IT Project Manager

About the American College of Surgeons

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is a professional and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. For more information, visit .

Summary:

Responsible for planning, managing, and executing IT software development projects across business units, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders. Works with program sponsors, IT teams, and vendors to define project scope, create work plans, and oversee the full development life cycle. Manages resources, budgets, risks, and training to deliver quality results. Collaborates with business analysts and developers to define technical solutions and drive process improvements. Ensures cross-divisional collaboration, fosters trusted relationships with stakeholders, and facilitates efficient project execution for customer satisfaction.

This exempt level position will report to the Senior Manager, IT Strategic Projects in the Division of Information Technology. It is based in our Chicago office and is a hybrid role: 3 days per week in the office/2 days per week remote.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Project and Scope Management
  • Manage IT software implementation projects, establishing project scope and charters, and identifying measurable success factors with division project sponsors and IT management.
  • Handle multiple projects with competing deadlines, resources, and priorities, with support from the Sr. Manager IT Strategic Projects.
• RFP and Vendor Management
  • Oversee the RFP process for 3rd party software solutions and professional services, from preparation to contract completion.
  • Manage vendor relationships, budgets, and communication in partnership with the vendor's project manager.
• Planning and Execution
  • Build baseline project plans, identify resource requirements, and negotiate staff alignment for successful project delivery.
  • Execute projects following software implementation life cycle methods, ensuring decision making and support for team members.
• Risk and Change Management
  • Assess project risks, identify contingencies, and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project life cycle.
  • Manage change processes within project scope, ensuring stakeholders understand the impact on timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Collaboration and Solution Design
  • Work with IT business and programmer analysts to define requirements, solution design, and technical approach.
  • Manage the design, development, quality assurance, training, testing, and acceptance processes to meet project objectives.
• Communication and Reporting
  • Establish communication plans and meeting schedules to keep stakeholders informed.
  • Prepare and present reports and project presentations, maintaining effective communication and relationships with team members.
• Process Improvement and Other Duties
  • Contribute to process and methodology improvements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring all tasks align with project goals and objectives.

Required Education and/or Experience:

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university is preferred.
• Experience:
  • Significant experience in software development project management, 4+ years preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced software development setting transitioning from traditional waterfall to hybrid methodologies (waterfall-agile).
  • Experience supporting teams through process shifts and organizational change.
  • Industry experience in associations, professional services, healthcare, nonprofit, and/or education is desired.
  • Specific software experience with Aptify software (or similar association management databases) is a plus.
• Training and Certification:
  • Familiarity with project management tools such as MS Office 365, Microsoft Project, Monday.com, Visio or Azure DevOps is preferred.
  • Training in both waterfall and agile project management methods is preferred.
  • Project Management Certification (PMP) is a plus.
• Additional Skills:
  • Must be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and confidently with users, team members, and senior management. Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
  • Excellent problem solving and decision making skills.
  • Ability to interpret business rules and requirements to translate into solutions.
  • Ability to independently gain an understanding of our processes and systems to ensure effective project management and informed decision making.
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • A commitment to continuous learning and self-directed research will greatly contribute to success in this role.

Physical/Work Environment: Fast paced with significant people interaction. No lifting over 20 pounds, minimal reaching bending and stooping. Normal office environment with long hours in front of the computer.

Other Necessary Requirements: Evening or weekend duties may be required. Minimal travel for activities such as out of town meetings is required.

The American College of Surgeons is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to or call (312) 202 5000 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities