Job Summary :
- Lead end-to-end project management activities, encompassing project initiation, scope definition, budget allocation, and effective user communication.
- Excel in developing and maintaining comprehensive project plans, aligned with structured Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodologies.
- Proactively monitoring progress, mentoring Agile Scrum-based teams, and addressing potential challenges are core responsibilities.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to assess feasibility, fostering innovation, and identifying and mitigating risks are integral to success.
- The role necessitates risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of development with business objectives, with a strong focus on the product life cycle.
- Drive continual improvement, optimizing workflows and ensuring high-quality solution delivery.
- Rare in-state and out-of-state travel may be required for this position.
The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.
Job Duties :
Accountable and responsible for managing the complete life cycle of IT business software applications projects from original concept to final implementation for multiple medium to large-sized projectsManages projects based on repeatable standards and practices where possible but also may require defining new approaches.Develops detailed project execution plans and manages all phases of the project including project resource allocation, scheduling, financials / budgets, progress status tracking, KPl / value focused metrics, multi-level reporting, testing, release to production and postproduction support and maintenanceFacilitates the definition of project missions, goals, tasks, and resource requirementsWorks cross-functionally to solve problemsResolves or assists in the resolution of conflicts within and between projects / functional areas / teamsMonitors project or area progress and escalate as appropriateProactively and routinely identifies, mitigates, and reports project risks and issuesDetermines overall health of the project using best practices and methodologiesPartners with key stakeholders and program area personnel to build project plans, identify key milestones and priorities for project completion, effectively communicate objectives, risks, and project progressSpearheads meetings, presentations, and project scrum ceremoniesDemonstrate leadership in managing diverse teams within several project areasPrepares project Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) with ADE program areas and Project Investment Justification (PIJ) documents as well as the corresponding status reports and change control documentsProvides information and supporting material to confirm project accomplishments and milestones as neededOther duties as assigned as related to the positionKnowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs) :
Knowledge in :
Comprehensive knowledge of IT project management principlesMinimum experience of 5 years managing medium-to-large projectsExpertise in software application developmentUnderstand end-to-end data processes, from acquisition to deploymentProficiency in Agile principles, capable of applying them effectively for flexible and collaborative project executionProficiency in PMBOK framework, implementing standardized practices for consistencyExpertise in defining and managing large project budgets and resources to optimize utilizationFamiliarity with RFI / RFP processes, and Change Management controlsComprehend BI principles, analytics, and decision supportKnow data quality, security, and regulatory complianceFamiliarity with BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, etc.Familiarity with SQL, Structured data and Relational databasesA bachelor’s degree plus five or more years’ experience as an IT Project Manager, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is requiredSkills in :
Proficient in mission, goal, task, and resource definition, translating objectives into actionable plansExperienced in efficient management of budgets and resources, and balancing financial considerationsExcellent interpersonal and communication skills, engaging stakeholders transparentlySkilled at identifying and implementing process improvements for efficiencyProficient in conveying project updates and insights to stakeholdersDevelop data strategies aligned with goalsExtract insights from simple datasets when requiredCommunicate effectively with non-technical stakeholdersIntermediate to advanced skills in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and ExcelAbility to :
Lead and manage data and BI teamsStrong ability to prioritize and plan effectively considering objectives and constraintsManage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring successful completionLead project planning and implementation, guiding teams towards successManage projects with adaptable standards and practicesWork collaboratively, building strong relationships with internal and external StakeholdersWork with teams to design software solutions aligned with project goalsBalance tasks and business priorities to ensure projects are on trackResponsive to feedback, adjusting plans to meet evolving business needsCollaborate across departments and bridge technical and non-technical gapsAddress data-related challenges and plan for future data needs and trendsGuide stakeholders through technological changesSelective Preference(s) :
Preference will be given to those applicants with :
Project Management Professional (PMP)Arizona State Project Management CertificationPre-Employment Requirements :
Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical / physical evaluation.
If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply :
All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Benefits :
The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including :
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plansTop-ranked retirement and long-term disability plansTen paid holidays per yearVacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 yearsSick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weeklyPaid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster / adopted child (pilot program).Deferred compensation planWellness plansLearn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program . For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our
Retirement :
You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.
