IT Portfolio Manager

Job Description

Office of Information Technology

Annual Salary Range: $123,747 - $164,976

FLSA Exempt / Non-Union Represented

This position allows for up to four days of remote work per week

About the Office

The Office of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for applications, infrastructure, and data security support to further the goals and mission of the State Bar.

Definition

Under general direction, the IT Portfolio Manager develops, oversees, and maintains the IT portfolio strategy to align with the organization's business goals and objectives. The role establishes and oversees all Project Management Office (PMO) functions, including project governance, standards, methodologies, and reporting. The IT Portfolio Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the activities of the Project Management team to ensure resource availability and the successful execution of technology projects, while supporting the mission and operations of the State Bar.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The IT Portfolio Manager is distinguished from an IT Director I by its responsibility for directly managing and directing projects, personnel, vendors, contractors, and resources involved in the successful projection, tracking, risk identification, and delivery of technology projects. This position ensures that all activities and functions of the assigned unit(s) are completed in alignment with the procedures, policies, and standards of the State Bar. Additionally, the role is characterized by its focus on establishing project management standards, methodologies, and adoption of tools for success delivery of technology projects.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and maintain an IT portfolio strategy aligned with the organization's business objectives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, priorities, and resources.
• Collaborate with State Bar leadership to evaluate, prioritize, and select IT projects, using feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to support decision-making.
• Establish and oversee PMO functions, including governance frameworks, project standards, methodologies, and reporting, to ensure consistent execution and compliance with organizational policies.
• Manage and mentor a team of Project Managers, fostering professional development and ensuring effective resource allocation across projects.
• Provide governance and oversight of projects, ensuring timely completion within approved scope, budgets, and objectives.
• Optimize financial and technological resource allocation across the portfolio, addressing capacity challenges and enhancing efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including sponsors, vendors, and partners, ensuring key stakeholders remain engaged throughout the project lifecycle.
• Plan, implement, and control the delivery of core technology projects and portfolios in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies for efficient and realistic project planning, ensuring alignment with agency priorities and available resources.
• Oversee project and portfolio methodologies, developing strategies and operational priorities that align with the State Bar's goals and policies.
• Collaborate on system-related budgets and maintenance plans, ensuring cost-effective resource utilization.
• Lead the design and optimization of project and portfolio management tools and processes, recommending robust standards to support decision-making.
• Monitor and report on portfolio performance, establishing KPIs to track trends, service levels, and financial outcomes while identifying and mitigating risks.
• Lead demand management processes to ensure a streamlined intake, prioritization, and initiation of technology-related work.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance portfolio management processes, integrating lessons learned to drive future improvements.
• Design and deliver training programs for Product and Project Managers to enhance their skills in project execution, risk management, change management, stakeholder communication, and other related competencies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, strategic planning, program and policy development, implementation, project management, and budget administration.
• Personnel management, including employee supervision (work planning, task assignment, performance review, evaluation, and staff training), conflict resolution strategies, and practices relevant to unionized environments.
• Strategic analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs in governmental, legal, judicial, or related environments.
• Principles and techniques for fostering teamwork, facilitating smooth group interactions, and maintaining effective customer relationships.
• Methods for preparing technical reports, administrative documents, business correspondence, and general communication.
• Effective use of modern business tools, including communication equipment and software for project coordination, program management, and task tracking.
• Expertise in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and governance frameworks.
• Proficiency with project and portfolio management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet).
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a focus on continuous improvement and achieving measurable results.
• Organizational behavior principles, including effective conflict resolution and techniques for managing diverse teams.

Ability to:

• Provide leadership and management for State Bar technology programs, initiatives, and departmental operations.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards aligned with the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise expert independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Select, supervise, and develop staff to ensure effective performance and continuous professional growth.
• Adapt to constantly changing priorities and environments, implementing effective courses of action as needed.
• Keep abreast of rapidly evolving IT practices and ensure compliance with applicable laws and standards.
• Analyze enterprise business, operational, and technology needs to formulate efficient and cost-effective solutions.
• Evaluate and recommend innovative IT solutions for complex business and operational challenges.
• Facilitate consensus among diverse stakeholders and provide expert advice to collaboratively address complex issues.
• Communicate proposals, recommendations, and solutions clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
• Build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships at all organizational levels and with the public.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy when addressing sensitive and complex issues.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality in all professional interactions and departmental operations.
• Act with integrity and uphold ethical standards in all State Bar activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in computer science, information technology management, or a related field.
• Master's degree is preferred and may substitute for up to two (2) years of experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years in IT portfolio management, with a proven track record of managing large-scale projects and programs. Demonstrated experience leading teams and implementing PMO frameworks in a mid-sized or large organization.
• Minimum of three (3) years of management or supervisory experience, including personnel administration and budget management.

License, Certificate, Registration Requirements:

• None required.

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar's selection process for this classification.

About the State Bar

The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.

Our Values

Clarity | Investing in Our People | Excellence | Respect | Growth Mindset

Learn more about our values.

DEI Statement

We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all of our employees and prospective employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Learn more about our commitment to DEI.

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• The State Bar of California

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