Agilist

Duration: 6+ Months, Contract
Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202

JOB DESCRIPTION

An experienced servant leader and coach for a cross-functional Agile team operating in complex and cross functional work across the Security, Data and Networking domain areas related to transformation to the Cloud. The Agilist guides and facilitates multiple Scrum &/or Kanban teams involved in a large fast-paced program implementing complex technology for business-oriented solutions, through effective application of the Agile based SDLC (Software Delivery Life Cycle) and associated ceremonies, ensuring the agreed upon Agile practice is being followed. Removing impediments and fostering a high performing team with a focus on continuous improvement resulting in quality and timeliness delivery.

• Responsible for building strong projects/programs through identifying and implementing possible Improvements
• Build and leverage partnerships with Scrum Masters, Product Managers, Product Owners, and other contributors
• Coach program leaders, teams, and Scrum Masters in Agile Methodology practices and mindsets
• Develop and Maintain Communication Plan
• Work with Product Leaders to drive the definition and refinement of program backlogs and roadmaps
• Continually inspect the process, discover, and address major concerns
• Help identify and remove impediments; Escalate risks and program needs, as appropriate
• Maintain metrics that provide visibility to stakeholders on program progress and quality and know how to leverage those metrics to identify program needs
• Work with Scrum Masters to drive continuous improvement for the program
• Understand the needs of the business to coach teams to deliver to expectations
• Understand the technical and domain aspects to speak to risks and dependencies
• Work cross-functionally to align strategy, methodology and execution
• Be a change agent and foster a learn by doing environment
• Be open and flexible to experimentation
• Be a driver of results

REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years of experience in Software Development, Quality Assurance, Business Analysis or Project Management operating in an Agile Scrum environment
• 3+ years of experience working in an Agile environment
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM or PSM I)
• Working knowledge of Agile (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) best practices
• Proactive approach and ability to develop trusted advisor relationships with mission/function leaders
• Strong communication/interpersonal/influencing skills
• Technical background or understanding a plus
• Scrum master experience in a complex large-scale enterprise
• Experience in an Agile environment in other roles, such as Quality Assurance, Development, Product Owner, or as an Agile Coach
• Proven knowledge and experience with Agile software development methodologies, values, and procedures
• Demonstrated leadership ability to coach and mentor the team to reach their highest potential. Excellent team player and team builder
• Ability to work with all levels of the organization
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with diverse personality types
• Ability to understand technical issues at a high level and communicate Agile methodologies within the organization
• Must have exceptional communication, organization, and time management skills
• Strong ability to manage multiple Agile teams and ensure a proper balance between PMO (Project Management office, business and technology teams and management)
• Must be self-motivated as well as creative and efficient in proposing solutions to complex problems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Guide, coach and motivate the team with the goal of increasing productivity
• Passionate about Scrum, Kanban, Lean Thinking, Lean Startup, Extreme Programming (XP), SAFe, LeSS, etc.
• Organize and lead Scrum ceremonies
• Oversee and manage scope, timeline, quality, goals, and deliverables that support business goals
• Remove impediments or guide the team to remove impediments
• Build a trusting and safe environment where problems can be raised without fear of blame, retribution, or being judged, with an emphasis of productive conflict resolution and problem solving
• Facilitate discussions, decision making, and conflict resolution
• Prepare and present reports on the progress and success
• Coordinates activities with other teams across the program
• Partner with and support the Product Owner
• Participate in the Scrum of Scrums and partner with other Scrum Masters
• Coaching the team to higher levels of maturity, at a pace that is sustainable and comfortable for the team and organization
• Organize and facilitate planning and coordination including release/Potentially Shippable Increments planning, iteration planning, daily stand-ups, iteration review/demos, and retrospectives
• Ensure teams are held accountable to Agile SDLC (Software Delivery Life Cycle) tenants and their internal working agreements including use of appropriate tools, standards, and best practices
• Promote and demonstrate core Agile principles of collaboration, prioritization, team accountability and visibility
• Ensure the team is tracking and communicating team progress and metrics to the appropriate resources.
• Facilitate and enable an environment of collaboration and creativity
• Support and empower the team to make appropriate commitments through story selection and task definition.
• Empower the team to self-organize around achieving their commitments
• Identify and remove any impediments/distractions that interfere with the team’s ability to deliver against their commitments
• Challenge and enable the team to continuously improve through intentional and data driven inspect and adapt cycles (retrospectives)