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Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II

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:
 

Pay Range: $119,400.00 - $185,100.00

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for managing the entire portfolio lifecycle which includes planning, portfolio definition, development, execution, and closure.
  • Responsible for managing the following domains within their assigned project portfolio: portfolio value delivery, investment and project cost management, prioritization and executive alignment, risk and change impact, capacity and capability, portfolio roadmap and reporting, and initiative alignment to strategy.
  • Leads executive level reporting of initiative roadmaps, OKR tracking, critical milestones, status, and risks to stakeholders using metrics, data visualization, and executive communications.
  • Escalates issues that threaten portfolio and project success and directly coordinates with executive leadership to communicate root cause and mitigation plans.
  • Accountable for the performance and successful launch and coordination of all projects and programs within their portfolio.
  • Strategizes, constructs, coordinates, and maintains program, project, and demand structure within the WGU ServiceNow Strategic Portfolio Management system.
  • Establishes unified, institutional project portfolio management strategies, best practices and governance in a highly collaborative approach with IPM, Ed Tech, Product, Program Launch, and Program Development project management leadership teams.
  • Develops and implements portfolio management methodologies and best practices to elevate the skills and capabilities at the team and organization level.
  • Advises and trains leaders and other users on reporting and dashboarding using the PPM tool, ServiceNow.
  • Collaborates with EdTech engineering teams and PPM tool vendors regarding the permissions, development and architecture needs of our project and portfolio teams within our PPM platform.
  • Collaborates with Enterprise Change Management and Enterprise Risk Management office on the implementation impact of portfolio components.
  • Continuously improves processes and uses problem solving skills based on Lean Six Sigma statistical techniques and problem-solving methodologies (such as DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) in their identification of root cause and corrective action.
  • Ensures user training and adoption of the university’s PPM system and has mastery knowledge of the tool from a non-technical user experience.
  • Collaborates with other professionals both inside and outside of the university to promote a positive, “student-obsessed” work environment.
  • Key contributor to WGU’s Center of Excellence (COE) and Community of Practice (COP) for project management, to include members of Ed Tech and other groups.
  • 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, portfolio, program, 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 present results, risks, and action plans to large groups of executive leaders 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 Business Process Architecture Mapping.
  • Strong executive leadership presence.
  • Understanding of statistics and statistical analysis techniques related to continuous improvement.

Competencies: 

Organizational Impact: 

  • Develops plan to accomplish division or job area responsibilities that align with department. 
  • Performance may affect department results. 
  • Work requires some knowledge of the University to recognize impact of decisions made.  
  • Compiles data to prepare budgets. 

Problem Solving and Decision Making: 

  • Responsible for making improvements of processes or systems to enhance performance of the job area. 
  • Accountable for coordinating activities and maintaining relationships with internal (and occasionally external) parties.  
  • Assignments received and problems faced are broad and undefined, and require use of analytical concepts, investigation, and knowledge from prior experience. 

Communication and Influence: 

  • Communicates within job area and occasionally with external groups and external facing professionals (i.e. Admissions) 
  • Ensures compliance with university policies and procedures within job area and may influence others outside of job area to justify and gain cooperation for policies, practices, and procedures. 

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor Degree in Business Management or Higher-Education Leadership, Engineering, Quality, or Computer Science/Software/Information Management. Education must be from an accredited institution.
  • 10+ years professional experience in a role that required extensive Project/Portfolio/Change Management skills in a large and distributed organization (5000+ employees).
  • Project Management qualification (PMP) or equivalent.
  • Program Management Professional (PgMP) or Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) Certification.
  • Professional experience in strategic planning, risk management and/or change management.
  • Strong proficiency designing reports and dashboards in the ServiceNow PPM tool.
  • Understands planning capabilities and reporting in PPM tools such as Strategic Planning Workspace.
  • Understands Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) software such as Workday Adaptive Planning. 
  • Excellent understanding of Change Management theory/techniques, and implementation into a project plan.
  • Excellent understanding and skills in the change management process.
  • Excellent understanding of Project Management theory/techniques and demonstrated execution.
  • Strong understand of Lean Six Sigma problem solving tools and techniques.
  • Proficiency in project management software tools related to waterfall and or agile methodologies.
  • Strong proficiency designing reports and dashboards in the ServiceNow PPM tool.
  • Understands Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) software such as Workday Adaptive Planning. 
     

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher in relevant field.
  • 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.

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 recruiting@wgu.edu.

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

Average salary estimate

$152250 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$119400K
$185100K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II, WGU

Are you looking to make a significant impact while working in a dynamic and innovative environment? If so, becoming the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II at WGU in the Salt Lake City Office might be your dream job! At WGU, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, and as a Project Portfolio Manager, you’ll be integral to our mission of expanding access to higher education. In this role, you'll lead the entire lifecycle of project portfolios, ensuring they align with our strategic goals and deliver real value to students and communities. You'll be collaborating with various teams, providing critical oversight and reporting to executive leadership as you navigate risks and implement robust project management methodologies. Your efforts won't go unnoticed, as you’ll be directly contributing to the success of our academic programs. Our team thrives on collaboration, so expect to work closely with Ed Tech, Product, and Program Development teams, driving the adoption of best practices and continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma techniques. Furthermore, with a focus on user training and enhancing skills organization-wide, you’ll ensure our processes remain student-centered. With exceptional benefits, including medical, dental, retirement savings, and generous paid time off, WGU is dedicated to creating a fulfilling work environment. If you're ready to lead project management efforts that create a better tomorrow for students, this is the role for you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II Role at WGU
What are the responsibilities of an Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II at WGU?

The Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II at WGU is responsible for managing the entire portfolio lifecycle, focusing on planning, execution, and closure of projects. Key duties include overseeing portfolio value delivery, investment and cost management, prioritization of initiatives, and collaboration with executive leadership to ensure alignment with the university's strategic goals. The role requires effective communication of critical milestones and risks to stakeholders and guiding the team in implementing best practices within our ServiceNow Project Portfolio Management system.

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What qualifications are needed for the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II position at WGU?

To qualify for the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II role at WGU, candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in relevant fields such as Business Management or Engineering, along with 10+ years of professional experience in Project, Portfolio, or Change Management in large organizations. Relevant certifications like PMP or PgMP are essential, as well as proficiency in project planning tools such as ServiceNow. Experience in higher education settings and knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies would also be beneficial.

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What skills are important for success as an Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II at WGU?

Successful Institutional Project Portfolio Managers II at WGU exhibit strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to influence change and motivate team members. Excellent oral and written communication are vital, as is proficiency in technical problem-solving. Candidates should be well-versed in Change Management principles, with a solid understanding of statistical analysis techniques relevant to process improvement. Additionally, comfort with collaborative work and a 'student-obsessed' mindset are key to thriving in this role.

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How does the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II contribute to WGU's goals?

The Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II plays a critical role in furthering WGU's mission to provide accessible education through effective project management. By managing project portfolios aligned with strategic initiatives, the manager ensures that educational programs meet community needs and contribute to student success. This position also drives organizational change through the application of best practices in project management and continuous improvement methodologies, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education provided by WGU.

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What benefits are offered for the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II position at WGU?

WGU offers an attractive range of benefits for the Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II position, including comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision), retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, and a flexible schedule. Employees also enjoy unique perks such as discounted WGU tuition, mental healthcare services, and supportive work environments that foster both professional development and personal well-being.

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Common Interview Questions for Institutional Project Portfolio Manager II
Can you describe your experience with project portfolio management?

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously. Discuss your approach to prioritizing tasks based on strategic objectives and how you ensured alignment with organizational goals. Provide metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.

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How do you handle conflicts within project teams?

When responding to this question, focus on your conflict resolution skills. Share an example where you identified a conflict, mediated discussions between team members, and facilitated a resolution that maintained project momentum. Emphasize your ability to foster a collaborative and positive work environment.

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What project management methodologies do you prefer and why?

Discuss your experience with various methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall, or Lean Six Sigma. Explain why you choose specific methodologies based on project needs, team structure, and organizational culture. Showing adaptability in your approach will highlight your strengths as a portfolio manager.

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How do you ensure effective communication with stakeholders?

Effective communication is crucial in project management. Explain your strategies for keeping stakeholders informed through regular updates, presentations, and reports. Discuss how you tailor your communication style to different audiences to ensure clarity and engagement at all levels.

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What is your experience with ServiceNow or similar project management tools?

Share your familiarity with ServiceNow or other project management platforms, detailing how you've utilized these tools to enhance project visibility and tracking. Provide specific examples of reports or dashboards you've built and how they supported decision-making and strategic alignment.

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Can you give an example of a project you led that faced significant challenges?

Select a project where you encountered hurdles, explaining what these challenges were and how you addressed them. Focus on your problem-solving approach and how you led your team through adversity, highlighting the lessons learned and positive outcomes.

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How do you assess and manage project risks?

Discuss your risk management process, including how you identify, analyze, and mitigate potential risks throughout a project's lifecycle. Share examples of proactive steps you've taken to reduce risks and how you communicate these to stakeholders.

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What strategies do you implement for stakeholder engagement?

Highlight your strategies for building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. Discuss the importance of involving key players early in the project and how you create opportunities for feedback and collaboration to ensure their needs are met.

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How do you ensure that project deliverables meet quality standards?

Explain your approach to quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle. Discuss methods you've used to set clear quality criteria and how you ensure compliance through regular reviews and stakeholder input, leading to a successful project outcome.

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How do you keep your project teams motivated and focused?

Share your strategies for fostering team morale and engagement. Discuss how you recognize achievements, ensure clear roles and responsibilities, and create an inclusive environment where team members feel valued and integral to the project's success.

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Inclusive & Diverse
Rise from Within
Mission Driven
Diversity of Opinions
Work/Life Harmony
Transparent & Candid
Growth & Learning
Fast-Paced
Collaboration over Competition
Take Risks
Friends Outside of Work
Passion for Exploration
Customer-Centric
Reward & Recognition
Feedback Forward
Rapid Growth
Medical Insurance
Paid Time-Off
Maternity Leave
Mental Health Resources
Equity
Paternity Leave
Fully Distributed
Flex-Friendly
Some Meals Provided
Snacks
Social Gatherings
Pet Friendly
Company Retreats
Dental Insurance
Life insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
MATCH
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SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
No info
HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 7, 2025

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