Program Manager, PMO – Ellucian ERP SaaS Transformation

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Lead intricate Ellucian ERP (Banner and/or Colleague) transformation initiatives, encompassing on-premise to SaaS/cloud migrations, from project initiation to stabilization.

• Develop and uphold comprehensive governance frameworks for programs, including steering committees, executive reporting structures, and decision-making processes.

• Coordinate various concurrent project workstreams, managing dependencies, risks, resources, and timelines effectively.

• Collaborate with institutional executives and project sponsors to define program objectives, success metrics, and strategic outcomes.

• Oversee implementation teams to ensure consistent application of delivery methodologies and adherence to program objectives.

• Establish and implement uniform program and project management standards, methodologies, tools, and reporting schedules across the ERP transformation portfolio.

• Monitor and manage multi-million-dollar program budgets, resource allocation, forecasting, burn downs, and overall financial performance.

• Identify, evaluate, and proactively manage program-level risks, issues, and dependencies.

• Develop and execute communication strategies for the program, translating complex technical and program issues into concise summaries for executive and client leadership.

• Collaborate with functional and technical leaders to ensure that implementation decisions align with long-term institutional goals.

• Establish and track KPIs to gauge program success and benefits realization.

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs, documentation, and implementation standards.

• Act as the primary contact for client executive sponsors, presenting program status updates, risks, and recommendations.

• Support business development efforts through thought leadership, proposal assistance, and client relationship management.

• Coach and mentor Project Managers, fostering their professional development.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

• A minimum of ten years’ experience leading large-scale ERP, SaaS, or enterprise software implementation programs in the Higher Education sector.

• Proven experience managing complex, multi-year transformation initiatives involving multiple projects and stakeholder groups.

• Direct experience with Ellucian Banner and/or Colleague ERP platforms is preferred; familiarity with Workday, Oracle, or other Higher Education ERP platforms is an advantage.

• Experience in delivering programs utilizing the Ellucian Implementation Methodology is preferred.

• Demonstrated success in managing program governance, executive communications, and strategic stakeholder relationships.

• Strong knowledge of methodologies for on-premise to SaaS/cloud migrations, organizational change management, and business process transformation.

• Experience overseeing multi-million-dollar program budgets, forecasts, resource planning, and financial reporting across concurrent initiatives.

• Ability to engage and influence executive leadership while summarizing complex technical and program issues for an executive audience.

• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills are necessary.

• Strong analytical, organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities are essential.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex and rapidly changing settings.

• Experience operating in matrix-managed environments and collaborating with the Ellucian Partner Network and third-party vendors.

• Experience in coaching and developing Project Managers.

• Willingness to travel to client campuses as necessary, up to approximately 25% of the time.

• Experience with project and program management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Jira, or similar platforms is important.

• Preferred: previous consulting experience in higher education.

• Preferred: PMP, PgMP, or related certifications; Ellucian-specific certifications or training.

• Preferred: experience with cloud migration or enterprise modernization; familiarity with Ellucian Navigate to SaaS (N2S).

• Preferred: experience overseeing multiple ERP implementations simultaneously.

• Preferred: formal PMO experience in establishing or enhancing standards, governance, and methodology.

• Preferred: Master's degree in Business, Information Technology, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

🏝️ Benefits

• Base salary range of $135,000 - $155,000 plus bonus opportunities.

• Flexible working hours.

• Option for remote work.

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

• Flexible Spending or Health Savings Account options.

• Paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday pay.

• Company-paid life insurance.

• Retirement plan with 401(k) and 5% company contribution.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Connectivity stipend.