Infrastructure Project Manager

Our client, a University in Boston, looking for a contract Infrastructure Manager to handle an ongoing project, which has already kicked off, and involves two initiatives:

• Switching out network equipment throughout different buildings
• Updating wireless access throughout different buildings

This is a full-time (40 hrs a week), long-term (12 months), hybrid contract assignment, working 4 days at the Boston school campus and 1 day working remotely.

This role is responsible for driving the successful delivery of large-scale, complex IT projects and programs that support the university’s strategic priorities. The Manager will lead cross-functional teams, manage diverse stakeholder expectations, and ensure that all initiatives are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget—while aligning to business value and user needs.

Key Requirements and insights

• Smartsheet is a must.
• Team size 30, mainly working with roughly 5-7 people.
• The role is focused on infrastructure and network.
• 5-6 years of experience.
• Higher ed industry a plus.
• Experience in delivering network projects.
• Possesses the adaptability and mindset to work effectively across both building and materials environments.
• Key attributes of an on-site working environment.
• Hands-on project manager responsible for resource and schedule management, adapting quickly to changing priorities.
• The project manager will have to travel to different parts of campus.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Project management training/certification preferred (e.g., PMP, Agile, PRINCE2).

Experience

• 5-6 years of progressive IT project management experience, including managing large, complex, cross-functional IT initiatives in matrixed organizations.
• Demonstrated experience in delivering enterprise-level technology projects, such as CRM, ERP, infrastructure, data integration, or cloud-based systems.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience engaging with business units, technical teams, and executive stakeholders to translate business needs into actionable project plans.
• Proven ability to lead diverse project teams, set direction, communicate vision, and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Experienced in navigating organizational change, managing competing priorities, and driving projects forward in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• A strong history of using data-driven insights to guide project planning and risk management.

PMO Knowledge and Skills

• Expert in project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, and hybrid approaches.
• Proficient with project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, ServiceNow, or Jira.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and resolve conflicts across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Deep understanding of business processes and IT alignment, with the ability to deliver measurable value.
• Skilled in resource planning and budgeting for large-scale projects.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in fast-paced environments.
• Good understanding of current and emerging technologies and how other enterprises are employing them to drive digital business.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence.

Infrastructure Knowledge and Skills

• Progressive work experience in network infrastructure; hands-on experience.
• Current RCDD desired, Inactive RCDD or RCDD LAN Specialist, Installer, Technician required.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Familiarity with blueprints, construction documentation and AutoCad
• Knowledge of BCSI Standards.
• Construction or related field experience.is a plus, though not required:
• Knowledge of cabling structures including fiber optic, copper, and coaxial.

Responsibilities 

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of multiple large and complex IT projects across departments, ensuring alignment with university priorities and strategies.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, milestones, scope statements, budgets, timelines, and resource allocations.
• Ensure project deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and on budget while maintaining high quality standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project activities, ensuring the currency, quality and integrity of information, while providing consistency in content.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as the liaison between technical teams, business units, and executive sponsors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Facilitate effective communication across cross-functional teams to ensure shared understanding of objectives, progress, and changes.
• Present project updates, risks, and performance metrics to governance groups and leadership.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide direction and support to cross-functional project teams, including internal staff and external vendors.
• Establish clear goals and responsibilities and promote accountability across team members.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, ownership, and problem-solving.

Monitoring, Reporting & Financial Oversight

• Track and report on project progress, milestones, risks, issues, and financials.
• Develop and publish status reports, prepare and modify schedules or plans as required.
• Ensure post-project evaluation, lessons learned, and knowledge documentation.
• Manage project budgets responsibly, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure financial accountability.

Management and coordination of Infrastructure Initiatives and Vendors

• Appoint and manage vendor/subcontractor projects such as installation and servicing cable (copper, coaxial, fiber-optic), optical, telecommunications and T1 networks as well as enterprise-wide, student residential and cabling networks such as NUnet, ResNet and HuskyCable.
• Review job reports constantly to track labor, material, and over-all job progress and status.
• Ensure quality of inventory and timely procurement and delivery of materials to jobsite.
• Coordinate installations of new networks and extensions of current network.
• Facilitate construction related technology relocation activities with external vendors, IS Customer Services and Northeastern departmental customer contact.
• Keep appropriate individuals informed of all installation and/or troubleshooting activities.