IT Project Manager - Senior Associate - Hybrid

Job Description

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

The IT Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering technology projects that support business and client objectives. This role leads project activities across the full project lifecycle, including project planning, requirements management, stakeholder communications, budget oversight, risk management, and operational transition. The IT Project Manager works closely with clients, business leaders, and technical teams to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with quality, security, and organizational standards.

This is a full-time position with a hybrid work arrangement at our corporate headquarters 2 days per week in Bethesda.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning and delivery of technology projects, including scope, schedule, budget, staffing, and deliverables.
• Coordinate and facilitate requirements gathering, analysis, documentation, and stakeholder approvals.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, risk registers, and issue logs.
• Implement project governance processes, including change control, risk management, issue management, and status reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, project leadership, and technical teams.
• Identify and mitigate project risks and issues, proactively communicating potential challenges to stakeholders.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among project teams and stakeholders.
• Define team roles and responsibilities and coordinate work across cross-functional teams.
• Monitor project budgets, resource utilization, and forecasted effort; recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure compliance with organizational standards, security requirements, contractual obligations, and project management best practices.
• Support project closeout activities and transition solutions to operations and maintenance teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, and methodologies.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field and relevant experience in IT project management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 9+ years of experience managing IT projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
• Experience managing software development, data analytics, cloud, infrastructure, or enterprise technology projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and resources.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional project teams.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with clients and business stakeholders.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies, including Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches.
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is strongly preferred.
• CAPM certification may be considered for candidates with strong project management experience.
• Experience supporting federal government clients and contracts.
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or other Agile certification preferred.
• Experience with requirements management, change management, and IT governance processes.
• Familiarity with SDLC methodologies, security requirements, and compliance frameworks.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
#LI-WST1 #HYBRID

• Pay Range: The anticipated salary range for this role is $97K - $130k and will be commensurate with experience.
• Bonus Eligibility: yes