Senior Director, Ed Tech Quality

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Current WGU employees should submit an internal application before 8/29/2024 to be considered.

The Senior Director, Ed Tech Quality is a key leadership role within the University’s Ed Tech Product & Portfolio organization, with responsibility for leading strategy, policy, and operational excellence as it relates to product and portfolio quality. This role works closely with the Vice President, Product & Portfolio, and other key stakeholders, including the Vice Presidents of Engineering, Infrastructure, and Security, and the office of the CIO, to establish standards, reporting, and analytics relative to all product and portfolio work, including the quality assurance review of all functioning software produced. This role is recognized as an industry expert in higher education technical product and program innovations and operations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Establishes the quality assurance team, including establishing quality management practices, identifying relevant standards, developing a plan, and choosing software assurance tools and procedures.

• Monitors software product, portfolio, and engineering processes throughout development to ensure they adhere to agreed-upon policies and standards.

• Oversees the quality, functionality, and performance of a software product for key initiatives and programs through all phases of the SDLC life cycle.

• Ensures the final software is free of bugs and glitches, providing a seamless user experience.

• Provides thought leadership and makes recommendations for innovations in Ed Tech standards, operations, and testing.

• Coaches, mentors, and guides the professional development of product and portfolio quality and operations team members.

• Develops appropriate analytics for measuring product quality, SDLC execution, and portfolio management effectiveness.

• Cultivates “test” and “learn” culture.

• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior executives, solving complex business problems and providing actionable recommendations based upon data-driven insights.

• Endeavors to incorporate the University’s leadership principles into all aspects of the individual’s work and interactions with others.

• Produces timely, consistent, and accurate reports for stakeholders and executives.

• Contributes to thought leadership for issues that affect the entire Ed Tech product portfolio.

• Leads and/or participates in cross-functional project teams supporting Key Results with members across entities and within the University.

• Maintains professional knowledge of innovative and current practices in the areas of software development, software QA, and product and portfolio management.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:

• Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels, both internally and externally.

• Proven ability to analyze data to identify trends and drive innovation.

• Ability to organize, coordinate, and direct team activities and results.

• Ability to coach, direct, and develop direct reports.

• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.

• Ability to be an agent of change in a rapidly changing environment.

• Strong organizational and demonstrated communication and research skills.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including effectively handling multiple tasks and paying attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain composure under pressure, dealing with ambiguity, and comfort working closely with executive leadership.

Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field

• 10 years of related experience in software operations and management.

• 7 years of experience leading and managing people, teams,