Senior Director of Project Management Office (PMO)

Senior Director of Project Management Office (PMO)

Senior Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for leading project delivery across the organization, ensuring timely and effective execution of major initiatives and strategic objectives. This role establishes and oversees the institution's project management frameworks, coordinating cross-functional efforts to achieve high-impact results. The ideal candidate brings extensive expertise in project governance, resource, and risk management, and change management in complex institutional settings. They will lead a team of project professionals, drive alignment with key performance indicators (KPIs), and provide senior leadership with critical insights into project progress and outcomes. A skilled communicator and facilitator, the jobholder will foster strong working relationships across departments and with external partners, advancing the institution's objectives in civic engagement and cultural innovation. All project planning and execution will be firmly aligned with the institution's mission and values.

Roles and Responsibilities Strategy and Planning

• Develop project strategy, timelines, and institutional KPIs
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic vision for the PMO that aligns with the museum's mission and long-term goals
• Budget Management
• Develop, allocate and monitor resources in collaboration with Finance and HR
• Policies, Processes, and Procedures
• Establish and enforce project governance frameworks and protocols to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations

Budget Management

• Develop, allocate and monitor resources in collaboration with Finance and HR

Policies, Processes, and Procedures

• Establish and enforce project governance frameworks and protocols to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations
• Live by the institution's values, ethical standards, and governance

Functional Accountabilities

• Oversee the coordination of cross-departmental initiatives including exhibitions, programs, and systems roll-outs
• Oversee the Master Timeline and ensure integration across projects
• Negotiate vendor and partner agreements in collaboration with Legal and Procurement
• Ensure compliance, delivery on time and budget, and performance reporting
• Embed continuous improvement through lessons learned and review cycles
• Maintain high standards of accountability and service delivery
• Support interdepartmental coordination to meet the evolving operational needs of the institution
• Monitor project performance against established KPIs, preparing regular reports for the executive team and board of trustees on progress, challenges, and opportunities
• Champion innovation in project management practices by integrating emerging technologies and tools that enhance project tracking and reporting
• Contribute to the development of organizational-wide policies that promote sustainability and social responsibility within projects
• Establish the institution as a leader in project management within the cultural sector and represent it at industry conferences and forums

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Senior Directors, Directors and stakeholders to prioritize projects, allocate resources efficiently, and increase efficiency of project delivery across the institution
• Drive stakeholder engagement initiatives across the institution, ensuring all parties are aligned with project goals and objectives and have a voice in project decisions

People Management

• Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures
• Guide, mentor, and develop the Digital Production Unit team to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives
• Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations
• Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability
• Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the museum's values
• Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace
• Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section

Job Qualifications and Requirements Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in project management, with at least 3 years in a senior role within a cultural institution or nonprofit organization
• Experience in contract management and institutional reporting
• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale, complex projects with comprehensive budgets
• Deep knowledge of industry-standard project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, Lean) and expertise in tailoring these methodologies to fit the unique needs of a museum environment
• Extensive experience in change management and organizational transformation strategies, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and process improvement
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data to drive strategic decision-making and identify areas for improvement in project outcomes
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget creation, forecasting, cost management, and ensuring financial sustainability of projects
• Working knowledge of art and cultural management practices, trends, and challenges faced by museums and similar cultural institutions
• Exceptional leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring and developing project management teams to enhance skills and performance
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leaders and board members
• Familiarity with legal and compliance issues related to public institutions and nonprofit organizations, including contract management

Education and Certifications

• An advanced degree in project management, arts administration, organizational leadership, or a related field; a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable
• A bachelor's degree in business administration, project management or MIS is required. A master's degree in these fields is strongly preferred

Personal capabilities and qualifications

• Analytical, structured, collaborative, and committed to delivery excellence
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with an ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics
• Proficient in project management software and tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA, Asana, Trello) to enhance project tracking and collaboration
• Strong negotiation skills with an aptitude for forging strategic partnerships and alliances that support project outcomes
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, fostering effective communication and collaboration across diverse teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Skilled in budget management and financial oversight, maintaining a balance between project initiatives and resource constraints
• Advanced analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and identifying key performance trends to inform project strategies
• Enthusiastic advocate for the arts and cultural heritage, understanding the institution's role within the community and its impact on social dynamics

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Project Management

Industries

• Human Resources Services and Museums