Senior Project Manager (Information Technology Specialist II)

California, The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is seeking a Senior Project Manager to support its mission and strategic plan through effective, customer-focused technology solutions. Based in the Information Technology Services Division’s Enterprise Portfolio Management Office (ePMO), this position helps deliver sustainable, modern IT services that support public health programs throughout California. The role is permanent, full time, and eligible for telework, with occasional in-state travel, including travel to Richmond, California. Under the general direction of an Information Technology Manager I, the incumbent leads IT projects from initiation through closure. Responsibilities include managing project scope, schedule, budget, risks, issues, and quality; guiding teams through waterfall and agile System Development Lifecycle methods; and ensuring compliance with Project Management Institute practices, California Department of Technology standards, CDPH requirements, and applicable Statewide Information Management Manual guidance. The Senior Project Manager also leads project approval lifecycle activities and prepares project plans, status reports, presentations, and other documentation for internal leadership and state oversight agencies. The incumbent provides project oversight and practical guidance to project teams, CDPH programs, technical staff, and vendors. The role includes identifying and addressing project risks and blockers, reviewing technical and security analyses, assessing solution feasibility, and recommending approaches that align with business needs and departmental IT strategies. The Senior Project Manager develops and shares project management tools and best practices, mentors colleagues, and provides training on project methods, reporting, risk management, and lessons learned. The position also coordinates IT procurement and contract activities, from acquisition documentation through execution, vendor oversight, invoice coordination, and closeout. The incumbent facilitates project and steering committee meetings, coordinates reviews and approvals, and maintains clear communication with stakeholders, vendors, control agencies, and other government partners. Success requires sound judgment, strong organization, timely delivery, and a commitment to respectful collaboration, equity, diversity, and inclusion in service of California’s public health mission. Ability to manage IT projects throughout the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Knowledge of project management practices, including agile and waterfall approaches, risk and issue management, and project scope, schedule, budget, and quality oversight. Ability to prepare and coordinate project plans, approval materials, status reports, presentations, and other clear, accurate documentation. Ability to coordinate IT procurement and contract activities and support vendor performance, compliance, and invoice processes. Strong written and verbal communication, facilitation, stakeholder coordination, and customer service skills. Ability to provide guidance, mentoring, and training to project teams and colleagues. Ability to exercise sound judgment, complete assignments efficiently and on time, and work cooperatively with colleagues, vendors, and government partners. Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance and comply with departmental policies and procedures. Willingness and ability to travel up to 5% in-state, including travel to Richmond, California at least twice per month. Commitment to supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the delivery of public health services.