Technical Project Manager III

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.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Grade: Technical 408Pay Range: $116,000.00 - $174,100.00

Job Description

The Technical Project Manager III will stay informed on projects within assigned team and ensure best practices are used across the functional team, mentoring and developing project managers and associate project managers in their work. This individual manages projects from inception through completion within WGU’s IT Project Management Team. The Technical Project Manager III monitors and reports project status—including risks, issues affecting project schedules, and milestone achievements—to stakeholders and leadership. The individual develops project plans and schedules and ensures projects meet departmental requirements, standards, policies, and deadlines. The Technical Project Manager III is expected to keep fully informed of departmental strategies and priorities and effectively influence the work of project team members in line with those priorities.

Job Duties
Ensures high quality project delivery, on time, on scope, and on budget.
Manages all phases of assigned projects (i.e., initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing).
Works with Program Managers, Product Managers, Technical Leads, and key stakeholders to gain SME level understanding and knowledge of the domain where the program and projects reside to facilitate discussion concerning platforms, components, software applications, technologies, and security measures.
Performs thorough research and analysis to ensure the most effective technologies and methods are employed. Clearly communicates constraints, conflicts, requirements, compatibility issues, and items which could affect project outcome, final performance level, or customer satisfaction. Offers appropriate alternatives and contingency plans.
Identifies scope of project and develops documents outlining key project objectives, goals, plans, requirements, proposals, estimates, schedules, and budgets. Makes presentations, submits requests, and gains necessary approvals. Ensures estimates of time, cost, performance level, and materials are accurate and meet project requirements. Makes modifications to plans and schedules as necessary.
Works with program management to assemble a project team, make work assignments, and effectively direct and coordinate activities. Provides necessary training on project objectives, processes, and details.
Successfully monitors, documents, and presents project status concerning milestones and delivery deadlines.
Communicates progress to appropriate stakeholders, program manager, and project sponsors.
Effectively documents, manages, obtains approvals for, and communicates changes and decisions.
Maintains accurate and complete records during the development process. Ensures related oral and electronic communications regarding project requirements, design changes, problems, solutions, etc. are securely maintained and readily available for review.
Sets up and coordinates effective post-sprint and user testing to effectively evaluate and document delivery and system performance, fulfillment of project requirements, and elimination of bugs. Ensures test plans are well-documented, relevant to application, and in compliance with policies and procedures. Analyzes test results, identifies problems and conflicts, and provides solutions. Ensures problems are resolved quickly and effectively. Repeats testing as needed.
Coordinates and manages creation of related documentation. Ensures accurate technical information is gathered and disseminated to technical writers. Ensures final documents are thoroughly reviewed, accurate, complete, and user friendly.
Monitors contracts and manages project budgets. Approves pay requests and change orders.
Understands departmental strategic priorities and influences the actions and work efforts of team members in line to those priorities.
Provides input to Project Management Office (PMO) manager to develop or refine project management procedures and processes for the purpose of improving efficiency.
Provides thought leadership, mentorship, and training support to project managers and associate project managers.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
KSAs
Excellent leadership and project management skills
Skilled at creating Work Breakdown Structures, project plans and timelines, understanding scope, and identifying key milestones in the delivery.
Ability to work well individually and in a team environment
Ability to build consensus, influence, and motivate others
Possesses strong oral and written communications skills
Solid technical and problem-solving skills
Ability to plan the project activities and meet schedules
Ability to use all related computer equipment and applications
Strong knowledge of development cycles and standards
Thorough understanding of technology applications, processes, software, and equipment
Understanding of planning and development of large-scale technology projects
Knowledge of effective project management techniques and methods
Thorough knowledge of agile methods and how they apply to project management
Excellent change management skills (such as ProSci training)
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Management, or a related field
5 years of experience in Project Management, specifically in a technology environment
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.
Preferred Qualifications
Broad knowledge of project management
Project Management Professional (Project+, PMP, Prince2) Certification
Experience in technology and/or higher education
Experience with Agile development
Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.
This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.