Information and technology powers our business. We are embarking on a large modernization project that will affect all areas of the organization as well as KPERS members and employers. This project will take multiple years to complete.

KPERS is located in Topeka, Kansas. We provide disability and death benefits to protect public employees while they are still working and guarantees them lifetime benefits when they retire. Our membership includes people from all walks of life in a variety of jobs with one thing in common - serving Kansans.

We are looking for a dynamic Project Manager to join the KPERS Project Management Office. We need a strong candidate who can support business innovations and lead multiple projects.

Our project managers are responsible for overseeing the work breakdown structure, critical path, and change control while ensuring required resources are available. While many of the projects will be software-related, some will be hardware-related, and others may be soft-skills focused.

Essential Responsibilities

Using standardized project management templates, develop full-scale project plans and coordinate project activities with staff from all divisions.

Engage with the System's Executive Steering Committee to define project scope, goals, deliverables and timelines that support KPERS' mission, goals and core values.

Estimate the resources needed to achieve project goals.

Define project success criteria and disseminate them to involved parties throughout projects.

Plan and schedule project timelines and track progress and milestones ensuring effective communication with team members, senior management team, Trustees and other stakeholders in a timely and clear method.

Set and continually manage project expectations with team members, senior management team and other stakeholders. Determine the frequency and content of status reports from the project team, analyze results and troubleshoot problem areas.

Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations to high-level stakeholders

Identify and manage project dependencies and critical path.

Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans.

Identify and resolve issues and conflicts within the project team.

Coach, mentor, motivate and supervise project team members and contractors. Facilitate an effective and efficient team environment. Build, develop, and grow any business relationships vital to the success of the project.

Experience and Education Required

Five years of previous project management experience is required. A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is preferred. Bachelor's degree in management, business, information technology, management information systems, computer science or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. An advanced degree in business or related field is preferred. Experience may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.

Skills and Abilities

• Extensive experience in Software Development
• Experience in cyber security a plus
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-paced and rapidly changing team environment.
• Ability to critically analyze project status based on numerous measures and indicators.
• Ability to identify issues and potential issues that could adversely affect project scope, schedule and cost.
• Ability to create and/or adhere to standard Software Development Lifecycle processes
• Effective, concise, and clear oral and written communication skills
• Advanced group facilitation and team building capabilities
• Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, vendors and staff from each division.
• Ability to effectively communicate with diverse audiences including agency staff, senior management, Trustees and other stakeholders.
• Ability to explain complex information to others in an understandable manner
• Ability to “roll up” information for an executive audience
• Ability to work effectively within a team and to maintain positive working relationships with a diverse group of people
• Excellent work ethic
• Strong attention to detail
• Commitment to excellent customer service

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the recruiter.

KPERS does not offer employment visa sponsorships.