe your experience presenting project risks, issues, and recommendations to executive leadership.
  • Describe your experience managing vendor contracts, Statements of Work (SOWs), or contract amendments for IT projects.
  • Describe your experience performing risk analysis and developing mitigation strategies for project schedule, funding, or scope risks.