IDEA Public Schools Careers

ERP Implementation Project Manager-Workday

Mission:

IDEA Public Schools is seeking an experienced and highly organized ERP Implementation Project Manager to lead the successful implementation of Workday, our new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that will transform how we manage Finance, Human Capital Management (HCM), and Operations across our national network. Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role will oversee the full lifecycle of the ERP implementation—from planning, vendor coordination, budget management, and configuration through change management, user training, and post-launch optimization.

This is a 100% dedicated project management role focused exclusively on Workday implementation and ERP change management. The ERP Implementation Project Manager will ensure that our new systems and processes enable IDEA to deliver on the bold commitments of our 2035 Strategic Plan—creating operational excellence, improving staff experience, and freeing resources to drive student achievement. The ideal candidate will be a disciplined, proactive leader with exceptional communication and organizational skills who can align diverse stakeholder groups around a shared vision for enterprise transformation.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A 

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate. While this is a remote position, there will be in-person meetings across various regions. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 40% of the time during key implementation phases and go-live support periods.

Travel Expectations:    

While this is a remote position, there will be in-person meetings across various regions. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 40% of the time during key implementation phases and go-live support periods. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

Project Leadership and Execution:

• Lead the end-to-end management of the Workday ERP implementation, including project planning, resource management, risk mitigation, issue resolution, and milestone tracking.
• Partner with executive sponsors and functional leaders to ensure scope, budget, and timeline discipline throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain a detailed, integrated master project plan, RAID log, and governance dashboard for all project workstreams.
• Coordinate functional design sessions with vendors/contractors, Finance, Human Assets, and Operations to ensure system configurations meet IDEA's organizational, compliance, and scalability needs.
• Oversee data migration, system integrations, testing, and cut-over planning to ensure accuracy and readiness for go-live.

Change Management and Communication:

• Design and implement a comprehensive change management and communications plan that builds understanding, capability, and confidence among staff at all levels.
• Serve as the central hub for ERP communications-translating complex information into clear, actionable updates for executives, managers, and end users.
• Partner with the Talent Development and Human Assets teams to co-design training programs, learning materials, and user support structures that drive adoption and build long-term system fluency.
• Ensure every stage of the project aligns with IDEA's 2035 vision of empowered teams, efficient systems, and seamless data-driven decision-making.
   

Governance and Quality Assurance

• Establish and lead project governance routines-including steering committee meetings, status reviews, and vendor checkpoints-to drive accountability and alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Workday's implementation partners and internal IT teams to ensure all technical and business requirements are met.
• Monitor progress toward key milestones and proactively identify risks, dependencies, and decision points requiring executive input.
• Lead quality assurance processes including user acceptance testing, defect tracking, and readiness assessments.
   

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Partnership:

• Serve as the bridge between business and technical teams, ensuring seamless coordination between Finance, Human Assets, Operations, and IT.
• Foster collaboration across departments to streamline workflows, reduce duplication, and optimize the user experience in Workday.
• Support executive sponsors by preparing clear, actionable briefings and documentation for leadership and Board updates.
   

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

 N/A

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member uses data and trends to drive decisions that impact multiple teams, while anticipating risks and planning contingencies for key initiatives. They apply strategic frameworks to clarify challenges and guide coherent action, and they actively support others in strengthening their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities. 

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member leads cross-functional coordination to align efforts with strategic goals, optimizing resource use and minimizing silos. They build accountability frameworks, monitor key performance indicators to guide adjustments, and mentor emerging leaders, while implementing scalable systems that enhance efficiency and team effectiveness.
•  
• Grow Self and Others: This team member uses data to assess development needs and designs learning opportunities that align with team goals and individual career growth. They model a growth mindset by being open about their own development and ensure that both personal and team-led learning initiatives are impactful and well-aligned with organizational priorities.

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This team member builds trust and drives positive engagement across multiple groups, as reflected in strong feedback and survey results. They proactively address concerns, model transparency and authenticity, and foster collaboration through open, honest communication and shared ownership.

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member communicates a clear and compelling vision that aligns team efforts with organizational goals. They proactively identify and address communication gaps across workstreams, implementing solutions to enhance coordination, while anticipating and resolving stakeholder concerns before they surface.

Additional Skills:

• Expertise in Workday ERP architecture, implementation methodologies, and change management best practices
• Strong understanding of finance, HCM, and operational workflows in large, multi-state organizations
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Wrike, etc.)
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to lead through influence, ensuring accountability without direct authority 

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 7 years of professional experience, including at least 4 years managing large-scale ERP (preferably Workday) or enterprise technology projects
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams through system implementation and organizational change
• Experience in multi-site, multi-state, or education/nonprofit environments preferred 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• PMP, PMI-ACP, or Prosci certification preferred
• ITIL or ITSM certification preferred 

Physical Requirements:

• This is a sedentary position.
• The ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.
• The employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. 

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $81,800 and $95,800, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values