Agile Project Manager, Data and IT - job 1 of 3

The Agile Project Manager at Uncommon Schools is responsible for leading the planning and execution of strategic projects using Agile methodologies. They'll organize and facilitate Agile events, prepare stakeholder communications, and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, this role involves team development by mentoring members, ensuring accountability, and promoting an effective pace with high-quality outputs.

To qualify for the Agile Project Manager role at Uncommon Schools, candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. They must also possess relevant certifications, such as Scrum Master or PMI-ACP, and have over 5 years of relevant experience, particularly in managing Agile development efforts and working within cross-functional teams.

Uncommon Schools places a strong emphasis on the professional development of its employees, including Agile Project Managers. They offer weekly coaching, feedback sessions, and continuous learning opportunities to ensure that staff members can enhance their skills and stay updated with best practices in Agile project management.

The Agile Project Manager at Uncommon Schools will leverage various Agile project management systems such as Monday.com and Asana. They'll apply Agile methodologies to enhance project tracking and planning, ensuring effective management of the product lifecycle and adherence to Agile best practices during project execution.

The Agile Project Manager at Uncommon Schools is expected to work in-person three days a week from our central office located in the Financial District, New York City. There may also be occasional travel to other regions where Uncommon Schools operates, providing a blend of in-office collaboration and regional engagement.

When discussing your experience with Agile methodologies, it's crucial to highlight specific projects where you successfully implemented Agile practices. Share examples of how you facilitated Agile ceremonies, kept teams accountable, and delivered value within project timelines. Use metrics to showcase your impact, making it clear how Agile positively influenced project outcomes.

Handling team conflicts in an Agile environment requires open communication and a focus on collaboration. Share your strategies for mediating disputes and fostering a culture of respect and understanding. Mention techniques you have used, such as one-on-ones or retrospectives, emphasizing your commitment to team health and a positive workplace.

In your response, describe how you involve stakeholders in the planning process to define the project scope clearly. Share how you prioritize tasks and use tools like backlog grooming and sprint planning to ensure timely delivery. Showcase your approach to tracking progress and adjusting plans as necessary to meet evolving requirements.

Supporting a Product Owner effectively involves maintaining clear communication and transparency regarding project deliverables. Highlight how you help manage stakeholder expectations and provide insights into backlog prioritization. Discuss your strategies for ensuring that the Product Owner’s vision aligns with the development team's capabilities.

Measuring the success of an Agile project can involve multiple metrics, such as team velocity, stakeholder satisfaction, and the quality of deliverables. Explain how you set quantifiable goals at the outset, continuously monitor progress, and adapt plans to enhance outcomes. Illustrate with examples of how you gathered feedback and used it to drive improvements.

Discuss specific challenges you've encountered in Agile project management, such as team resistance or scope creep. Detail the steps you took to address these issues, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and adaptability. This will show your potential employer that you're capable of navigating difficulties while maintaining project momentum.

To ensure high-quality outputs, focus on empowering your team through continuous feedback and clear definitions of done. Detail how you implement quality reviews at various stages of the process and how you encourage a culture of accountability and improvement. Mention your commitment to mentorship and skill development within your team.

Stakeholder communication is vital in your project management approach. Emphasize your proactive communication strategies, such as regular updates, scheduled feedback sessions, and transparent reporting. Share how you've navigated challenging conversations effectively while maintaining trust and alignment with project goals.

Promoting a sustainable pace within your team involves balancing workloads and encouraging breaks to prevent burnout. Share your experiences of how you advocate for healthy work habits, including setting realistic deadlines and encouraging regular retrospectives to discuss workload and team dynamics. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of team morale.

When addressing your passion for working at Uncommon Schools, connect your values with their mission to provide an exceptional K-12 education. Share personal experiences or motivations that inspire you to contribute to closing the college completion gap in economically disadvantaged communities. Show enthusiasm for being part of an organization that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.