Project Planner

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Job description

IT DevOps organization is seeking a highly motivated Project Planner to join our IT DevOps team to assist in the managing and delivery of a portfolio of projects. In this role, the associate will collaborate across all of IT/DSI and Business functions as part of the project management responsibilities. A successful candidate will display strong communication and organizational skills and have experience facilitating and coordinating activities across multiple teams within GEICO IT, DSI, and staff departments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Develop project charter, backlog, implementations plan and timeline.
* Establishes, maintains, and provides management reporting using appropriate metrics on project and team progress including burndown, velocity, capacity and other relevant agile metrics.
* Engages key stakeholders to evaluate proposed and ongoing projects based on value, risk, effort, cost and strategic alignment.
* Ensures effective communication with project sponsors, project managers, functional and resource managers, and other stakeholders within both business and IT.
* Works with key stakeholders and budget managers to assess and track financial impact of the project portfolio.
* Aligns the portfolio process with the IT and corporate planning process.
* Develops relationships with stakeholders and executives in order to gain buy-in and adoption.
* Creates internal and external communication for all levels of IT and corporate/regional leadership.
* Performs analysis and delivers recommendations for governance tools, templates, guidelines, procedures and processes.
* Performs other duties as assigned by manager.
* Present project plan and accomplishments to key stakeholders using visual, verbal and written format.

Qualifications:

Required:

* Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* 3+ years of progressive experience with large scale enterprise IT project management.
* 3+ years of experience with introducing new process (with and without related supporting technology assessment and recommendation).
* 2+ years of experience defining and managing product or value streams.
* Proven track record of planning and delivering results for complex projects requiring coordination across different teams, departments, and/or vendors.
* Demonstrated strong oral and written communications skills; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with multiple stakeholder groups as well as leadership of all levels.
* Demonstrated experience overseeing a large portfolio of projects of various complexity.
* Experience with Scaled Agile, Scrum, Kanban techniques
* Demonstrated ability to be an effective agent of change
* Relies on strong critical thinking, technical skill, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
* Demonstrates the keen ability to recognize and apply an appropriate sense of urgency
* Demonstrated ability to manage time and priorities and removing obstacles from the project or scrum team's progress.
* Ability to manage complex projects and tasks with attention to detail
* Proficiency with project management tools and project report creation
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite of tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio) is a must.
* Solid documentation skills - must be willing and able to clearly document findings, proposals, issues and status
* Ability to manage change and work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

* Background in Organizational Change Management
* PMP certification, certification in Agile Methodologies (PMI-ACP or other industry standard certification) are preferred
* Familiarity with Microsoft's Azure DevOps (ADO)
* Experience with introducing new technology and technology assessment and recommendations

Note: The safety of our associates, both current and future, is GEICO's highest priority. At this time, most of our associates are working remotely due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Candidates who are selected for this position will be trained remotely and must be able to work from home in a designated work area. Once GEICO determines it is safe for associates to return to the office, candidates may be required to work in our Chevy Chase, MD office.

Benefits:

At GEICO, we make sure you have the support and resources to leverage and develop your skills, secure your financial future, and take care of your health and well-being. GEICO continually seeks to provide a workplace where everyone can be their authentic self. To help achieve this goal, we support associate-led Employee Resource Groups that foster a true sense of community. Through GEICO's competitive benefits offerings and various training and development opportunities, we have you covered with our Total Rewards Program* that includes:

* Premier Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with no waiting period
* Paid Vacation, Sick and Parental Leave
* 401(k) Plan with Profit Sharing
* Tuition Reimbursement
* Paid Training and Licensures
* Benefits may be different by location. Benefit eligibility requirements vary and may include length of service.

Coverage begins with the pay period after hire date. Must enroll in New Hire Benefits within 30 days of the date of hire for coverage to take effect.

GEICO is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to cultivating an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO celebrates diversity and believes it is critical to our success. As such, we are committed to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals to join our team.

GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.

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