Technical Project Manager, Scrum Master

08-Feb-2024

Harvard University Information Technology

64320BR

Position Description

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration.  We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.

The primary function of the Technical Project Manager, Scrum Master is to guide teams in the process of developing and delivering a world-class online learning platform (LXP) in line with project milestones, agile cycles, and key business events. Reporting to the technical program manager, the TPM, Scrum Master collaborates with product managers, technical managers, software engineers, and devops engineers to plan and execute required features and functions of the LXP online learning. The candidate facilitates scrum ceremonies and provides coaching to support the team in continuous delivery and milestone achievement.

Typical Core Duties: 

• Facilitate and support scrum events: Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective 
• Aid Scrum teams at refinement, story splitting, estimation, velocity, retrospection, and other Scrum techniques 
• Coach Scrum Teams on Agile practices and principles to deliver high quality products and services 
• Manage workflow and scheduling for multiple project workstreams 
• Absorb and leverage project related technology to ensure effective project management and collaboration 
• Assist with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information 
• Prepare and provide project status updates 
• Contribute to communication and change management plans 
• Ensure the preparation and delivery of required project documentation 
• Transition projects to operations and support delivery through operational releases 
• Facilitate user and stakeholder groups 
• Proactively collaborate, engage, and support product owners on product progress and backlog issues 
• Apply Harvard University’s IT technical standards and best practices 
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. 

• Minimum five years’ progressive experience in agile/scum and IT project management 
• 2+ years of Jira/Confluence (Atlassian)
• Knowledge and experience with project management and software development tools and methodologies Agile, Scrum, and Kanban, and of information technology applications, processes, software, and infrastructure 
• Experience with IT and PM productivity tools such as Atlassian Jira/Confluence, Slack, and/or Miro, and with reviewing the effectiveness of current processes and procedures to identify and lead process improvement initiatives 
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and relationship building skills 
• Proven attention-to-detail and ability to balance multiple projects 
• Comfort with collaboration, open communication, and reaching across functional boundaries 
• Possess an attitude that supports an Agile working environment 
• Skilled at developing clear, context aware communications 

Certificates and Licenses

• PMP or other relevant certification and experience preferred, e.g., Scrum Master 

Working Conditions

• This position may require occasional outside-of-business hours support for product releases  

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Work Format Details

HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a primarily remote position. While this position is primarily remote, travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work. Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused 
• Collaborative 
• Innovative 
• Open 

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0058P IT Project Manager IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Academic Technology

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2026

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-BT1