Virginia Commonwealth University
Special Projects Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Work at Virginia Commonwealth University
Overview
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Overview
Special Projects Manager
Benefits of working at VCU
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.
Job Code 18912
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req8023
Unit Procurement Operations MBU
Department
Department Website Link https://procurement.vcu.edu/
Location VCU
Address 912 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities
The VCU Procurement Services department has an exciting opportunity for a Special Projects Manager to join our team!
VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
Summary:
The Special Projects Manager serves as a strategic partner in ensuring that travel processes align with institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and cost-efficiency standards. The Special Project Manager will collaborate with the Travel & Expense/Purchase Card Manager, internal departments, external vendors, and senior leadership to develop and implement streamlined procedures, and promote policy compliance.
This is a restricted, 2-year term position with an expected end date of July 31, 2027. Continuation of the role beyond this date may be possible, contingent upon the business need and the availability of ongoing funding.
Typical Duties:
Project Initiation & Planning: Define travel-related project goals, scope, and deliverables. Identify stakeholders and develop detailed project plans, including budgets and timelines. Conduct risk assessments and establish communication strategies to ensure project success. Project Execution & Management:
Review and enhance existing travel policies and procedures. Oversee vendor contracts and support procurement-related negotiations. Develop and implement travel and expense strategies to drive process improvements. Monitor project performance and maintain documentation throughout the project lifecycle. Monitoring & Control:
Create key performance indicators (KPIs) for use by the Travel and Expense Team, CorpCard and Contracts: Monitor travel program performance using metrics like booking tool adoption, policy compliance, traveler satisfaction, and advance bookings. Analyze travel data: Leverage data analytics to identify trends, optimize spending patterns, and improve the effectiveness of travel arrangements. Stay updated on industry trends, travel advisories, and best practices to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. Project Closeout:
Complete financial reconciliation, documentation, and final reporting. Conduct post-project evaluations and implement lessons learned into future initiatives. Recommend and implement policy updates based on project outcomes. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of ten years of experience in the travel, expense, or compliance industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong project management skills: Including planning, organization, time management, budgeting, and risk management. Travel industry knowledge: Understanding of corporate travel management, travel policies, and industry practices. Excellent communication and negotiation skills: Effective communication with stakeholders and strong negotiation abilities with vendors. Problem-solving and adaptability: Ability to handle unexpected challenges and adjust strategies as needed. Technological proficiency: Familiarity with travel booking systems, expense management tools, and data analytics platforms. Customer service focus: Commitment to optimizing travel experiences for employees and providing excellent customer service. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to effectively guide and support a travel team in the execution of projects. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work with minimal supervision. Project Management experience. Proficient in Excel, and RealSource/Jaeger, Chrome River. Knowledge of Banner preferred.
FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 100
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range $90,000 - $115,000
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 8/7/2025
Contact Information for Candidates
Documents Needed to Apply Resume, Cover Letter
Benefits of working at VCU
All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.
Job Code 18912
Recruitment Pool All Applicants
Posting Number req8023
Unit Procurement Operations MBU
Department
Department Website Link https://procurement.vcu.edu/
Location VCU
Address 912 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23284 USA
Duties & Responsibilities
The VCU Procurement Services department has an exciting opportunity for a Special Projects Manager to join our team!
VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
Summary:
The Special Projects Manager serves as a strategic partner in ensuring that travel processes align with institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and cost-efficiency standards. The Special Project Manager will collaborate with the Travel & Expense/Purchase Card Manager, internal departments, external vendors, and senior leadership to develop and implement streamlined procedures, and promote policy compliance.
This is a restricted, 2-year term position with an expected end date of July 31, 2027. Continuation of the role beyond this date may be possible, contingent upon the business need and the availability of ongoing funding.
Typical Duties:
Project Initiation & Planning: Define travel-related project goals, scope, and deliverables. Identify stakeholders and develop detailed project plans, including budgets and timelines. Conduct risk assessments and establish communication strategies to ensure project success. Project Execution & Management:
Review and enhance existing travel policies and procedures. Oversee vendor contracts and support procurement-related negotiations. Develop and implement travel and expense strategies to drive process improvements. Monitor project performance and maintain documentation throughout the project lifecycle. Monitoring & Control:
Create key performance indicators (KPIs) for use by the Travel and Expense Team, CorpCard and Contracts: Monitor travel program performance using metrics like booking tool adoption, policy compliance, traveler satisfaction, and advance bookings. Analyze travel data: Leverage data analytics to identify trends, optimize spending patterns, and improve the effectiveness of travel arrangements. Stay updated on industry trends, travel advisories, and best practices to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. Project Closeout:
Complete financial reconciliation, documentation, and final reporting. Conduct post-project evaluations and implement lessons learned into future initiatives. Recommend and implement policy updates based on project outcomes. Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of ten years of experience in the travel, expense, or compliance industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong project management skills: Including planning, organization, time management, budgeting, and risk management. Travel industry knowledge: Understanding of corporate travel management, travel policies, and industry practices. Excellent communication and negotiation skills: Effective communication with stakeholders and strong negotiation abilities with vendors. Problem-solving and adaptability: Ability to handle unexpected challenges and adjust strategies as needed. Technological proficiency: Familiarity with travel booking systems, expense management tools, and data analytics platforms. Customer service focus: Commitment to optimizing travel experiences for employees and providing excellent customer service. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to effectively guide and support a travel team in the execution of projects. Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work with minimal supervision. Project Management experience. Proficient in Excel, and RealSource/Jaeger, Chrome River. Knowledge of Banner preferred.
FLSA University Employee
Job FTE 100
Exemption Status Exempt
Restricted Position Yes
E-Class UF - University Employee FT
Job Category University Employee
ORP Eligible Yes
Salary Range $90,000 - $115,000
Compensation Type Salaried
Target Hire Date 8/7/2025
Contact Information for Candidates
Documents Needed to Apply Resume, Cover Letter