Sr Program Manager

Job Title: Senior Program Manager **

Location : Remote

Who We Are**

NWEA® is a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt that supports students and educators through research, assessment solutions, policy and advocacy services, professional learning, and school improvement services that fight for equity, drive classroom impact, and push for systemic change in our educational communities. For nearly 50 years, NWEA has developed innovative pre-K–12 assessments, including their flagship interim assessment, MAP® Growth™, and their reading fluency and comprehension assessment, MAP® Reading Fluency™. For more information, visit NWEA.org to learn more. **

What You Will Do**

In your role as a Senior Program Manager, your responsibility involves executing extensive assessment programs by providing leadership across functional teams, both internal and external, within a loosely matrixed environment. Your responsibilities include designing, planning, budgeting, and implementing complex activities and utilizing strong communication skills. You will manage a contracted budget and will support the Director in driving additional revenue through an understanding of partner needs/organizational goals. As a Senior Program Manager, you are expected to utilize best practices for managing the scope and schedule of programs, lead in a manner that promotes fiscal responsibility and stewardship, and serves as an advocate for efficiency in processes and procedures. **

Responsibilities**

• Oversees the implementation and coordination of assigned programs, managing risks, prioritizing activities, and ensuring deliverables are met. Acts as the initial escalation interface with partners, facilitate meetings, and documents program status and issues for effective communication.
• Creates and manages program schedules, monitors critical path activities, and leads contract activities, including the approval of Contract Change Requests. Takes charge of resolving Risks and Issues on behalf of the program(s) and demonstrates a high-level knowledge of program status for senior leaders.
• Coordinates Program Governance Team meetings, oversees program expenditure, and audits time tracking reporting for accurate resource expenditure.
• Plays a role in business development, striving to minimize costs, enhance efficiencies, and ensure partner satisfaction.
• Participates in proposal development, responds to RFPs, and contributes to other aspects of business development for existing or new programs.
• Leads the implementation of effective program management processes, supports overall work process effectiveness, and contributes to process improvement within program management. Demonstrates leadership qualities, autonomy in established procedures, and the ability to coordinate the work of others.
• Anticipates business challenges/regulatory issues, contributes to functional strategy development, and interacts with internal and external stakeholders. Establishes networks with key decision-makers across various departments and supports a culture of high-level customer service.
• Possesses the capability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Works independently, manages own schedule, and adjusts to changing priorities.
• Demonstrates leadership in identifying, developing, applying, and providing training on project management best practices, emphasizing continuous improvement.
• Exhibits leadership in Program Management.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to contribute to the success of the team and the overall organization.

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree with 5-15 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, the following combinations will be considered: High School diploma with 10 years of experience; Associate degree with 9 years of experience; Master's degree with 6 years of experience; Ph.D. or Law degree with 4 years of experience; MBA or MA in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in program management, demonstrating tangible results.
• PMP certification and familiarity with NWEA products and services are strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the K–12 education market, including assessment requirements.
• Proficient knowledge of MS Office Suite including SharePoint and Salesforce preferred.
• Proven success in managing substantial budgets and monitoring program expenses on a large scale.
• Capacity to work independently and effectively manage one's schedule.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have the ability to travel, up to 25%, sometimes at irregular intervals.

How We Work

• Communicate effectively : Develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding.
• Customer focus : Build strong internal and external relationships to deliver partner-centric solutions.
• Drive results : Consistent achieve results even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborate : Build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives
• Manage ambiguity : Operate efficiently when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.

Salary range: 90k – 120k. **

Application Deadline**

The application window for this position is anticipated to close on Feb. 28, 2024 . We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. The posting may be available past this date but is not guaranteed.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, ancestry, age, disability, military status, genetic predisposition, citizenship status, status as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran, other covered veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. We actively participate in E-Verify.