Senior Project Specialist

Senior Project Specialist

(Business Systems Analyst III)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $7,284 - $7,729 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $7,284 - $10,611 per month

• This is a full-time, probationary, exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Chief Information Officer, the Senior Project Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end planning, coordination, and delivery of enterprise technology and digital modernization projects. This position serves as the primary driver of execution — ensuring that initiatives are scoped, resourced, scheduled, and completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with organizational priorities.

The Senior Project Specialist leads cross-functional project teams across the full project lifecycle, from charter and requirements through implementation, testing, and closeout. The incumbent translates strategic direction into actionable work plans, manages day-to-day project activities, removes blockers, tracks milestones, and holds teams accountable for delivering measurable results. This role requires a hands-on, detail-oriented project leader who excels at driving progress, managing competing priorities, and communicating clearly with both technical staff and executive stakeholders.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
• Principles and practices of project management, including scope, schedule, budget, risk, and resource management across the full project lifecycle.
• Project management methodologies and frameworks (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid) and when to apply each.
• Enterprise technology environments, including IT systems, infrastructure, and digital tools commonly used in organizational settings.
• Organizational planning processes, governance structures, and decision-making frameworks.
• Current trends, best practices, and emerging developments in information technology and project delivery.
• Change management principles and techniques for driving adoption of new systems and processes.
• Skill/Ability to:
• Plan, organize, and manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities, deadlines, and resource constraints.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and status reports.
• Facilitate project meetings, working sessions, and stakeholder reviews with clarity and purpose.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with technical staff, department leads, and executive leadership.
• Hold project teams accountable for deliverables and drive results in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Identify and escalate risks, issues, and blockers proactively and propose practical solutions.
• Build collaborative working relationships across departments, divisions, and external vendors.
• Adapt quickly to shifting priorities, ambiguity, and evolving organizational needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field required.
• Minimum 4 years of hands-on project management experience, with a proven track record of delivering complex technology or digital initiatives or related experience.
• Direct experience managing project schedules, resource plans, and risk registers.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
• Master's degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Agile/Scrum certification (CSM, SAFe, or equivalent).

Department Summary

Technology Services is empowering Fresno State by strengthening strategic partnerships, elevating user-focused services, and fostering educational and research innovation.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by May 17, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.