Scrum Master
Newton, MA

Job Description

Scrum Master

Position Summary

Work with scrum team to ensure effective application of Agile practices and Scrum framework to project execution. Will model and promote Agile values and principles.

Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Guides the team and organization on how to leverage Agile/Scrum practices and values to maximize the delivery of business value.
* Acts to apply Agile/Scrum practices in a manner to best suit the needs of the organization.
* Tracks and leverages key metrics to champion team health, product delivery, and continuous improvement.
* Guides the team on applying self-organizing, self-corrective behaviors; analyzing and adapting to the feedback inputs (eg. Metrics, Sprint Reviews, Retrospectives, etc.), all for the purpose of building high performing teams.
* Removes impediments or guides the team to remove its own impediments
* Builds a trusting environment where issues are raised without fear of blame, retribution, or being judged, with an emphasis on correcting and problem solving.
* Facilitates the completion of assignments efficiently and without coercion, assigning, or dictating the work.
* Champions collaborative discussion, decision making, and problem solving.
* Assists with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information.
* Coordinates and encourages participation from all team members in scrum ceremonies (Scrum, Backlog Refinement, Sprint Planning, Sprint Review, and Retrospective) and longer term planning exercises (Road Mapping, Release Planning)
* Supports and educates the Product Owner in applying the scrum framework and agile principles, and in particular the importance of refining and maintaining the product backlog.
* Continually enhances own domain knowledge of systems, products, and industry.
* Continually improve Scrum Master skills through education and engaging with fellow Scrum Masters
* Works with Product Owner and Team to plan and execute project implementations.
* Assists in the identification and mitigation of project risks.
* Ensures Definition of Done (DOD) & Definition of Ready (DOR) are met consistently.
* Provides Scrum Master services to multiple teams, when required
* Identifies and acts on coaching opportunities at the individual and team level
* Conducts regular assessments of a team's Scrum Maturity and uses the results to guide them to improved performance
* Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
* Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.
* Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Supervision

NA

Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

* Strong knowledge of Agile/Scrum principles and practices.
* Experience as a Scrum Master for a minimum of one year for a software development team that was applying Agile/Scrum principles and practices that are consistent with those at Ascensus.
* Strong JIRA experience.
* Experience with creating Scrum metrics and application of those metrics.
* Good skills and knowledge of servant leadership, facilitation, situational awareness, conflict resolution, continual improvement, empowerment, and increasing transparency.
* Ability to anticipate issues based on experience to help the team avoid or resolve the issues.
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
* Excellent oral and written communication skills including active listening.
* Knowledge of PC applications including MS Office products and TFS.
* Knowledge of common business applications and analytical tools.
* Certified Scrum Master (Scrum Alliance).
* Knowledge of and/or experience with writing effective user stories and acceptance criteria.

Nice to Have Skills

* Knowledge of other Agile approaches: XP, Kanban, Crystal, FDD, etc.
* Experience with EasyBI.
* Applicable knowledge of the technologies used by the team.
* Scrum Master experience in an organization during an agile transformation.
* Familiar with SAFe and/or other enterprise agile frameworks.

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