IT Project Manager

As the Project Manager, you are responsible for managing the process for delivery of cross-functional business solutions through a combination of people, process, and technology that deliver value to ACE’s students and employees.

Requirements

Who is American College of Education

Founded in 2005, American College of Education continues to be a leader in professional development through our online programs. The mission of ACE is to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content, real-world experience and relevant application that places our students’ needs first.

ACE is a premier organization that is continually recognized for its commitment to social responsibility. In 2016, ACE became a Certified B Corporation. As a socially conscious institution, we believe we have a responsibility to our students, alumni, employees, local communities, and society. We strive to make an impact in the world that goes well beyond our bottom line.

Who You Are

You are enthusiastic about helping students achieve their educational goals. You thrive in a competitive and collaborative team environment. You are comfortable working remotely and have experience collaborating with others in a virtual environment. You possess a strong attention to detail.

As the Project Manager, you are responsible for managing the process for delivery of cross-functional business solutions through a combination of people, process, and technology that deliver value to ACE’s students and employees.

Compensation

ACE is committed to paying a competitive wage while staying true to our mission of maintaining high quality, affordable programs for our students. The starting salary range for this position is $85,000 plus all full-time employees are eligible for an annual bonus. Offers vary depending on education, prior experience, and expertise being applied to the role.

What We Look for in the Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates self-reliance by meeting/exceeding workflow needs. 
• Demonstrates positive attitude and motivation, concern for students, teamwork, and excellent time management skills. 
• Follows established processes as outlined by organization and leadership. 
• Completes assigned duties based on daily business needs and individual skill set. 
• Consistently produces a high volume of quality work. 
• Capable, and adapts as needed, to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 
• Proven ability to work independently with limited supervision and with other department personnel. 
• Must support and embrace the College’s B Corp mission to improve the people and communities we serve through our civic engagement initiatives.
• Must have exceptional communication, organization, and time management skills. 
• Must be "self-motivated" as well as creative and efficient in proposing solutions to complex, time-critical problems. 
• Must be collaborative in driving decisions and a team-player. 
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a high attention to detail. 
• Builds and maintains student satisfaction. 
• Recognizes and anticipates student needs. 

Day to Day Responsibilities
In this role you will wear different hats, but your skills will be especially essential in the following areas:  

• Uses Scrum Agile Framework to implement solutions for the ACE user community by initiating, planning, organizing, executing, monitoring, and controlling multiple large-scale inter-departmental software technology and high-level infrastructure projects.
• Manages the day-to-day operation of multiple agile teams and tactical aspects of multiple large-scale projects.
• Implements engagement review and quality procedures in accordance with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology as well as the Scrum Agile framework to ensure successful execution and completion of projects as measured by department goals and customer satisfaction standards.
• Effectively manages scope and mitigates risk and issues across all projects.
• Determines appropriate budgetary designs, ensures accurate invoicing, and effectively monitors all projects.
• Monitors and measures the agile scrum teams and project progress, taking corrective actions when necessary to ensure that the project objectives are achieved.
• Assists management to lead and facilitate the project team, while maintaining accurate project documentation.
• Disseminates information and communication plans to the product owners, project stakeholders and sponsors promptly.
• Provides timelines and status reports as required for project team members and project sponsors.
• Formalizes acceptance of project results to bring the project to an orderly and timely close.
• Proactively seeks and confronts risk and issues openly and quickly, while effectively communicating relevant project/practice information to IT management as needed.
• Assists management to determine new, creative ways to employ teams on projects, distribute responsibilities, share lessons learned, and implement industry best practices.
• Recognizes areas for internal improvement and works with management to develop plans for implementation.
• Meets financial objectives by forecasting requirements, preparing budgets, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective action to control budget overages.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of relevant education and experience.
• 7-10 years of experience in Project Management or related fields (Program Management, Project Management, Business Analysis, Quality Assurance & Process Management).
• Experience with multiple project management techniques, including agile process with SCRUM implementation frameworks.
•  Thorough understanding of IT service offerings, technical preferences, and technical direction.
• Elevated level of expertise with Azure DevOps setup.
• Ability to Coach and “lead by example” the breakdown of business needs into EPIC, Features and User Stories.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with audience in perspective.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of business principles, processes, and technology.
• Demonstrated organizational and matrix-leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of Teams, Word, Excel, OneNote, Visio, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent collaborator able to work with virtual and global cross functional teams.
• Experience with systems and business processes to support new product introductions.
• Knowledge of multiple existing Scrum Agile frameworks and project management methodology.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excels at time management.
• Strong analytical, budgetary, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage and lead a dynamic project team.
•  Experience with a PPM solution.
• Have expert knowledge and ability to identify opportunities for change and the ability to convey the need for change to IT management.
• Experience in high growth small-midsize companies, preferably in Higher Education, strongly preferred.

Our Commitment to Employees

Just as we strive to empower our students for success, we also aim to enrich the lives of our employees. For 6 consecutive years, ACE was recognized as one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work, winning the #1 spot for medium-sized companies in 2020. In addition, ACE has earned national recognition, being named a USA Top Workplace in 2022, 2023 and 2024. As a virtual first organization, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a family-like inclusive work environment. For our full-time employees, we offer the following benefits:   

• Medical, dental, & vision Insurance 
• HSA and FSA options 
• Paid parental leave. 
• Paid volunteer time 
• Tuition reimbursement & reduction programs 
• Generous PTO  
• 401k and employer match 
• Full-service wellness and EAP program 
• Employee recognition and awards programs 
• Employer paid life & AD&D insurance. 
• Short-term disability 
• Employer paid long-term disability. 
• And more…

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with and receive communications from students and ACE employees in real time using online and other electronic media.

Diversity

At American College of Education, we believe that the best learning environment for students and staff is one in which we encounter viewpoints and experiences that are different, yet complementary to ours. This environment is fostered by the presence of persons with diverse backgrounds. We recognize that acknowledging diversity is a necessary precondition, but sustained effort is necessary to ensure equity and greater inclusion. Through strategic planning and initiatives, we seek to develop programs that promote equity and inclusion for everyone so that all members of ACE’s community can reach their full potential. To create and maintain a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive learning community, we strive to make all feel equally valued, and we uphold our Commitment to Freedom of Expression.  We may celebrate diversity, but we “live” inclusion.

Additional Notes

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Internet bandwidth speeds from an employee's remote work location must be a minimum of 50Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds. Please note if the bandwidth is shared across multiple devices (tablets, computer, streaming, phone, etc.) you will need higher overall speeds. You can test the speed of your connection by visiting speedtest.net Purchase, setup, installation, support, and ongoing maintenance of reliable internet service is the responsibility of the individual.  

American College of Education seeks to attract and retain a diverse staff consistent with its diverse student body and surrounding communities. At this time we cannot consider candidates residing in Alaska, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, South Dakota, or Alabama.

ACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.