Project management office (pmo) manager

Do you enjoy turning big ideas into results? Would you like to help decide which projects our organization takes on and how they get done? Are you excited by leading teams, building strong practices, and partnering with leaders to drive lasting change? At the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) we empower public workers to retire with confidence and as our Project Management Office (PMO) Manager, you’ll help make that happen. If you’re ready to turn your leadership into real results for our customers, this may be the ideal next step for you!

Applications received for this job opportunity will be reviewed immediately, so your prompt response is encouraged. The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time during the recruitment process.

Duties

We are looking for a PMO Manager to lead how DRS defines its strategic plan, manages its portfolio of projects, runs individual project management, and supports change. As a senior advisor to agency leadership, you will exercise expert judgment to guide the delivery of complex, cross-functional projects that improve customer experience, enhance team member effectiveness, and support the agency's long-term modernization goals.

Here is some of what you'll do:

• Lead the PMO. This means establishing goals, work standards, and expectations for project management, portfolio management, and organizational change management.
• Ensure PMO team members have the tools, training, and guidance needed to perform effectively.
• Oversee how projects are chosen, prioritized, resourced, and reported, and recommend the project priority order to the Executive Leadership Team.
• Partner with the agency’s Chief Information Officer to ensure the portfolio recommendations take into consideration the resource needs of other technology efforts.
• Set policies and standards for planning and running projects, and oversee project managers to ensure scheduling, risk management, governance, and reporting are consistent.
• Negotiate key project terms with the Executive Leadership Team, including scope, objectives, value, budget, timeline, constraints, resources, and risks.
• Oversee vendor performance, build strong relationships with vendor leadership, guide contract negotiations, and help resolve escalated vendor issues.
• Spot and resolve risks, dependencies, and issues that impact and raise decisions that require executive direction.
• Oversee organizational change management for agency projects and coach project sponsors on leading change, understanding its’ impacts, and helping people adopt it.
• Work with employers, external partners, and oversight bodies (e.g., OCIO, OFM) to ensure alignment on project impacts, timelines, and readiness.
• Facilitate the agency's strategic planning process, including planning sessions and monitoring progress toward strategic plan goals and initiatives.

Schedule and Telework Information

The incumbent of this position may be eligible to work a flexible, compressed and/or alternate work week schedule. Any schedule of other than 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, is at the discretion of the team leader and must be approved by the Appointing Authority. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary to perform key processes and/or updates outside of standard business hours.

After effectively demonstrating the ability to perform work independently, incumbent may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, at the discretion of the Appointing Authority and with a telework agreement in place. The ability to work remotely is dependent on the nature of the tasks and projects assigned and the presence of a remote work environment that is safe and has an appropriate level of reliable connectivity.

You must live within a reasonable commuting distance to the DRS building in Tumwater, WA, and must be willing and able to adjust your telework schedule, whenever necessary, to complete work assignments, attend mandatory meetings, trainings, etc., at the DRS facility.

Qualifications

What we’re looking for (required qualifications): Experience for qualifications can be gained through various combinations of professional employment, education, and volunteer/personal experience. Experience can be concurrent:

• Demonstrated experience of enterprise project and portfolio management practices, including the ability to independently evaluate proposed initiatives, assess agency capacity, and recommend prioritization and sequencing strategies.
• Applied knowledge of structured project management and governance methodologies, with the ability to tailor frameworks, standards, and tools to meet agency needs and statewide requirements.
• Ability to integrate project, portfolio, and governance activities across divisions, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, resource constraints, and organizational readiness.
• Experience advising executives, sponsors, and division leaders on project viability, risk mitigation, investment decisions, and the timing and impact of major initiatives. The above is typically gained from a minimum of six (6) years of professional experience.

The following education and experience are not required but will set you apart:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), or an equivalent project management credential.
• Experience leading project governance activities using PMI-based frameworks, with the ability to tailor processes to agency needs, statewide requirements, and varying levels of project complexity.
• Proven ability to mentor project managers and team members in industry recognized standards and practices, building skills, and consistency in project delivery.

In addition, all qualified applicants should have demonstrated proficiency in the following competency areas:

• Leading Others - Provides for and fosters a work environment that emphasizes the coaching, development, motivation, recognition, and accountability of others.
• Project Management - Directs and integrates all aspects of a major business transformation project, ensuring that work progresses toward achieving established goals and objectives.
• Priority Setting - Spends time on what is important; easily identifies what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal and works to eliminate roadblocks.
• Collaborative Leadership - Promotes and generates cooperation among peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome.
• Judgment - Displays balanced thinking that combines data-based analysis, experience, and perspective while also considering decision impacts.
• Organizational Agility - Understands the formal and informal structures within an organization and operates effectively within them.
• Learning and Growth - Demonstrates a growth mindset by actively seeking opportunities to learn, improve, and expand capabilities.
• Meeting the Needs of Others - Demonstrates empathy, flexibility, and responsiveness when interacting with customers, colleagues, and community members.

Supplemental Information

Be sure to read this entire section – We promise, it’ll be helpful! Be sure to complete all sections of the on-line application and answer all supplemental questions. The work history section of the on-line application should be completed fully. Application fields that say "see resume/attachment" will not be considered.

To be considered for this position, please attach the following to your online application: A cover letter describing why you are interested in this role and how your knowledge, skills and abilities align with the job duties and qualifications of this position. A chronological resume outlining your experience to-date. Please keep in mind that professional or verifiable volunteer experience may be relevant.

References, Personnel File Review, and Background Checks

DRS requires at least two professional references including a professional reference from your current or most recent supervisor. If you are a current or recent state employee, we will also review your personnel file as part of our selection process; Final job offers will be contingent upon completion of a background check that includes a criminal record review.

Work Authorization

Candidates who are offered a job with DRS must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future; DRS complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

DRS does not use E-Verify

; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov. Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Certified Candidate Pool

This recruitment may be used to fill similar future vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Why Work for DRS?

At DRS, we are one team. We administer eight public retirement systems, 15 retirement plans, and the Deferred Compensation Program, and we serve over 930,000 current and former public employees in Washington. Our customers include fire fighters, teachers and school employees, state and local government employees, and public safety and law enforcement officers.

Regardless of what our specific duties may be, we are all dedicated to one purpose: ensuring our members have the information, tools, expertise and services that ensure they receive the retirement benefits earned while in public service. We foster a diverse and inclusive environment where team members are fully engaged and supported in meeting (and exceeding) our customers’ expectations.

All DRS leaders are focused on providing the coaching, mentoring, resources and support that team members need to be successful. DRS offers a generous benefits package that includes membership in the Public Employees Retirement System, health, dental and vision coverage and participation in the Deferred Compensation Program. Also, as a public service employee you may also be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

(See the Benefits tab at the top of this post for more information). Other perks include: Flexible work schedules, Infants at Work Program, Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for professional growth, Access to LinkedIn Learning, Commitment to team member safety and wellness, Community involvement and charitable giving opportunities, Commute Trip Reduction Program, Free Parking & and EV Chargers available.

Veteran's Preference:

Applicants wishing to claim Veteran's Preference should attach a copy of their DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or redact any personally identifiable information such as social security numbers and year of birth.

For additional information on Veteran's Preference and guidance on how to determine if you are eligible, click here.

The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. DRS does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

If you need assistance with the online application or have questions regarding the recruitment, please contact Human Resource office at drs.recruitment@drs.wa.gov. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this announcement in an alternate format, may call the Human Resources Office at (360) 664-7309 or TTY Relay Service at 711.

Come join the DRS team!