Senior Director of Planning and Management

Penn State University; University Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 233,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Senior Director of Planning and Management to lead four integrated functions within Penn State IT’s Optimized Service Team. This role reports to the Deputy CIO and ensures service delivery is well-governed, vendor-optimized, and built on consistent standards.

The position leads PMO, Business Operations, Vendor Management, and Service Standards, influencing IT strategy and cross-functional collaboration across the institution and its campuses.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience, including 5+ years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead project and program delivery governance by establishing project management standards and monitoring performance and risk.
• Lead IT communications strategy with consistent messaging across stakeholders.
• Manage business operations and administrative support services for leadership and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead enterprise vendor and contract management including sourcing, negotiation, and governance.
• Define, maintain, and evolve IT service management and operating standards.

Skills

Progressive leadership

Cross-functional teams

Strategic initiatives

ITSM

Vendor management

Communication skills

Standards adoption

Analytical skills

Education

Master’s Degree

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

As part of the Penn State IT’s Optimized Service Team project, IT is implementing a new operating model designed to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency and collaboration across the university. Penn State is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as the Senior Director of Planning and Management.

The Senior Director of Planning and Management will lead four integrated functions that enable Penn State’s service-optimized IT operating model: theProject Management Office (PMO),Business Operations,Vendor and Contract Management, andService Standards. Reporting to the Deputy CIO, this role provides the operational backbone — project delivery governance, communications, administrative support, vendor strategy, and the practice standards that define how key IT roles (including Service Owners, Service Managers, and IT Strategic Partners) operate across the institution.

This is an operational leadership position that ensures Penn State IT’s service delivery is well-governed, professionally communicated, vendor-optimized, and built on consistent standards. Critically, the Service Standards function within this role helps to define the frameworks and practice standards for IT Service Management, service owners and managers, and IT Strategic Partners, making this role a foundational standard-setter for the broader IT operating model.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead project and program delivery governance by establishing project management standards, enabling adaptive delivery models, aligning execution with institutional priorities, monitoring delivery performance and risk, and providing actionable portfolio and project insights to support informed decision-making across Penn State IT.

• Lead IT communications strategy by ensuring consistent, professional, and timely messaging; coordinating communications across stakeholders; and providing communication frameworks and resources for Service Owners and IT Strategic Partners.

• Manage business operations and administrative support services by overseeing administrative teams, operational processes, meeting and event logistics, documentation, and workflows that support Penn State IT leadership and organizational effectiveness.

• Lead enterprise vendor and contract management by overseeing strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, vendor performance, compliance, risk mitigation, and lifecycle governance, while providing vendor intelligence and fostering innovation-oriented partnerships that support Penn State IT’s strategic priorities.

• Define, maintain, and evolve IT service management and operational practice standards by establishing ITSM frameworks, service delivery processes, performance measures, competency models, and operating expectations that support consistent, high-quality service delivery across the organization.

• Govern and enable standards adoption by providing assessment tools, maturity models, training, guidance, and practitioner-focused resources that support consistent implementation, compliance, and continuous improvement across Penn State IT.

• Build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams by recruiting, mentoring, and developing talent across PMO, Business Operations, Vendor Management, and Service Standards while fostering operational excellence and a service-minded culture.

• Enable the success of Service Owners and IT Strategic Partners by providing delivery support, communications, vendor intelligence, role practice standards, and collaborative governance that promotes alignment, information sharing, and customer-centric service delivery across Penn State IT.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates will demonstrate strength across several of the following areas:

• Progressive leadership experience in IT operations, service management, program/project management, business operations, vendor management, or related functions.

• Demonstrated success leading and developing cross-functional teams in a complex organizational environment.

• Experience partnering with senior leaders and stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

• Strong knowledge of IT service management (ITSM), governance, service delivery, and organizational best practices.

• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and performance metrics.

• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Proven ability to establish standards, promote adoption, and drive continuous improvement across diverse stakeholder groups.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree10+ years of relevant experience, includes 5+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

LOCATION

These positions follow a hybrid work model with some remote work flexibility. A weekly on-site presence at the University Park campus will be required. Occasional travel to Commonwealth Campuses and other Penn State locations may be required.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $150,204.00 - $232,776.00.

Salary Structure- Information on Penn State’s salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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