Program & Project Standards Manager

GCI's Program & Project Standards Manager is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving the organization’s project and program management standards, methodologies, and processes. Pivotal in setting the standards for project execution and ensuring that standards remain relevant and effective across the organization. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS: Develop, implement, and oversee project and program management standards and methodologies across the organization. Establish, refine, and promote project management standards and methodologies that align with best practices, enhance efficiency, drive successful outcomes, and support the organization’s strategic objectives. Serve as a key resource for project teams, providing guidance and oversight to enhance project performance and outcomes.Decision Rights

Owns:

Standard development and updates

Review and approval of training and coaching content

Shapes:

Cross-functional collaboration on standards development

Vetoes:

Implementation of non-standard project and program management processes

Exceptions from standards

Standards Development: Design, document, and maintain project management standards, methodologies, and best practices to guide project and program teams.

Development and Maintenance of Standards:

Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive project and program management standards, methodologies, and processes.

Ensure that these standards support the organization’s strategic goals and are aligned with industry best practices.

Conduct regular reviews of existing standards to ensure they remain current and relevant.

Framework Creation:

Design and establish a comprehensive framework for project management standards that encompasses all phases of the project lifecycle, including conceive, validate, plan, execute, and close.

Best Practices Identification:

Research and identify industry best practices, methodologies, and tools relevant to project and program management.

Adapt these practices to fit the organization's unique culture and operational needs.

Customization of Standards:

Collaborate with SMEs in project and program management to customize standards and templates to address specific project processes while maintaining overall consistency with organizational guidelines.

Standards adoption:

Lead and promote the adoption of new standards, including developing communication strategies and providing support to teams during the transition.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams to understand project needs and align standards with organizational goals.

Actively engage with key stakeholders, including senior management, project sponsors, and team members, to gather input and feedback on standards development and to foster a culture of adherence to these standards.

Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish frameworks, tools, and processes that support consistent project execution.

Collaborate with Project and Program Management departments to ensure that standards are aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and priorities and adopted by project managers and program directors.

Partner with project management trainer and program management coach and to design and deliver training programs.

Collaborate with the Performance Assessment Analyst and other key stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

Documentation & Dissemination:

Develop detailed documentation that outlines project and program management processes, templates, and guidelines.

Ensure these materials are easily accessible to project and program teams and updated regularly to reflect current practices and tools.

Performance Metrics:

Collaborate with project management SMEs to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of project management practices and identify areas for improvement.

Individual:

% of processes in compliance with standards

Publication of standards: count of published standards

Shared:

Feedback and satisfaction score

Achievement of strategic goals: % achievement within fiscal year

Reporting:

Prepare and present reports to senior management on the status of project management standards, compliance, and overall performance.

Process & Continuous Improvement: Analyze existing project management processes and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Implement mechanisms for ongoing review and refinement of project management standards based on feedback from project teams, lessons learned from completed projects, and changes in industry standards.

Ensure that project management standards are integrated with other organizational processes and policies, such as risk management, quality assurance, and compliance, to foster a holistic approach to project delivery.

Identify gaps or areas for potential improvements in existing standards and methodologies.

Propose and implement changes to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of project and program management practices.

Implement updates and improvements to standards based on feedback, industry trends, and organizational needs.

Own and manage priorities and individual tasks without direct supervision.

Take the initiative and seek out opportunities.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.

Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences.

Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess project performance and compliance.

Proven experience in project management, with a focus on developing and implementing standards and methodologies.

Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Demonstrated ability to analyze complex challenging problems and situations leading to optimal solutions.

Demonstrated ability to analyze workload, establish appropriate priorities, and set measurable and achievable goals and objectives

Proficiency in project management software, systems, and tools.

COMPETENCIES:

ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.

BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.

COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.

COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.

COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.

CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.

RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.

RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.

SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.

Grade: E07Additional Job Requirements:This is an intermediate level position within the discipline demonstrating proficiency in areas of responsibility. Performs moderately complex tasks and assignments under general guidance, anticipating and preventing problems and roadblocks before they occur. Works under moderate supervision with latitude for independent judgment.Minimum Qualifications:Required: A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

High School diploma or equivalent.

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management, or related field.

Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in project management, or related role, with a focus on developing and implementing standards and methodologies.

PMP or PRINCE2 certification in a good standing (not expired), or successfully obtain and maintain PMP or PRINCE2 certification within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred:

Master’s degree in project management or MBA.

Experience in creating procedure documentation.

Knowledge of agile methodologies and frameworks.

Knowledge of project management tools and systems.

ServiceNow, Daylight, Microsoft Project, JIRA/Confluence, Aha! knowledge

Telecommunications experience.

Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:

This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work performed at office, remote office, and client sites.

Interaction with upset customers, vendors, or employees may occur.

Position requires regular travel for business and training purposes, including travel during scoping, requirements, development, testing, or business development activities.

Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.

Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.

Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.

Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.

Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.

Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.

Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.

Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity for every Trailblazer.

EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.