Project Manager III

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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:

Job Description

Job Profile Summary:

The Project Manager III is responsible for the end-to-end successful launch of new programs and offerings at WGU; as well as the continuous improvement of existing programs and offerings in terms of enhancing student success performance. This position works directly with the leadership teams of each college and the leadership of all the supporting departments and practices at WGU which are essential to the successful development and launch of new market offerings such as stackable degree programs, microcredential offerings, standalone learning events, and corporate partnership personalized training services. The Project Manager III is both a business leader and a project manager. They will author the initial New Program Launch Charter document in coordination with their cross-functional, cross-university, project team and then own the execution of the plan. They will work with all the major departments of the university (Marketing, Institutional Research, Portfolio Strategy, Program Development, Communications, Enrollment, Student Success, Compliance & Accreditation, Finance, State Affiliates, and Academic Engagement) to construct a new program launch project plan and to execute the project plan by leading the cross-functional core team. The Project Manager III will coordinate the activities of Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Team(s) through direct leadership of their bimonthly meetings and driving forward their rolling action item list. They will also present results and action plans alongside their colleges colleagues during Monthly Student Success reviews and Quarterly College Business Reviews. Overall, the Program Project Manager III position is a highly visible role at WGU which is directly responsible for driving forward new programs and new strategies aimed at improving WGU student success and student outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

* In collaboration with the colleges and major university practices/departments, the Project Manager III is responsible authoring 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 team assembled to execute the new program launch charter using a combination of traditional and agile project management skills.

* Oversees and leads one or more project teams 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 plans, risks mitigation actions, and current status to both internal and external stakeholders.

* Organizes, leads, and manages the bimonthly Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Team meetings for one or more groups of programs and or educational offerings.

* 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 ProgramLevel 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.

* Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

* 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.

* 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.

Competencies:

Organizational Impact:

* Works to achieve operational targets with significant to major impact on department, function, or office results. May be responsible for managing large projects or processes within the department, function, or office.

* Performs work as directed with limited oversight.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

* Responsible for leveraging a systems-thinking approach, making moderate to significant improvements of processes, systems, and plans within the department, function, or office.

* Problems and issues faced are numerous and challenging, will require detailed information gathering and analysis. Problems typically affect multiple areas or specialties.

Communication & Influence:

* Collaborates cross-functionally with employees within and outside of the department. Typically has responsibility for communicating with parties external to the University.

* Works to influence parties within and outside the department, function, or office regarding policies, procedures, and practices.

Leadership & Talent Management

* Is responsible for providing guidance, coaching, and training to other employees in the department, function, or office. Responsible for managing projects involving delegation of work and review of others' work products.

* Demonstrates the WGU leadership principles in all aspects of service to students, employees, and partners of WGU.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

* 5+ years of experience with a bachelor's degree, or 3+ years and a master's degree, or a doctorate or terminal degree without experience.

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

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

* Project Management qualification (PMP) or equivalent.

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.

Physical Requirements:

* Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

* Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

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Position & Application Details

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 recruiting@wgu.edu.

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