Department of Education

Address:  Information Technology Division
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Salary: $90,000 - $95,000 

Grade: 25

Closing Date: 11/5/24

• Lead end-to-end project management activities, encompassing project initiation, scope definition, budget allocation, and effective user communication
• Excel in developing and maintaining comprehensive project plans, aligned with structured structured IT project management principles
• Proactively monitoring progress, mentoring, and addressing potential challenges are core responsibilities
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, internal and external, to assess feasibility, fostering innovation, and identifying and mitigating risks are integral to success
• Necessitates risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of infrastructure objectives
• Responsible to lead and collaborate with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and broadband vendors ensuring the funding and project completion of all broadband initiatives
• Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Accountable and responsible for managing the complete life cycle of IT infrastructure/broadband projects from original concept to final implementation for multiple medium to large-sized projects.
• Communicate and coordinate with district business officials, technology coordinators, building project consultants, E-rate consultants and other individuals necessary to assist in the various aspects of the E-rate special construction program; this includes annual and bi annual reporting to legislative committees.
• Develop detailed project execution plans and manages all phases of the project including, project resource allocation, scheduling, financial/budgets, progress status tracking, KPl's/value focused metrics, multi-level reporting, testing, and release to production and post production support and maintenance.
• Works cross-functionally to solve problems.
• Liaison between LEAs, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and USF (Universal Service Fund).
• Establish and broaden statewide E-rate special construction communication channels.
• Participate in monthly Webinars and weekly project meetings.
• Develop, attend, and participate in trainings and process documentation.
• Create and provide E-rate special construction project outreach and training workshops (online, Webinar, and face-to-face).
• Prepare project road maps with Arizona Department of Education (ADE) infrastructure/security areas and Project Investment Justification (PIJ) documents as well as the corresponding status reports and change control documents.
• Provide information and supporting material to confirm project accomplishments and milestones as needed.
• Partner with key stakeholders, internal and external, and program area personnel to build project plans, identify key milestones and priorities for project completion, effectively communicates objectives, risks, and project progress.
• Spearhead meetings, presentations, and state communications.
• Manage projects based on repeatable standards and practices where possible, but also may require defining new approaches and processes.
• Manage and coordinate Arizona school participation in the USF E-rate program special construction projects.
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge in:
• Federal E-Rate Program
• Universal Service Funds program
• Broadband construction projects
• Comprehensive knowledge of IT project management principles
• Infrastructure / networking / broadband projects from acquisition to deployment
• Proficiency in PMBOK framework, implementing standardized practices for consistency
• Expertise in defining and managing large project budgets and resources to optimize utilization
• Familiarity with Request For Information (RFI), Request For Proposals (RFP) processes, and Change Management controls
• A Bachelor’s degree and three years of related experience or an Associate’s degree and five years of related experience, plus a minimum of one year of project management is required, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree

Skills in:
• Proficient in mission, goal, task, and resource definition, translating objectives into actionable plans
• Experienced in efficient management of budgets and resources, and balancing financial considerations
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and engaging stakeholders transparently
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency
• Proficient in conveying project updates and insights to stakeholders
• Develop strategies to align with goals
• Communicate effectively with non-technical stakeholders at the highest levels of government

Ability to:
• Proven ability in RFP and contract management
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring successful completion
• Lead project planning and implementation, guiding teams towards success
• Manage projects with adaptable standards and practices
• Work collaboratively, build strong relationship with internal and external Stakeholders
• Balance tasks and business priorities to ensure projects are on track
• Responsive to feedback, adjusting plans to meet evolving business needs
• Collaborate across departments and bridge technical and non-technical gaps
• Address data-related challenges and plan for future data needs and trends
• Guide stakeholders through technological changes
• Strong ability to prioritize and plan effectively considering objectives and constraints

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Arizona State Project Management Certification

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

You will be required to participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) upon your 27th week of employment, subject to waiting period. On or shortly after, your first day of employment you will be provided with enrollment instructions and effective date.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 542-3186 or emailing Human.Resources@azed.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.