NAEP Project Manager

Note: Hiring of this position is contingent upon funding. This is a 5 year contract position with the possibility to extend.

For full consideration for interview, all applicants are required to complete the following supplemental questions. Responses to these questions will be provided during the application process.

1. Do you have your Project Management Certification?

2. Do you have 5 years or more managing projects?

3. Describe your experience in providing deliverables that meet the terms of a contract.

4. If you have 5 or more years managing projects, please describe the methods used.

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This position works remotely requiring a telecommuting agreement and adherence to the UCSC Telecommuting/Remote Work Guidelines. The employee shall be available in a full-time capacity during assigned telecommuting work hours (specific hours to be discussed with supervisor). While telecommuting/remote working, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working at the regular UCSC worksite.

NO VISA SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS POSITION.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 11-18-2024

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a public agency supported by 13 members (states and territories). Through the work of thousands of educators, Smarter Balanced created an online assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), as well as tools for educators to improve teaching and learning. Smarter Balanced is housed at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Silicon Valley Extension.

SBAC's work is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed - regardless of disability, language, or subgroup. SBAC involves experienced educators, researchers, state and local policymakers, and community groups working together in a transparent and consensus-driven process.

Smarter Balanced staff have a profound commitment to UCSC's Principles of Community including embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

UCSC Extension provides professional training that reflects the academic rigor of the University of California and the hands-on, roll-up-your-shirtsleeves practicality of Silicon Valley culture. Developed with guidance from key industry leaders and academic experts, our certificate programs match the economic demands of industry, from engineering to business, education to bioscience. The University of California reviews and approves UCSC Extension courses and programs for academic content, merit, and instructor qualifications. Many of Extension's courses can be applied toward degree programs or may be eligible for professional certificates and licenses.

More information can be found at https://smarterbalanced.org

JOB SUMMARY

This position is assigned to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) team within the Smarter Balanced program. The incumbent applies a strong knowledge of multiple project management frameworks (e.g. waterfall, Agile, etc.) to recommend, implement, and administer methods and techniques for managing multiple team projects. Primary responsibilities include applying relevant policies and procedures to resolve a wide range of issues related to the initiation, planning, execution, and closing of the project while managing documentation and mitigation of project risks.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $82,300 - $100,500/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Contract appointment

Job End Date: 5 years from hire date, with possibility of extension

Work Location: Remote

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 004473 (PROJECT MGT PROFL 3)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

60% - Project Initiation and Planning

• As part of the project intake process, lead cross-team efforts to develop feasibility analyses to identify risks, constraints, and necessary resources for project work
• Work closely with the product management team to develop execution strategies that incorporate project milestones and deliverables into the product development life cycle
• Establish Scope of Work (SOW) for Contracts with Ambassadors and Mentors
• Establish and maintain budget along with an invoice analysis and project plan. Review RTI's Project Plan
• Facilitate internal and external stakeholder understanding of requirements, key deliverables, project schedule, risks, etc.
• Manage the development of project charters, including documentation of value proposition, project requirements, success criteria, budget, resource needs, etc.
• Manage the identification and documentation of project requirements, elaborating from business requirements through stakeholder requirements to solution/technical requirements
• Lead the planning process with cross-functional teams to build project schedules and/or task backlogs to meet project requirements and success criteria
• Lead the process of identifying and documenting project risks and mitigation strategies

40% - Project Monitoring and Reporting

• Apply advanced project management principles to manage complex projects
• Execute and close out contracts annually
• Maintain project plans and follow up on deliverables
• Conduct budget and invoice analysis
• Direct project activities with the goal of completing the project on schedule and within budget constraints
• Facilitate internal and external stakeholder understanding of project schedule, key deliverables, and risks
• Monitor project budget actual spend vs. planned budget
• Create and maintain all project management documentation throughout the project lifecycle (e.g. project schedule, task tickets, risk log, action log, diction log, etc.)
• Manage project issues, escalating as needed
• Present monthly status reports (e.g. risks, issues, upcoming milestones, etc.) to executive-level staff for all assigned projects
• Perform meeting and calendar management and administrative support as necessary

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
• Experience in the proficient use of project management applications such as Microsoft Project, Jira, and Confluence
• Experience identifying risks, planning for contingencies, adopting mitigation strategies and escalating issues appropriately
• Experience initiating projects including identifying and documenting project requirements
• Thorough knowledge of project management principles, theories, concepts, and best practices
• Demonstrated competency in selecting and implementing project management methods and techniques
• Demonstrated ability for attending to details and producing accurate and timeline deliverables
• Demonstrated ability to recognize how projects relate to other business strategies and initiatives and to integrate this critical information across disciplines
• Demonstrated ability ensuring that organizational practices, services, and behaviors support and promote diversity among staff
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong writing skills
• Organizational skills which include accurately identifying a task's relevance and its priority
• Strong verbal communication skills with all levels of internal and external stakeholders
• Project Management Certification from a reputable organization (e.g. PMP, CSM or ACP)
• Experience providing deliverables that fulfill the terms of a contract

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This is a fully remote position, and the selected candidate must be able to work successfully from a home/remote office and be able to fulfill the requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
• Ability to work a variable schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• Ability to travel nationally.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination