Senior Project Manager – Accela, Municipal Permitting Systems

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

📋 Description

• Act as the product owner or senior functional leader for the Accela Civic Platform, focusing on configuration, enhancements, and continuous optimization.

• Direct the Accela system roadmaps, upgrades, and integrations; collaborate closely with City IT, Accela vendors, and implementation partners.

• Manage Accela-based digital permitting tools, online portals, and customer self-service solutions.

• Conduct process mapping and redesign workflows specifically tailored to the Accela configurations, workflows, and business rules for permitting and development review processes.

• Spearhead innovation initiatives related to Accela optimization, modernization of permitting, and civic technology enablement, which includes selective evaluation of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, civic tech tools).

• Oversee the complete project lifecycle, which encompasses planning, budgeting, execution, and reporting.

• Ensure that project delivery complies with public sector governance, standards, and performance metrics.

• Lead the planning for system roadmaps, enhancements, and coordination with IT and vendors.

• Supervise the implementation of digital permitting tools, online portals, and customer self-service solutions.

• Promote the adoption of low-code/no-code solutions to enhance operational efficiency.

• Drive initiatives aimed at enhancing customer-facing services, such as permitting portals, knowledge bases, and digital workflows.

• Assist in website modernization, accessibility, and content strategy in collaboration with communications and IT teams.

• Implement user-centered design (UX) principles to enhance permitting and development experiences.

• Create dashboards, reporting tools, and performance metrics.

• Serve as the primary liaison among Community Development, IT, Communications, and external vendors.

• Coordinate with city departments, agencies, and leadership to ensure alignment of priorities.

• Facilitate workshops with stakeholders and promote cross-functional collaboration.

• Oversee or mentor project teams, analysts, or technical staff.

• Support the onboarding and development of roles focused on technology.

• Manage consultants, vendors, or contract resources as necessary.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Required).

• Current PMP Certification (Required).

• Over 7 years of experience utilizing project management principles, methods, techniques, and tools.

• More than 3 years of Senior Project Management experience overseeing large, complex projects.

• At least 3 years of experience providing PMO or project leadership support within a Government Agency (City or County).

• A minimum of 3 years of direct experience in delivering, managing, or leading Accela Civic Platform implementations, upgrades, or significant enhancements for City or County agencies (Required).

• Experience managing Accela or comparable enterprise permitting platforms, including vendor coordination and production support.

• Applicants must possess direct, hands-on experience in leading or managing Accela Civic Platform implementations or major system enhancements for municipal clients.

• Candidates lacking prior Accela delivery experience will not be considered for this position.

• Background in digital services, civic technology, or modernization of permitting.

• Experience with process improvement, UX, or service design (preferred).

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package