OPEX302: Agile Product Owner

All JerseySTEM roles are pro-bono (unpaid) positions. JerseySTEM is a mission-driven professional network of pro-bono contributors dedicated to improving access to STEM education and career pathways for underserved middle school girls in New Jersey. Members contribute their professional skills and leverage their networks in service of the organization’s gender-equity agenda. Membership is a minimum six-month commitment of approximately six flexible hours per week and includes a $100 refundable deposit, returned after six months of active membership. K-12 educators, retirees, veterans, interns, and students are exempt from the deposit.

About the role

JerseySTEM is seeking skilled Agile Product Owners to help implement and execute transformational organization outcomes. The candidate will have demonstrated expertise and application of Agile methodologies, techniques, and frameworks, a successful track record of driving and facilitating teams, commitment to continuous learning, and a mindset of relentless improvement. Candidates will be evaluated by JerseySTEM's Operational Excellence Management team, which includes a technical committee of Agile coaches and business managers.

Candidates will focus on one of the following domains:

• Outreach Information System: Built around a backbone of Salesforce augmented by a series of supplemental applications such as Email marketing integration, QuickBooks integration, the OIS-PO will oversee the evolution of the current solution as the needs evolve and new integrations become available.
• Human Resources Information System: Established around the Applicant Tracking System (iCIMS) and the Onboarding platform (Enboarder), the Product Owner will shepherd the evolution of our information system supporting the Human Capital department (HRIS-PO).

Responsibilities

• Organize and oversee the requirement gathering and Business Analysis of the solutions to be developed.
• Manage and prioritize the product backlog for an Agile team.
• Attend weekly meetings with the team.
• Work with stakeholders to understand their needs, and with the team to understand technical and practical constraints.
• Help clarify user stories, set acceptance criteria, and answer questions.
• Review the team's progress periodically and adjust the backlog as needed.
• Identify process and communications issues.

Minimum time commitment: 5-7 hours per week with committed work times, for a minimum 6-month period.

Requirements

• 3-4 years of experience as Product Owner or Project Manager in a Corporate setting preferred.
• Proven track record as a PO or Product Manager.
• Excellent communication, analytical, mentoring, and problem-solving skills.
• Certified Product Owner (CSPO), PMP, or SAFe certifications preferred.
• Experience using Jira, Kanban Board, Slack.