Project Manager

Project Manager - Consultant The State of South Carolina is looking for a Project Manager - Consultant. The Project Manager will play a key role in advancing the SC Department of Public Health's infrastructure management and security modernization initiatives across enterprise environments.Interview Process: One Round - VirtualDuration of the Contract: 12 MonthsPossibility for Extension: YesWork Location: Remote. Candidate may be expected to travel to Cayce, South Carolina on a quarterly basis for project needs and milestones.Candidate location: Candidate must be a current resident of the Eastern Time Zone.Full job description attached and required and preferred skills are listed below.Scope of the Project The Project Manager will play a key role in advancing the SC Department of Public Health's managing infrastructure and security modernization initiatives across enterprise environments, including but not limited to server, network, cloud, endpoint, identity, and core platform services. This role requires coordination across infrastructure, security, operations, application teams, and business stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.Daily Duties / Responsibilities Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Collaborate with IT leadership to confirm strategic priorities, identify capability gaps, and support the development, governance, and ongoing management of the IT infrastructure and security project portfolio.Lead and manage infrastructure and security-related projects through all phases of the project lifecycle using established project management methodologies, ensuring delivery within scope, schedule, and defined objectives.Develop project charters, scope statements, objectives, milestones, and success criteria in collaboration with technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring technical feasibility, regulatory alignment, and security compliance.Define, document, and track business and technical requirements to ensure initiatives align with enterprise architecture standards, cybersecurity objectives, and operational needs.Coordinate cross-functional efforts across infrastructure, security, operations, application teams, and program stakeholders to ensure effective execution and clear accountability.Monitor and report on project progress using approved enterprise tools and dashboards; provide regular status updates, performance metrics, and executive-level briefings as required.Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including schedules, risk registers, issue logs, decision records, and post-implementation reviews.Identify, assess, and manage project risks and dependencies; escalate critical issues to leadership with recommended mitigation strategies.Ensure adherence to the agency's IT governance and change management processes for all production system modifications.Promote and enforce agency IT and security standards, ensuring alignment with established cybersecurity frameworks and regulatory requirements, including NIST 800-53, FISMA, state information security standards, CIS standards, and agency-specific policies.Support audit readiness activities by coordinating documentation, evidence collection, and remediation tracking related to infrastructure and security initiatives.Assist in the development and refinement of policies, procedures, standards, and training materials that support infrastructure hardening, modernization, and cybersecurity best practices.Maintain centralized visibility and reporting across infrastructure modernization initiatives to improve transparency, prioritization, and executive oversight.Ensure all activities comply with agency security policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state regulatory requirements.Engagement Details This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position for the duration of the project. Flexibility may be required to accommodate work outside of traditional business hours. The Project Manager will work closely with section managers, customers, and subject matter experts to prioritize, schedule, and implement work in accordance with IT standards.Compliance and Confidentiality The selected candidate must sign a DPH confidentiality agreement and/or business associate agreement, if applicable. All work products, including source code and documentation, will be the sole property of SC DPH. Contractors must follow all agency IT standards, policies, and procedures. No "uplift" charges will be accepted; compensation must align with the established contract rate. DPH retains final authority over all project decisions.Support and Resources Provided by DPH Access to required agency systems. Staff support for project related questions/information. Conference rooms and scheduling systems. Workstation and required software.Candidates should be self-motivated, team-oriented, work under limited supervision, and respond to priority tasks as needed.Daily Duties / Responsibilities 1. Project Documentation & AnalysisPrepares essential project documentation such as needs analyses, business cases, and feasibility studies to support security and IT initiatives. Maintains comprehensive documentation throughout the entire project lifecycle.2. Project Lifecycle ManagementManages and directs all phases of the project lifecycle—initiation, planning, execution, control, and closeout—for small to mid-sized projects, with a focus on cybersecurity and IT modernization.3. Project Coordination & MethodologyCoordinates and manages projects using established project management methodologies. Defines, prioritizes, and tracks project requirements to ensure alignment with business and security objectives.4. Work Planning & CommunicationDevelops detailed work plans and manages project scope, budget, and schedule. Oversees the execution of communication plans, including updates to agency leadership, stakeholders, and, when applicable, the public.5. Status Reporting & Change ManagementPrepares regular status reports and provides updates to project sponsors, champions, and stakeholders. Coordinates change requests and recommends adjustments to project specifications as needed.6. Risk & Quality ManagementIdentifies potential risks and facilitates resolution through mitigation strategies. Assists in developing quality management plans and ensures project design and execution comply with federal/state laws, agency policies, and cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST CSF, FISMA).7. Other Duties As AssignedPerforms additional project-related duties as required to support the successful delivery of agency initiatives.Required Skills (Rank in Order of Importance) 3+ years of experience as a project manager in IT initiatives3+ years of experience with enterprise network infrastructure including LAN/WAN fundamentals3+ years of experience with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or a comparable framework (examples: NIST SP 800-53, FISMA, CIS Controls)3+ years of experience with cloud platforms (examples: Azure and AWS)3+ years of experience with Active Directory3+ years of experience with endpoint management platforms2+ years of experience with Azure DevOps, SharePoint, MS Project, and/or ExcelAdditional Skills Demonstrated ability to identify project risks and issues, develop project plans, analyze root causes, and implement effective mitigation strategies.Ability to maintain strong attention to detail while managing multiple tasks or priorities simultaneously.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while staying organized and self-directed.Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, schedules, and project scopes.Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced environments that require responsiveness and flexibility.Strong written and verbal communication skills.