Fast Facts

Ellucian is looking for a Principal Project Manager to lead strategic programs for higher education systems, driving SaaS and cloud transformation initiatives while ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Responsibilities: Manage complex enterprise programs from initiation to delivery, serving as a strategic advisor and leading multiple concurrent projects while ensuring governance and quality.

Skills: 10+ years in SaaS or ERP program management, strong leadership in stakeholder engagement, risk management expertise, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications: Advanced project management certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile) preferred; higher education system experience is a plus.

Location: United States

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation ranges for this position are between $130,000 - $180,000.

About Ellucian

Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,800 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20 million students. Ellucian's AI-powered platform, trained on the richest dataset available in higher education, drives efficiency, personalized experiences, and strengthened engagement for all students, faculty and staff. Fueled by decades of experience with a singular focus on the unique needs of learning institutions, the Ellucian platform features best-in-class SaaS capabilities and delivers insights needed now and into the future. These solutions and services span the entire student lifecycle, from student recruitment, enrollment, and retention to workforce analytics, fundraising, and alumni engagement. Ellucian's innovative solutions, vast ecosystem of partners, and user community of more than 45,000 provide best practices leading to greater institutional success and achieving better student outcomes.

Values Rooted in Purpose

We embrace the power to lead, the courage to innovate, and the determination to grow. At our core, we believe in humanizing our approach, recognizing that our people are our greatest strength. With a shared vision of transformation, we endeavor to shape a brighter future for higher education.

About the Opportunity

Ellucian is seeking a Principal Project Manager to join our North American Field Delivery team and lead complex, strategic programs and high-impact implementations of our integrated administrative solutions for higher education. In this senior leadership role, you will drive large-scale, cross-functional SaaS and cloud transformation initiatives that require advanced program management expertise, strategic vision, and the ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders. 

At Ellucian, we power the essential work of colleges and universities so they can focus on changing lives through education. Joining our team means contributing to a mission-driven company where your leadership directly shapes the success of institutions around the world. You’ll collaborate with senior leaders, partner with clients on their digital transformation journeys, and play a critical role in advancing innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning across our delivery organization. 

Where You Will Make an Impact 

• 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. 

What You Will Bring 

• 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.

What makes #Ellucianlife

• 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

#LI-PB1

#LI-remote