Project Manager
Newton, MA

Job Description

Section 1: Position Summary

A Project Manager is responsible for managing multiple initiatives, ranging in size and complexity, to accomplish organizational strategic priorities. Expectations of the role include leading and engaging cross-functional teams in the development and execution of integrated project plans to incrementally meet project objectives that deliver value to Ascensus. The Project Manager collaborates closely with Product Owners, other business and technology leaders, external parties, and teams of subject matter experts to ensure broad organizational readiness, effective risk management, and transparent and timely communications with stakeholders and management.

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management

* Communicate roles and responsibilities to teams of subject matter experts responsible for organizational readiness.
* Apply established best-practices while working lean (eliminating waste) and agile (being adaptive, resilient, flexible and appropriate to the situation or project).
* Coordinate internal resources and vendors in conjunction with product owners.
* Lead and support cross-functional teams in the creation, integration and execution of an accurate and well-defined project plan, inclusive of external activities, to achieve desired objectives in the most effective, efficient and expeditious manner feasible.
* Manage planning and coordination of broad organizational readiness such as launch, communication and training strategies, while ensuring alignment with technology team deliverables, in support of driving incremental value.
* Manage budget and forecast costs/hours for planning and reporting. Follow internal guidelines to accurately capture costs eligible for capital consideration.
* Perform risk management. Anticipate challenges and formulate viable solutions before issues or risks adversely affect the project or client relationship. Collaborate with scrum teams to provide visibility and transparency into issues, risks and dependencies which may impact overall readiness and delivery. Escalate to management as needed.
* Build and maintain communication channels and methods to provide updates on progress to both internal and external stakeholders timely and succinctly.
* Prepare reports for enterprise level PMO reporting.
* Manage project performance using appropriate tools and techniques.
* Develop subject-matter knowledge to the extent necessary to drive key project activities.
* Formally close the release or set of deliverables, as defined by objectives.
* Perform other related duties as assigned.

Leadership

* Assist cross-functional teams to outline activities essential for timely and quality execution.
* Guide, navigate and support teams if initiatives are forced to adjust due to resource or priority changes.
* Actively engage in the development of best practice decisions.
* Use and continually develop servant leadership skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Demonstrate respect of the Ascensus I-Client service philosophy and Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® as visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.
* Comply with company and unit policies and procedures and assists others in adhering. Responsible for protecting and securing all client data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access to and/or improper transmission of information that could result in harm to a client.

Supervision

* N/A

Section 3: Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

* Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience.
* Two to five years of project management experience within the financial services, recordkeeping or similar field of work preferred.
* Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools: Word, Excel, MS Project.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills.
* Strong organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills.
* Ability to lead diverse groups to achieve common objectives.
* Demonstration of analytical and problem solving skills.
* Proven ability to independently produce results.
* Ability to work in a time sensitive environment while managing multiple initiatives.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ascensus is a place to have a career, not just a job. As the largest US independent retirement and college savings services provider, we put our focus on people. Our culture is guided by sound principles, is committed to high standards, operates with transparency, and welcomes diversity. When you join our team, you get to go to work every day knowing that you help over 6 million Americans save for retirement and college.

Ascensus is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, citizenship, sex, marital or veteran status, disability or handicap, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Ascensus also takes affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified women, minorities, and covered veterans. Ascensus also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state laws