Technical Program Manager, Assessments

As a Technical Program Manager at Khan Academy, your key responsibilities include planning and managing the release of cross-functional technical projects specifically related to assessments. You will be responsible for managing dependencies across multiple teams, proactively identifying risks, and making recommendations to ensure the program's success, while collaborating closely with content experts and engineers.

Candidates applying for the Technical Program Manager position at Khan Academy should have at least 5+ years of project or program management experience in the edTech assessment space. Proficiency in program management tools like JIRA and Confluence, along with excellent communication skills and a strong understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), are essential for this role.

The Technical Program Manager at Khan Academy plays a crucial role in the execution of our innovative vision for assessments. By managing technical projects, this position ensures that assessments are both effective and user-friendly, ultimately helping to improve learning outcomes for students worldwide. Your work will connect various initiatives and bring meaningful assessments to life.

Khan Academy fosters a remote-friendly culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Technical Program Manager, you'll work alongside a diverse community of professionals who share the common goal of improving education. The company emphasizes a positive growth mindset, encourages collaboration, and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Khan Academy offers its Technical Program Managers a competitive salary, generous paid time off, remote-first culture benefits, and comprehensive health insurance. Additional perks include parental leave, a supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional development, all focused on your well-being and growth as part of our mission-driven organization.

When prioritizing tasks, I assess the potential impact and urgency of each project. I leverage tools like JIRA to create a comprehensive overview that allows for resource allocation based on critical deadlines and stakeholder needs. Maintaining open communication with teams ensures that priorities are aligned, thus enabling effective time management.

I have applied agile methodologies extensively in my previous roles, particularly in tech environments. By implementing sprints and regular stand-ups, I facilitate rapid feedback loops and foster collaboration among team members. This approach enables adaptability and ensures that projects align with evolving requirements and user needs.

To manage stakeholder expectations effectively, I prioritize transparent communication. I regularly update stakeholders with progress reports and involve them in key decision-making processes. Setting realistic goals and milestones helps align expectations, allowing for greater collaboration and trust.

I once managed a project that involved integrating new technology for assessments across multiple teams. The challenge lay in aligning different team priorities. By facilitating cross-team workshops, I ensured everyone was on the same page, allowing us to identify challenges early and successfully complete the project ahead of schedule.

My approach to risk management includes proactively identifying potential risks during the planning phase and updating them continuously throughout the project lifecycle. I establish risk mitigation strategies and maintain a risk log, allowing my team to remain agile and responsive to any unforeseen challenges.

I leverage tools like Asana, JIRA, and Confluence to track project progress efficiently. These platforms allow me to create roadmaps, assign tasks, and monitor timelines, ensuring all team members are informed and accountable at every stage of the project.

Quality is paramount in assessment development. I collaborate closely with content experts and psychometricians to create robust quality assurance processes. Regular reviews, user feedback loops, and pilot testing help ensure that the assessments we create are effective, reliable, and user-friendly.

Throughout my career, I have successfully managed remote teams by fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration using tools like Zoom and Slack. I prioritize regular check-ins and utilize project management software to maintain visibility and accountability while respecting different time zones.

When conflicts arise, I address them head-on with open dialogue. I encourage team members to express their concerns and facilitate discussions that lead to constructive solutions. By fostering a sense of psychological safety, team members feel comfortable sharing differing views, which ultimately strengthens collaboration.

I am deeply motivated by the potential to positively impact learners' lives through technology. Education technology serves as a bridge, allowing accessible and quality resources to individuals who need it most. Being part of an organization like Khan Academy, which shares this vision, fuels my passion and commitment to delivering innovative solutions in education.