Initiative DirectorThe individual in this role is responsible for directing and coordinating major initiatives across technical, application, and business teams. This position involves managing all aspects of an initiative, ensuring that the appropriate phases are defined, and interdepartmental deliverables are coordinated.
The role provides leadership, guidance, and support to teams, coaching them toward success while navigating the complexities of delivering software in a large, cross-functional environment. The individual helps assure value delivery and drives continuous improvement while managing and providing updates on the timing and expectations of the initiative.Required QualificationsFour-year college degree or equivalent experience6 years of successful project management experience3 years of experience with information systemsExperience successfully managing multiple initiatives simultaneouslyExperience managing projects using different approaches, software tools, and techniques (e.g., Waterfall, Agile, Blended, etc.)Proven problem management, arbitration, negotiation, and issue resolution skillsStrong understanding and usage of agile fundamentals including scrum, sprint cadence, team roles, story definition, and story point estimationDemonstrated verbal and written communication skillsThorough knowledge of agile and project management software tools and techniquesProven presentation skillsProven ability to organize, lead, and influence the activity and performance of IT within the organizationPromotes effective team collaboration among team sponsors, stakeholders, and end users to meet the goals and objectives of initiativesHigh comfortability with communicating directly to and with audiences at multiple levelsAbility to simplify difficult concepts at a level appropriate to the audience, and to stay flexible and adjust the message if the message is not being received as intendedComfortable with questioning prioritization as issues arise and arranging priority discussions to resolve themPosition ResponsibilitiesManages and coordinates major initiatives across technical, application, and business teams, developing and maintaining project documentation, charters, work plans, and deliverablesIdentifies the scope, goals, dependencies, and critical success factors in consultation with business and IT sponsorsMay consult with business sponsors, stakeholders, and subject matter experts to guide business analysis and requirements documentationAssesses, plans, and implements mitigation strategies for identified risks and roadblocks; proactively escalating issues and devising contingency plansMaintains budget, scope, and timing, communicating status on milestones and deliverables, addressing performance issues within the team, helping the team remove impediments, and escalating when milestones are jeopardizedCoordinates and communicates plans and activities across teams and stakeholders as appropriate to ensure a coordinated work effort and a cohesive team approachSeeks to deeply understand problems, evaluating and examining alternativesConducts post-mortems and lessons learnedEnsures resolution of outstanding issues and creates and maintains mitigation plans for risksAnalyzes stakeholder views, managing upstream/downstream dependencies and identifying organizational change management needsOffers coaching, consultation, and mentoring to initiative team members, solving issues, and presenting solutionsSupports product strategies and roadmapsDevelops team members through coaching and by fostering a positive work environmentProvides regular and open communication for transparency and awareness of progress and impedimentsTracks metrics as neededPerforms other duties as assigned to accomplish organization goals and objectives