Project Coordinator

About CENIC

Join the team that connects California to the world — advancing education and research statewide by providing the world-class computing network essential for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. Our organization operates the California Research and Education Network (CalREN), a high-capacity computer network with more than 8,000 miles of optical fiber. The network serves over 20 million users across California, including the vast majority of K-20 students, together with educators, researchers, and individuals at other vital public-serving institutions.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of the Program Management Office, the Project Coordinator works within the Program Management Office (PMO) under close supervision to support administrative tasks/activities for multiple concurrent initiatives of varying size, including small, medium, and large complexity/scale projects/grants. This position is also responsible for providing administrative and analytical support to all projects in concert with the respective Project Managers to provide timely solutions within the schedule, budget, and quality.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.

Essential Functions

The following section details the primary responsibilities and duties of the role and is not a comprehensive list. The Project Coordinator is expected to perform these duties in the normal course of work. Non essential responsibilities, those considered peripheral, incidental or a minimal part of the job, are not specified in this section.

• Administratively support multiple initiatives (projects/grants) ranging in size from small to medium and large, from project initiation to closure.
• Effectively manage multiple competing projects and shifting priorities with guidance from the Project Manager.
• Responsible for ensuring day-to-day project support for multiple project plans and teams working on the various work areas identified.
• Effectively communicate project status to, and manage expectations of, team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Understand and assist with communicating project team deliverables to ensure quality and adherence to internal standards.
• Learn and establish relationships with customers to understand their needs,
• Regularly track projects, manage project risks and impact of changes, and proactively communicate risk of issues escalation to the appropriate Project Manager.
• Run ad-hoc reports and develop standard reports in order to establish metrics for teams and to ensure performance against metrics is tracked, measured, and socialized on a regular basis.
• Analyze trends and consolidate data/information for review with the primary Project Manager to drive data-driven decisions.
• Work collaboratively with all teams to ensure workload is appropriately assigned and resource constraints are identified.
• Provide feedback and make recommendations to management on process improvements, technology, training requirements, etc.
• Develop and maintain a productive relationship with CENIC associates, providers of goods and services, and industry partners.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Key Success Factors

• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, with a strong ability to influence others.
• Ability to work cross-functionally for deliverables across multiple workgroups.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good presentation skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to consider, understand, and prioritize security (and privacy, where applicable) principles, practices, and procedures in all aspects of your role with CENIC.
  
  

Required Education And/Or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant work experience may be considered in place of a degree.
  
  

Preferred Education And/Or Experience

• Experience with project coordination is preferred.
• Experience with project management principles preferred.
• Experience with vendor management preferred.
• Experience with network technology preferred.
• Telecommunications industry experience preferred.
• Experience in a university/research environment preferred.
  
  

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment with standard office equipment, including computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Work Hours

The regular workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., depending on the schedule set by the Manager, PMO.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasionally, some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required depending on CENIC’s business needs.

Work Authorization

Documented Proof of identity and legal eligibility to work in the United States.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Why work at CENIC?

• Company Culture: Small teams and a collaborative environment provide the opportunity to make a large impact in a small organization.
• Community Engagement: We work with research and education institutions in the largest state economy in the United States. The work you do has meaning.
• Health Benefits: We have generous medical benefits as well as dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Paid Time Off: We offer liberal vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• Investment in Your Future: CENIC contributes to your 403(b) even if you don't. We also offer matching contributions on top of that.