Senior Manager, Business Transformation Project Management

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

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*****INTERNAL POSTING UP UNTIL 5/12*****

Essential Functions and Responsibilities -

* The Sr. Manager of Program Launch & Continuous Improvement is responsible for executing all manager functions related to team for staffing, performance planning/reviews, team morale, capacity planning, and personal development.

* In collaboration with the colleges and major university practices/departments, the Senior Manager of PLCI is responsible for authoring, with their Project Managers, the New Program/Offering Launch Charter documents with includes the overall business case for the new program/offering, project timeline, and expected impacts and outcomes.

* Responsible for leading the new program/offering cross-functional project teams assembled to execute the new program launch charters using a combination of traditional and agile project management skills.

* Accountable for the performance of all new program launch project teams led by their project managers and composed of department or practice level project managers and cross-functional individual contributors (the core team) assembled to own the execution of all program lifecycle phase which include market research, program design, program launch, and program sunsetting.

* Directly coordinates with university executive leadership in both the colleges and the practices/departments to communicate future roadmaps & plans, risks mitigation actions, and current status to both internal and external stakeholders.

* Ensures the timely organization, clear leadership, and high-quality management the bimonthly Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Team meetings for all the groups of programs and or educational offerings (call Program Clusters).

* Participates in strategy and design events focused on defining and delivering the Next Generation (Education Technology) Platform at WGU in coordination with academic business partners and technology experts.

* Uses problem solving skills based on Lean Six Sigma statistical techniques and problem-solving methodologies (such as DMAIC - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to lead the Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Teams forward in their identification of root cause and corrective action.

* Use Change Management skills and tools to best implement the action plans and project plans.

* Utilize the WGU Program Lifecycle Management system and tools to manage the launch, maintenance, and retirement of courses, programs, and offerings.

• Collaborates with other professionals both inside and outside of the university to promote a positive, "student-obsessed" work environment.
• Consistently exhibits WGU's Leadership Principles.
• Responds with urgency to organizational needs and exhibits excellent judgment while delivering results.

Required Education and Experience -

* A Masters or Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Quality, Computer Science/Software/Information Management, Business Management, or Higher-Education Leadership. Education must be from an accredited institution. Education is verified.

* Minimum 5 years' professional experience in a role that required extensive Project/Change Management skills in a large organization (5000+ employees).

* Minimum of 3 years of manager experience leading a team of project managers or similar professionals.

* Excellent understanding of Project Management theory/techniques and demonstrated execution.

* Strong understand of Lean Six Sigma problem solving tools and techniques.

* Strong understanding and skills in Change Management or the ability to be certified to Prosci ADKAR.

* Project Management qualification (PMP) or equivalent.

* Professional experience in strategic planning, risk management and/or change management.

* Proficiency in project management software tools related to waterfall and or agile methodologies.

Required Skills

* Excellent leadership and project management skills.

* Works well in a team environment.

* Ability to influence change and motivate others.

* Strong oral and written communications abilities.

* Ability to stand-up and present results and action plans to large groups at internal meetings.

* Solid technical and problem-solving skills.

* Ability to plan and meet schedules.

* Ability to record and publish meeting minutes, rolling action items, and status reports.

* Ability to use all related computer equipment and applications

* Understanding of statistics and statistical analysis techniques related to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

* Green Belt, Black Belt or Master Black Best certification

* Lean Silver or Gold certification

* Experience working in a university or institution of higher education.

* Experience developing and or launching new educational programs or offerings.

* Experience with program or product lifecycle management systems.

Special Position Requirements

* Light travel required, 10% to 15% of time at maximum.

* This role is full-time (5 days a week) in WGU's Salt Lake City office and remote (home) office is not possible.

Competencies Required

* Problem solving skills: Investigates appropriate resources and involves partners when appropriate. Future oriented. Assesses what will help or hinder achieving goals. Focuses on what is important.

* Interpersonal skills: Deals with others in a considerate, respectful, and unbiased manner. Approaches conflict proactively. Solicits and shares feedback openly. Listens with empathy and maintains composure.

* Accuracy: Draws on facts collected from a broad knowledge of WGU's goals and processes.

* Adaptability: Corrects behaviors and communication style to meet the needs of a wide range of situations. Tackles obstacles appropriately. Comfortable with ambiguity.

* Reliability: Accountable to others; does what it takes to get the job done. Actions are consistent with words. Follows through on commitments. Exhibits exceptional integrity.

* Attitude: Displays commitment to the organization and to personal growth. Is self-motivated and able to motivate and inspire others. Asserts self appropriately to champion ideas. Tells the truth in a direct and constructive manner.

* Initiative: Self-directs with a strong tendency for action. Leads the way to improve performance or processes. Displays keen interest in students and organization.

* Working with others: Serves student or employees in a considerate, respectful and unbiased manner, approaches conflict proactively, solicits and shares feedback openly, listens with empathy and maintains composure.

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As an equal opportunity employer, WGU recognizes that our strength lies in our people. We are committed to diversity.