[Remote] Principal Project Manager (Higher Education Systems & Consortiums /SaaS/ERP)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology, partnering with over 2,800 customers across 50 countries. The Principal Project Manager will lead complex, strategic programs and high-impact implementations of integrated administrative solutions for higher education, driving large-scale SaaS and cloud transformation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive large, complex enterprise programs from initiation through delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and measurable business outcomes
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive stakeholders—both internal and external—on program direction, risk management, and best practices for SaaS and cloud transformation
• Lead multiple, concurrent projects and programs through all phases of the Ellucian Implementation Methodology, ensuring consistent delivery excellence
• Champion governance, standards, and quality, embedding project management best practices across all engagements
• Mentor and coach senior and mid-level Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Anticipate and navigate complexity, proactively identifying risks and dependencies while developing actionable mitigation strategies
• Drive executive-level communications, including concise, data-driven status updates, risk summaries, and recommendations for action
• Balance strategic oversight with hands-on leadership, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Customer Relations teams to ensure delivery success and customer satisfaction
• Represent Ellucian as a thought leader, contributing to the evolution of project management frameworks and transformation practices

Skills

• 10+ years' experience leading enterprise-scale SaaS, ERP, or CRM implementation programs in a complex, matrixed environment as a Project or Program Manager
• Understanding of ERP/CRM cloud and SaaS architecture and connection with delivery methodology
• Demonstrated ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets, resource forecasts, and financial performance across portfolios
• Proven leadership driving strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and customer satisfaction at the executive level
• Depth in project governance and delivery excellence, proactive risk management, ensuring consistent adherence to scope, quality, and outcomes
• Experience influencing pre-sales activities, partnering with Customer Relations and Solutioning teams to define scope, timelines, and value propositions
• Strong mentoring and leadership skills, with a passion for developing high-performing delivery teams
• Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to build trust, influence decisions, and guide transformation
• Advanced certifications in project and program management (e.g., PMP, PgMP, Agile, SAFe, Cloud certifications) preferred but not required
• Higher education experience, familiarity with academic or administrative business processes preferred, but not required
• Extensive experience leading higher education systems or consortiums, either within a system or consortium or in a business partnership capacity preferred but not required

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, and vision
• Flexible time off
• Thrive Flex Lifestyle Account (LSA) that allows you to contribute towards your health, financial or learning interests
• 401k w/ match & BrightPlan - to help you save for the future
• Parental Leave
• 5 charitable days to support the community that supports us
• Telemedicine
• Wellness
• + Headspace Care (mental health)
• + Wellbeats (virtual fitness classes)
• RethinkCare & Wellthy- caregiver support
• Diversity and inclusion programs which provide access to internal employee resource groups
• Employee referral bonuses to encourage the addition of great new people to the team
• We Foster a learning culture with:
• + Education Assistance Program
• + Professional development opportunities

Company Overview

• Ellucian delivers the software, services, and insights that help your institution thrive. It was founded in 1968, and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is http://www.ellucian.com.

Company H1B Sponsorship

• Ellucian has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 18 in 2025, 28 in 2024, 28 in 2023, 31 in 2022, 33 in 2021, 30 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.

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