Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Overview:
**Term: 2 years.**

The Project Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Continuous Improvement is responsible for driving the continuous improvement culture in the department. They will act as a project manager on continuous improvement related projects, be responsible for relationship building within the department to catalyze key improvement projects, and act as a communications hub for continuous improvement information in the department, while reporting to the Director, Housing. This position will contribute to the timely delivery of project outcomes and will co-ordinate various department-wide, cross-functional continuous improvement activities to support the long-term vision of a department that continuously improves its processes and empowers its staff to problem solve.

**The position is contingent upon funding.**

**There are 2 positions available.**

**Responsibilities**:
Project Management
- Creates and executes project plans and revises as appropriate over time to meet changing needs and requirements
- Liaise with and coordinate actions with stakeholders for projects to ensure roles are clear and actions are executed effectively
- Responsible for and provide support for the planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of project related activities
- Development of project plans, memos, briefings, charts, reports, presentations and other project documents as requested
- Monitors assigned project schedules and timelines and is accountable for timely completion of objectives and key results
- Identifies and manages risks associated with projects that might jeopardize the success of the methods and/or the outcomes

Strategic Initiatives
- Supports the Director, Housing and Residences by conducting research, summarizing information, and drafting reports relevant to the post-secondary housing and residence market, the student experience, and emerging trends in the field
- Drafts progress reports for assigned projects and responsibilities
- Assists the Director, Senior Managers, and Project Teams by providing professional and timely written communications for project work, assessment updates, and strategic initiatives to staff and stakeholders
- Host training and give stakeholder presentations
- Maintain and manage relationships with external stakeholders and campus partners in various strategic initiatives
- Other duties as assigned by the Director, Housing and Residences, and Senior Managers

Continuous Improvement
- On-going identification and recommendation of how continuous improvement can be applied to improve departmental or institutional activities, along with supporting evidence/rationale
- Guides managers/functional units’ analysis of existing processes and procedures to support succession planning, staff coverage, and continuous improvement opportunities
- Assists colleagues and functional units with creating/improving policies that aim to improve operational efficiency and service to students
- Leverages department’s key performance indicators to drive prioritization of projects and continuous improvement opportunities.
- Develop and manage the department’s on-going continuous improvement program
- Responsible for conducting reviews of existing research, and/or collection of data as needed to support evidence-based decision-making
- Develops and maintains skills and knowledge in Lean/Continuous improvement and project management domains.
- Supports communication of continuous improvement practices and successes, which promote the value of continuous improvement and/or departmental/institutional activities

Qualifications:

- Completion of post-secondary diploma or degree (or equivalent experience) required
- Working towards, or currently holds, a PMI Certification is requiredAt least 2 years of project based work and support experience with a proven track record of achievement and success
- Competencies include: ability to co-ordinate multiple projects at once; demonstrated ability to research, summarize, and report information; demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent administrative, organizational, and time management skills; exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
- Comfortable with advanced functions in Microsoft Excel
- Working knowledge of Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) principles is required
- Working knowledge of medium to large organizations is required, with post-secondary institutions being preferred
- Interest in, or previous experience with process mapping and other continuous improvement tools
- Demonstrated understanding of process management and continuous improvement methodology
- Proven success of leading people, ability to delegate and achieve results through teamwork
- Experience in taking initiative and seeking solutions to complex solutions while working autonomously
- Ability to influence, negotiate, and resolve conflicts

Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our