Scrum Master / Project Manager III

Position Description:

This position leads and organizes teams on enterprise level initiatives, utilizing project management (Waterfall, Hybrid, Agile) methodologies and best practices to effectively deliver on an intended outcome and value for the organization. The incumbent directs, leads and provides oversight and reporting on projects and product teams with moderate to high complexity, narrow to moderately defined scope, and moderate to high business value, cost, and risk.

Position Location:

• This is a hybrid role working partially in-office (Lincoln, NE) and partially from home.
  
  
  

What you do:

• This position must be able to succeed within a project (Waterfall/Hybrid) and product delivery (Agile/Scrum) environment.
• As a project manager leading Enterprise project level initiatives using a Waterfall/Hybrid methodology:
• Work with sponsors to understand project strategic alignment and defined project objectives, benefits, success criteria, assumptions, constraints, and project steering team membership.
• Work with sponsors, subject matter experts, and project teams to identify project approach, breaks down project work into tasks, obtains estimates for those tasks, and identifies task dependencies to create the project plan and schedule.
• Identify project costs and work with sponsors to ensure funding for the initiative is available.
• Monitor and manages project plans, schedules, costs, and resources and report on progress and variances to plan.
• Ensure stakeholders understand change to business processes and appropriate training is provided.
• Establish and follow review/approval processes for project deliverables while identifying and actively managing project risks and issues.
• Evaluate and document to a degree to which changes would affect the project scope, cost, quality, and schedule and provide alternatives to project steering team and sponsor for approval.
• Implement approved changes, manage related work tasks, and integrate approved changes into project baseline.
• Identify causes of variances in project scope, schedules and costs, and document lessons learned that allow for improvements in delivery and/or project management.
• Ensures MAR control documents and approvals are stored in the appropriate location for audit
• As a scrum master leading an Enterprise product team using an agile/scrum methodology:
• Facilitate Scrum Ceremonies including conducting daily stand-ups, sprint planning, sprint reviews, and retrospectives to ensure the team stays on track and maintains momentum.
• Coach the Team by providing guidance and support to team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
• Remove impediments by identifying and eliminating obstacles that may prevent the team from achieving their goals.
• Promote Agile principles and advocate for Agile methodologies within the team and across the organization, ensuring alignment with best practices. Study and educate to ensure updated current knowledge of Scrum.
• Collaborate with Product Owner working closely to ensure the product backlog is well-groomed, prioritized, and ready for the team to work on. Work with Product Owner to ensure proper balance between features and high-quality working software.
• Performance tracking monitoring the team's progress using Agile metrics and tools, providing insights and recommendations for improvement. Ensure quality of scrum execution story cards, definition of readiness and done, commitments of on-time delivery. Keep team focused on current sprint goals.
• Stakeholder management via effective communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about the team's progress and addressing any concerns.
• Team building through fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging open communication and proactive problem-solving.
  
  
  

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 3-5 years (or greater) of relevant experience in project methodologies including Waterfall and Agile / Scrum required. Proven experience as a Project Manager, Scrum Master or Agile Coach, with a deep understanding of PMI, Scrum principles and practices.
• PMI PMP, PMI ACP, ACP, Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or similar Agile certifications are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with software development processes, tools, and technologies commonly used in Agile environments desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely desired.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills (including the ability to inspire and motivate team members) desired.
• Effective problem solving skills (including the ability to identify and address issues promptly and constructively) desired.
  
  
  

What we offer:

A meaningful mission. Great benefits. A vibrant culture

Ameritas is an insurance, financial services and employee benefits provider Our purpose is fulfilling life. It means helping all kinds of people, at every age and stage, get more out of life.

At Ameritas, you’ll find energizing work challenges. Flexible hybrid work options. Time for family and community. But dig deeper. Benefits at Ameritas cover things you expect -- and things you don’t:

Ameritas Benefits

For your money:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match and quarterly contribution.
• Tuition Reimbursement and Assistance.
• Incentive Program Bonuses.
• Competitive Pay.
  
  
  

For your time:

• Flexible Hybrid work.
• Thrive Days - Personal time off.
• Paid time off (PTO).
  
  
  

For your health and well-being:

• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution.
• Well-being programs with financial rewards.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
  
  
  

For your professional growth:

• Professional development programs.
• Leadership development programs.
• Employee resource groups.
• StrengthsFinder Program.
  
  
  

For your community:

• Matching donations program.
• Paid volunteer time- 8 hours per month.
  
  
  

For your family:

• Generous paid maternity leave and paternity leave.
• Fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance.
• Backup child, elder and pet care support.
  
  
  

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Ameritas has a reputation as a company that cares, and because everyone should feel safe bringing their authentic, whole self to work, we’re committed to an inclusive culture and diverse workplace, enriched by our individual differences. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer that hires based on qualifications, positive attitude, and exemplary work ethic, regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.