Program Manager-Data and IT - job 1 of 4

As a Program Manager - Data and IT at Uncommon Schools, you will focus on defining project scope, facilitating Agile events, and ensuring timely delivery of project outcomes. You'll manage communication with stakeholders, mitigate risks, and guide team development while supporting the Product Owner in fulfilling project deliverables. All of this is grounded in promoting best practices within an Agile framework.

To successfully apply for the Program Manager - Data and IT position at Uncommon Schools, candidates should possess a bachelor's degree preferably in Computer Science or a related field. Additionally, relevant certifications like Scrum Master or PMI-ACP are required, along with a minimum of 5 years of project management experience and prior exposure to Agile methodologies.

The Program Manager - Data and IT role at Uncommon Schools requires in-person attendance three days a week at our central office in the Financial District of New York City. While some remote flexibility is possible, regular in-office collaboration is essential to the position.

Candidates applying for the Program Manager - Data and IT role at Uncommon Schools should ideally have hands-on experience with Agile project management platforms such as Monday.com, Asana, or similar tools. Familiarity with project tracking and planning systems will support effective management of project deliverables.

The salary range for the Program Manager - Data and IT position at Uncommon Schools is between $104,800 to $123,300, with an expected starting salary of around $111,000 for qualified candidates. This compensation reflects relevant experience, education, and alignment with Uncommon's commitment to equity and fairness.

When prioritizing tasks in Agile project management, it's essential to focus on delivering value by evaluating project requirements, stakeholder needs, and potential risks. Use methods like the MoSCoW prioritization technique to categorize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that the team can effectively tackle high-priority assignments first.

In responding to this question, highlight a specific project where you encountered obstacles such as scope creep or unclear requirements. Discuss how you utilized Agile methodologies to refocus the team, engage stakeholders for clarity, and implement corrective actions that moved the project back on track while ensuring that communication was consistent throughout.

The Product Owner plays a critical role in defining project vision and managing the backlog. Supporting them might involve facilitating stakeholder communication to ensure their requirements are met, clarifying expectations through Agile ceremonies, and helping reflect customer needs through the development cycle. Highlight your experience collaborating closely with Product Owners to drive successful project outcomes.

Handling team conflicts requires a thoughtful approach; first, listen to all parties to understand perspectives. Facilitate an open discussion focusing on the impact of the conflict on project goals. Encourage collaboration to find a common ground, mediating where necessary to foster a solution-oriented mindset that aligns with the team's Agile values.

Keeping the team motivated during long projects can be achieved by setting realistic goals, celebrating milestones, and creating an open forum for feedback. Implementing regular check-ins and encouraging team members to share achievements can uplift spirits while ensuring a balanced workload that allows for sustainable productivity.

Managing risks in an Agile project should start with identifying potential risks during sprint planning sessions. Implement techniques such as risk assessment matrices and regular retrospectives to evaluate and mitigate risks. Discuss how you adapt the project plan as needed to address risks proactively while keeping stakeholders informed of evolving conditions.

The success of an Agile project can be measured through several metrics including customer satisfaction, project delivery timelines, and team velocity. Discuss using tools like burn-down charts and feedback loops from stakeholders to gauge qualitative and quantitative success throughout the project lifecycle.

The most crucial quality for a Program Manager in an Agile environment is strong facilitation and leadership skills. This means not just being adept at managing timelines and resources, but also fostering a collaborative culture, encouraging team engagement, and effectively adapting to change to drive project success.

Ongoing process improvement can be ensured by implementing a culture of continuous learning. Regular retrospectives, soliciting team feedback, and staying abreast of Agile best practices are all key components that enable you to refine processes based on real experiences and adjust strategies accordingly.

As a Program Manager, maintaining transparent and effective stakeholder communication is vital. Establishing a regular cadence of updates, using visual tools like dashboards, and encouraging input through feedback sessions can foster a constructive dialogue. Tailoring communication styles to suit different stakeholders can also enhance understanding and collaboration.