New Job Strategic Project Director In South Dakota

This position is exempt from the Civil Service Act.

DHS provides a broad range of services and supports for individuals with disabilities. The Department is comprised of five divisions (Developmental Disabilities, Long Term Services & Supports, Rehabilitation Services, Services to the Blind & Visually Impaired and the SD Developmental Center).

DHS is looking for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to fulfill the duties of the strategic project director. As the strategic project director you will have the opportunity to:

• work in a high-risk, high-impact position;
• engage in a variety of activities that are not typical of an entry-level program position;
• lead and direct teams in various project manager functions;
• work in an organization that improves the lives of many South Dakotans.

The strategic project director is responsible for planning and overseeing multiple projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget. The strategic project director will plan and designate project resources, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders informed throughout the project. The strategic project director will ensure projects are aligned with the Department's mission of enhancing the quality of life of the elderly and people with disabilities in partnership with our stakeholders. The strategic project director will oversee from start to finish a variety of special projects both short-term and long-term. The strategic project director will work closely and collaboratively with DHS leadership, program staff, and external stakeholders. Projects will be assigned to the strategic project director as needed. The types of projects the strategic project director will oversee, or will assist with, may include projects related to strategic planning, intermediate care facility development, guardianship, program and service development and/or expansion, etc. The multitude of special projects that the strategic project director will be involved in will impact the lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities across South Dakota.

This position is responsible for the following functions:

• determine and define project scope and objectives;
• ensure compliance with applicable federal and state requirements, including rules and laws;
• predict resources needed to reach objectives and manage resources in an effective and efficient manner;
• track project costs in order to meet budget;
• develop and manage a detailed project schedule and work plan;
• provide project updates on a consistent basis to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress;
• manage multiple contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables and quality assurance;
• utilize industry best practices, techniques, and standards throughout entire project execution;
• monitor progress and make adjustments as needed;
• measure project performance to identify areas for improvement including potential policy changes which can affect administrative rule change;
• manages and directs the process to evaluate and monitor projects, including on-site monitoring and review;
• manages annual collection, analysis, write-up, review and submission of projects summary;
• coordinates with staff to guide progress, budget management and quality assurance;
• performs other duties as required.

This position has extensive contact with a myriad of federal, state, and local agencies/organizations to coordinate services, technical expertise, and to discuss issues and exchange information. The incumbent must be able to have crucial conversations with internal and external entities to meet objectives and to stay within the confides of budget and regulatory compliance.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• 
  Masters Degree in a Human Services or related field;
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification;
• significant project management and related experience;
• have the ability to understand business practices with leadership experience;
• Lean Six Sigma experience;
• experience seeing projects through the full life cycle;
• excellent analytical skills;
• strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful;
• must be able to work with little guidance and supervision;
• proven strong influential and leadership skills.

Knowledge of:

• project management software tools, methodologies, and best practices;
• monitoring procedures;
• complaint investigation processes and procedures;
• DHS organization, rules and functions;
• Federal Regulations pertaining to disabilities;
• State policies and procedures;
• accountability systems.

Ability to:

• prioritize job tasks;
• must be able to work under minimal supervision;
• work effectively with people/groups and of varying cultural backgrounds;
• interpret federal rules/regulations and explain to outside entities;
• provide management, mentorship and direction;
• analyze data and use for project planning;
• make accurate projections;
• multi task and function under stress;
• demonstrate superior communication and writing skills;
• complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline;
• solve problems creatively;
• build rapport with multi-dimensional teams.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE ELIGIBLE

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"