Project Manager IV, Program Launch & Continuous Improvement

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This position is in-office in Salt Lake City, UT

Job Profile Summary:

The Program Launch & Continuous Improvement (PLCI) Project Manager II is responsible for the end-to-end 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.

The PLCI Project Manager 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, micro-credential offerings, standalone learning events, and corporate partnership personalized training services.

The PLCI Project Manager is both a business leader and a project manager. They will author the initial New Program Launch Charter document in coordination with their cross-functional, cross-university, project team and then own the execution of the plan. The PLCI 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 cross-functional core team.

The PLCI Project Manager is also responsible for leading the bimonthly meetings of the Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Teams organized under each college. Each Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Team is composed of key leaders in the college, including the Program Chairs, which directly own the student success performance of a well-defined group of programs and offerings. The PLCI Project Manager will coordinate the activities of Program-Level Continuous Improvement Solver Team(s) through direct leadership of their bimonthly meetings and driving forward their rolling action item list. The PLCI Project Manager will also present results and action plans alongside their colleges colleagues during Monthly Student Success reviews and Quarterly College Business Reviews. Overall, the PLCI Project Manager 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 PLCI Project Manager 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 cross-functional 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 cross-functional individual contributors (the core team) assembled to own the execution 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 Program-Level 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 Large-Scale Education Technology Platforms in coordination with academic business partners and technology experts.
• Uses problem solving skills based on Lean Six Sigma statistical techniques and problem-solving methodologies (such as DMAIC - Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to lead the Program-Level 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, "student-obsessed" work environment.
• 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 and project management skills.
• Works well in a team environment.
• Ability to influence change and motivate others.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities.
• Ability to stand up and present results and action plans to large groups 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 statistics and statistical analysis techniques related to continuous improvement

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• PMP Certification
• 7 years of experience as the assigned project manager with sole responsibility for project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. This experience should include 5 years focused on executive-sponsored and company-wide projects
• Experience in higher education
• Experience in change management
• Experience supporting senior leaders and executives

#LI-FP1

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:

How to apply: apply online

Full-time Regular Positions(FT classification, standard working hours = 40)

This is a full-time, regular position 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.

The University is an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.