Project Manager III

If youre passionate about building a better future for individuals communities and our countryand youre committed to working hard to play your part in building that futureconsider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online competencybased degree programs WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of studentfocused 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: $97100.00 $145600.00

Job Description

Job Profile Summary:

The Project Manager III is responsible for the endtoend successful launch of new programs and offerings at WGU; as well as the continuous improvement of existing programs and offerings in terms of enhancing student success performance. This position works directly with the leadership teams of each college and the leadership of all the supporting departments and practices at WGU which are essential to the successful development and launch of new market offerings such as stackable degree programs microcredential offerings standalone learning events and corporate partnership personalized training services. The Project Manager III is both a business leader and a project manager. They will author the initial New Program Launch Charter document in coordination with their crossfunctional crossuniversity project team and then own the of the plan. They will work with all the major departments of the university (Marketing Institutional Research Portfolio Strategy Program Development Communications Enrollment Student Success Compliance & Accreditation Finance State Affiliates and Academic Engagement) to construct a new program launch project plan and to execute the project plan by leading the crossfunctional core team. The Project Manager III will coordinate the activities of ProgramLevel Continuous Improvement Solver Team(s) through direct leadership of their bimonthly meetings and driving forward their rolling action item list. They will also present results and action plans alongside their colleges colleagues during Monthly Student Success reviews and Quarterly College Business Reviews. Overall the Program Project Manager III position is a highly visible role at WGU which is directly responsible for driving forward new programs and new strategies aimed at improving WGU student success and student outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the colleges and major university practices/departments the Project Manager III is responsible authoring the New Program/Offering Launch Charter documents with includes the overall business case for the new program/offering project timeline and expected impacts and outcomes.

Responsible for leading the new program/offering crossfunctional project team assembled to execute the new program launch charter using a combination of traditional and agile project management skills.

Oversees and leads one or more project teams composed of department or practice level project managers and crossfunctional individual contributors (the core team) assembled to own the of all program lifecycle phase which include market research program design program launch and program sunsetting. Directly coordinates with university executive leadership in both the colleges and the practices/departments to communicate future plans risks mitigation actions and current status to both internal and external stakeholders.

Organizes leads and manages the bimonthly ProgramLevel Continuous Improvement Solver Team meetings for one or more groups of programs and or educational offerings.

Participates in strategy and design events focused on defining and delivering the Next Generation (Education Technology) Platform at WGU in coordination with academic business partners and technology experts.

Uses problem solving skills based on Lean Six Sigma statistical techniques and problemsolving methodologies (such as DMAIC Define Measure Analyze Improve Control) to lead the ProgramLevel Continuous Improvement Solver Teams forward in their identification of root cause and corrective action.

Use Change Management skills and tools to best implement the action plans and project plans.

Utilize the WGU Program Lifecycle Management system and tools to manage the launch maintenance and retirement of courses programs and offerings.

Collaborates with other professionals both inside and outside of the university to promote a positive studentobsessed work environment.

Consistently exhibits WGUs 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 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 standup and present results and action plans to large groups at internal meetings.

Solid technical and problemsolving 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 statistics and statistical analysis techniques related to continuous improvement.

Problem solving skills: Investigates appropriate resources and involves partners when appropriate. Future oriented. Assesses what will help or hinder achieving goals. Focuses on what is important.

Interpersonal skills: Deals with others in a considerate respectful and unbiased manner. Approaches conflict proactively. Solicits and shares feedback openly. Listens with empathy and maintains composure.

Accuracy: Draws on facts collected from a broad knowledge of WGUs goals and processes.

Adaptability: Corrects behaviors and communication style to meet the needs of a wide range of situations. Tackles obstacles appropriately. Comfortable with ambiguity.

Reliability: Accountable to others; does what it takes to get the job done. Actions are consistent with words. Follows through on commitments. Exhibits exceptional integrity.

Attitude: Displays commitment to the organization and to personal growth. Is selfmotivated and able to motivate and inspire others. Asserts self appropriately to champion ideas. Tells the truth in a direct and constructive manner.

Initiative: Selfdirects with a strong tendency for action. Leads the way to improve performance or processes. Displays keen interest in students and organization.

Working with others: Serves student or employees in a considerate respectful and unbiased manner approaches conflict proactively solicits and shares feedback openly listens with empathy and maintains composure.

Competencies:

Organizational Impact:

Works to achieve operational targets with significant to major impact on department function or office results. May be responsible for managing large projects or processes within the department function or office.

Performs work as directed with limited oversight.

Problem Solving & Decision Making:

Responsible for leveraging a systemsthinking approach making moderate to significant improvements of processes systems and plans within the department function or office.

Problems and issues faced are numerous and challenging will require detailed information gathering and analysis. Problems typically affect multiple areas or specialties.

Communication & Influence:

Collaborates crossfunctionally with employees within and outside of the department. Typically has responsibility for communicating with parties external to the University.

Works to influence parties within and outside the department function or office regarding policies procedures and practices.

Leadership & Talent Management

Is responsible for providing guidance coaching and training to other employees in the department function or office. Responsible for managing projects involving delegation of work and review of others work products.

Demonstrates the WGU leadership principles in all aspects of service to students employees and partners of WGU.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

5 years of experience with a bachelors degree or 3 years and a masters degree or a doctorate or terminal degree without experience.

Excellent understanding of Project Management theory/techniques and demonstrated .

Strong understand of Lean Six Sigma problem solving tools and techniques.

Project Management qualification (PMP) or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:

Green Belt Black Belt or Master Black Best certification.

Lean Silver or Gold certification.

Experience working in a university or institution of higher education.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

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Position & Application Details

FullTime Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a fulltime 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. Its not allinclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at

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