Senior Technical Program Manager, Data

As a Senior Technical Program Manager, Data at Khan Academy, you will lead the planning and coordination of complex data initiatives, manage cross-team data alignment, and develop processes that enhance data capturing and validation. Your efforts will empower the Data Insights Group to better understand user needs and measure product efficacy, ultimately helping to enhance the educational tools we offer.

To apply for the Senior Technical Program Manager, Data role at Khan Academy, candidates need a minimum of 8 years of experience in program management focusing on big data initiatives, a technical background in software development or data engineering, and familiarity with project management tools. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are also essential for fostering collaboration across teams.

The Senior Technical Program Manager, Data role is crucial at Khan Academy as it ensures our data initiatives align with our mission to provide free, world-class education. By facilitating cross-team collaboration and optimizing data processes, this position helps to create high-impact educational tools that can enhance the learning experience for students worldwide.

At Khan Academy, as a Senior Technical Program Manager, Data, you will work closely with our Data Insights Group, which includes Data Scientists, Analytics Engineers, and Efficacy & Research Scientists. This diverse team is passionate about harnessing data to improve educational outcomes and make a positive impact in learners' lives.

As a Senior Technical Program Manager, Data at Khan Academy, you will enjoy competitive salaries, ample paid time off, a flexible remote-first culture, generous parental leave, and an opportunity to work on meaningful projects that shape the future of education. You’ll be part of a supportive team that prioritizes your well-being and professional growth.

When answering this question, focus on specific projects you’ve managed that involved data initiatives. Highlight your role in translating requirements, facilitating team collaboration, and ensuring that the data solutions met strategic objectives. Use examples that showcase not just your leadership skills, but also your ability to drive results.

Discuss your methods for fostering communication and understanding among diverse teams. You can mention tools you’ve used, like JIRA or Confluence, and how you prioritize regular check-ins to resolve potential misunderstandings and keep projects on track.

Detail your proactive strategies for tracking product changes that could impact data integrity. Describe how you alert relevant teams to these changes and the processes you have put in place to ensure that data pipelines remain consistent and reliable.

Choose a specific problem that demonstrates your analytical skills. Explain the steps you took to assess the situation, the tools you employed, and the ultimate solutions that benefited your previous employer, focusing on the impact of your resolution.

Your response should reflect an understanding of the importance of data in making informed decisions. Share insights into how you incorporate data analysis into planning and project management, and why it’s vital to align data insights with organizational goals.

Discuss your process for evaluating project urgency and impact. Include how you consult team members for input, use data to influence priorities, and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned before making decisions.

Share how you have successfully managed projects and communication in a remote setting. Discuss the tools and strategies you’ve used to maintain productivity and build rapport with team members across different locations.

Explain your commitment to continuous learning by mentioning your engagement with professional development opportunities, attending relevant workshops, or being part of networking groups. Your answer should reflect your dedication to adapting to new technologies and methodologies.

When framing your response, focus on constructive communication and mediation skills that helped you clarify misunderstandings and realign the project goals with all its stakeholders. Emphasize what you learned from the experience.

Your answer should express a genuine alignment with Khan Academy’s mission and values. Share how this role excites you in terms of professional development and making a significant impact in the education landscape.