Job Details

The Principal IT Project Manager will lead a team of project manager(s), project coordinator(s), and technical coordinator(s), overseeing their daily operations and providing strategic direction. This role manages a portfolio of complex, high-impact IT projects, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery aligned with scope and strategic goals. The Principal IT Project Manager serves as the primary liaison with external vendors and their project managers, fostering effective collaboration, clear communication, and successful project outcomes. The role provides leadership in project governance, risk management, and resource planning, and drives continuous improvement in project management practices. This position also mentors junior project managers and partners with senior leadership to support strategic decision-making and optimize project execution.

The items below describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. These are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required for this position. The position description is subject to change as organizational needs evolve.

1. Oversee a portfolio of IT projects, ensuring strategic alignment, prioritization, and resource optimization.
2. Lead project governance, defining and enforcing best practices, frameworks, and standards for IT project execution.
3. Guide project managers and IT teams in Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and hybrid methodologies.
4. Drive stakeholder engagement across executive leadership, department heads, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
5. Define enterprise-wide project management policies, risk assessment models, and quality assurance processes.
6. Develop and manage enterprise IT project roadmaps and ensure alignment with business objectives.
7. Act as an escalation point for critical IT incidents and project-related emergencies (on-call 24/7 as required).
8. Develop and execute strategic communication plans, including executive reporting and presentations.
9. Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to align IT project goals with operational and business needs.
10. Lead change management efforts to support the adoption of new technologies and business processes.
11. Ensure compliance with IT governance, security, and regulatory requirements across all projects.
12. Train and mentor IT project managers, business analysts, and technical staff in project management best practices.
13. Oversee project budgeting and forecasting in coordination with the IT leadership team.
14. Track project progress, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.
15. Ensure timely and on-budget project delivery across all initiatives.
16. Collaborate with teams to define project requirements, goals, and deliverables.
17. Facilitate project meetings and stakeholder communications to maintain transparency and progress.
18. Coordinate with the Strategic Communications Office to build and execute internal and external communication campaigns related to IT projects.
19. Collaborate with external vendors and their project managers to coordinate project activities, resolve issues, and ensure successful implementation of solutions.
20. Oversee vendor deliverables to ensure compliance with quality, contractual, and schedule requirements.
21. Evaluate vendor performance and contribute to vendor selection and relationship management in coordination with procurement and IT leadership.

1. Expert-level understanding of IT project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, PMBOK).
2. Experience managing complex, large-scale IT projects with multi-departmental impact.
3. Strong leadership and team-building skills, with experience mentoring junior project managers.
4. Advanced knowledge of enterprise IT infrastructure, software development, and digital transformation projects.
5. Ability to develop and implement IT project governance policies, frameworks, and KPIs.
6. Expertise in stakeholder engagement, executive communication, and cross-functional collaboration.
7. Proficiency in project management tools and/or software.
8. Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making abilities.
9. Ability to oversee budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation for IT projects.
10. Deep understanding of change management strategies to drive IT project success.

1. Bachelor's degree in Business, IT, Computer Science, Public Administration, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 3-5 years of IT project management experience, with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
3. PMP certification is required at the time of hire.
4. Preferred certifications: Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt), CSM (Certified Scrum Master).
5. Experience working with municipal, state, or federal government IT projects preferred.
6. Valid Texas Driver's License required.