Job Description
A large IT department often has multiple projects running at once, and it needs Project Managers to take charge of them. Project Managers plan and oversee projects and make sure they’re finished on time and on budget. They designate the resources needed for a project, create the project’s budget, and keep stakeholders informed about the progress of the project. Project Managers must ensure that their team works coherently and swiftly to accomplish their goals.
An IT Project Manager needs to have some technical expertise. However, many companies value skills like leadership, budgeting, and a knowledge of different project and program management methodologies. Project Managers must work closely with stakeholders within the company to ensure their assigned projects are operating within the company’s strategic goals.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
- Coordinate internal resources and third parties/vendors for the flawless execution of projects
- Ensure resource availability and allocation
- Perform risk management to minimize project risks
- Measure project performance using appropriate tools and techniques
- Coordinate cross-project activities
- Develop and control deadlines, budgets, and activities
Education and Background
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field. Employers prefer job candidates who have a master’s degree as well as Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Skills and Competencies
- Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Thorough understanding of project/program management techniques and methods
- Working knowledge of program/project management software (Basecamp, MS Project, etc.)
Compensation
According to Payscale the median annual salary of an IT Project Manager with
1 Year of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $85,000
- Tampa, Florida: $80,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $75,000
- Miami, Florida: $76,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $85,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $80,000
- Houston, Texas: $75,000
- Los Angeles, California: $88,000
- New York City, New York: $86,000
- Seattle, Washington: $90,000
- Overall: $82,000
5 Years of Experience:
- Orlando, Florida: $103,000
- Tampa, Florida: $100,000
- Jacksonville, Florida: $95,000
- Miami, Florida: $100,000
- Atlanta, Georgia: $100,000
- Chicago, Illinois: $115,000
- Houston, Texas: $110,000
- Los Angeles, California: $115,000
- New York City, New York: $110,000
- Seattle, Washington: $108,000
- Overall: $105,000
Similar Job Titles
- Implementation Project Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Project Expediter
- Project Director
- Project Leader
Career Path
The path to becoming an IT Project Manager starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in management or a related field. Employers prefer job candidates who have a master’s degree. However, Project Managers don’t always start from a technical or IT background. Companies say they’ve hired IT Project Managers with degrees utterly unrelated to the technology world — like English or history. The key for most Project Managers is an understanding of the lifecycle of a major project, leadership skills, management training, and knowledge of different project management techniques.
Many industry leaders say it’s essential for an IT Project Manager to have business acumen and a definite sense of the organization’s goals. Project Managers often work with stakeholders from many disciplines, both technical and non-technical, so an ability to work with people from different backgrounds is also essential. Companies also find it helpful for Project Managers to have their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which gives them a knowledge of multiple project management methods.
Position Trends
IT Project Managers should stay informed about automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in the years to come. Many companies are looking at automating various IT processes, especially when it comes to storing data.
Industry insiders also stress that becoming more flexible as an IT Project Manager will continue to be of paramount importance in the coming years. Technology has always been ever-changing, but it’s changing even more quickly, and companies are working to be more nimble when it comes to adopting new technologies.
Change management is another trend IT Project Managers will see in the coming years. Whether it’s getting larger, becoming more automated, getting leaner, or adopting more cloud-based solutions, industry thought leaders say IT Project Managers will need to become proactive about managing change within their organizations. They need to look for processes that can be improved and visualize how to streamline those processes.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Computer and Information Systems Manager field will grow 11 percent between 2018 and 2028. That’s much faster than average.
Typical Hours
The typical work hours in an office setting for an IT Project Manager are usually from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, some IT Project Managers might have to work more than 40 hours per week to create solutions for specific issues when they arise.
Where You Can Find Jobs
- 4 Corner Resources
- Career Builder
- Glassdoor
- Indeed
- Monster
- Zip Recruiter
- IT Career Finder
Are You Interested in Becoming an IT Project Manager?
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