Reporting Project Manager

University of California - Santa Cruz; California (MO); Remote; USD 99,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university is seeking a Project Manager to oversee project management systems and engage with key stakeholders. The role requires significant project management experience and proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, and Confluence. The position is fully remote, offering a budgeted salary between $99,040 - $106,400 annually, with full benefits and a full-time commitment to effectively manage projects.

Qualifications

• Significant experience applying project management theory to practice.
• Experience promoting collaboration across staff.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a significant member account.
• Manage efforts with stakeholders to document project management needs.
• Lead cross-team feasibility analyses and develop execution strategies.

Skills

Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence)

Clear and effective written communication

Organizational skills

Leadership and collaboration

Problem-solving in decision-making

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience/training

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Overview

Job ID: 81723 • Location: Remote • Full Time

JOB POSTING

This position works remotely requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

How to Apply

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

IRD for this job: 10/27/2025

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It is known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA.

Department Overview

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 12 states and territories. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension. Our work emphasizes high-quality assessment systems that support teachers and students, with input from educators, researchers, policymakers, and communities.

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and practical Silicon Valley culture.

Job Summary

The Project Manager (PM) is a seasoned professional who combines deep project management expertise with a strong focus on customer service and stakeholder engagement. The PM understands multiple project management frameworks (e.g., Waterfall, Agile) and tailors approaches to projects of varying scope, complexity, and team composition. The PM serves as the primary liaison for a key consortium member in support of their use of the Smarter Balanced assessment reporting system, and manages the full project lifecycle to ensure that member needs are understood, communicated, and met. The incumbent fosters a service-oriented culture, resolves issues with empathy and efficiency, and maintains high levels of satisfaction across all touchpoints.

The PM applies practices to navigate risks, issues, and change, leads cross-functional teams, manages project documentation, and ensures timely delivery of milestones with transparency and accountability.

Appointment Information

Budgeted Salary: $99,040 - $106,400/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004473 (PROJECT MGT PROFL 3) - Grade 23

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

Job Duties

• 20% - Member Liaison for Reporting Team • Serve as the primary and dedicated point of contact for a significant member account; receive and process the customer's request; address questions and resolve issues; document actions, progress, outcomes and satisfaction.

• 40% - Services for Internal and External Customers • Manage efforts with stakeholders to document project management needs and services; determine methodology (waterfall, Agile, or hybrid); understand project goals, vernacular, and workflows; support development, execution, and monitoring of vendor contracts; maintain transparent systems (e.g., Jira); support meeting agendas, notes, and action items; lead project meetings; lead change management; serve as primary contact for general member inquiries and status updates.

• 40% - General Project Management • Lead cross-team feasibility analyses; work with product management to develop execution strategies; facilitate stakeholder understanding of requirements and deliverables; manage project charters and requirements; develop schedules; identify risks and mitigation; manage budget and progress; maintain documentation; present monthly status reports; continuously improve processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience/training
• Significant experience applying project management theory to practice; adapt methods to achieve goals
• Experience using project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence)
• Experience promoting collaboration across staff
• Clear and effective written communication with all stakeholders
• Excellent listening and verbal communication skills
• Proven leadership and collaboration skills
• Effective presentation skills (virtual and in-person)
• Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to develop and manage customer relations and obtain feedback
• Ability to learn project vernacular and understand alignment with business strategies
• Attention to detail; risk identification and contingency planning
• Ability to listen, ask questions, and communicate persuasively
• Effective judgment, problem-solving, and resource use in decision-making
• Skill at tracking effort and project progress

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience planning deliverables that meet contract terms
• Familiarity with assessment development cycles, educational measurement, and K-12 compliance
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Special Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment criminal history background check
• Employment misconduct disclosure process
• Ability to work long periods at a computer; remote office requirements
• Occasional evenings and weekends; national travel
• Compliance training and vaccination policy adherence
• Data protection and privacy responsibilities

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, finalists must disclose any misconduct findings or investigations from the last seven years, per UC policies.

• Misconduct includes violations of policies prohibiting harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct; see UC Sexual Violence and Harassment Policy, UC Anti-Discrimination Policy, and Abusive Conduct in the Workplace.

Safety Statement

All UCSC employees must follow safety procedures, attend required training, promote safety, and report accidents or injuries.

Notice of Availability

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASFSR) is available at the Clery Act compliance site. A paper copy can be requested from the UCSC Police Department.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics. It is the policy to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts in compliance with federal and state obligations.