Project Manager 3 - Lansing, MI - Local candidates only.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager 3 to provide oversight, leadership, accountability, and project management for large, strategic, high-visibility projects and programs.

The position will support complex initiatives involving diverse stakeholders, vendors, multiple integrated schedules, and significant organizational risk. The Project Manager will work closely with executive leadership and ensure projects align with established project management methodologies, organizational priorities, and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Manage stakeholder and vendor engagement, including executive-level communication and monthly sponsor meetings to provide project health updates.

Serve as the central point of coordination between product owners, development leadership, and business stakeholders to ensure clarity around release scope and expectations.

Provide project planning, staffing, reporting, and oversight throughout the complete project lifecycle, from initiation through closeout.

Apply established project management methodologies and organizational project prioritization processes.

Develop long-term release plans aligned with organizational direction and strategic priorities.

Monitor project budget, quality, schedule, scope, risks, and dependencies.

Identify, manage, and escalate project issues and risks to appropriate leadership.

Establish and improve work intake models, governance structures, operational procedures, and execution processes.

Take ownership of program and operational functions while working independently with minimal direction.

Facilitate working sessions, build consensus, resolve competing priorities, and negotiate outcomes across multiple teams.

Coordinate with development and project management teams to ensure successful delivery of project objectives.

Perform project quality control activities to ensure scope and stakeholder expectations are met.

Contribute to the overall objectives and operational needs of the organization.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of experience working effectively within matrixed team environments.

5+ years of experience resolving complex, high-priority conflicts and competing requirements.

5+ years of experience applying project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.

5+ years of experience with system development methodologies for building new systems and enhancing existing information systems.

5+ years of experience effectively communicating stakeholder needs.

5+ years of experience communicating across teams, building consensus, facilitating working sessions, and negotiating outcomes.

5+ years of experience managing stakeholder relationships, maintaining positive interactions, and resolving issues.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working in a government or public-sector environment.

Experience serving in multiple relevant roles such as Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Coordinator, or similar project leadership/support positions.

Experience managing large, complex, high-visibility projects involving multiple stakeholders and vendors.

Experience establishing governance, intake, prioritization, and operational processes in ambiguous environments.

Experience communicating project status, risks, issues, and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders.