Executive Project Manager

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

3d•$105,000 - $125,000•Remote

About The Position

Would you like to be part of an amazing team that helps Arizonans thrive? At the Department of Economic Security (DES) we strengthen individuals, families, and communities for a better quality of life. DES is looking for individuals who are committed to service, community, and teamwork. To learn more about DES please visit des.az.gov; [https://des.az.gov/] or click on the link here [https://youtu.be/EjLhFs6kqmE] to view ‘Our DES’ video. Come Join the DES Team! The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Office of the Director (OOD) is seeking an Executive Product Manager/Chief Experience Officer to join the Office of Strategic Modernization. This pivotal role reports directly to the Deputy Director of Operations and serves as a strategic partner and advisor in advancing A-to-Z Arizona—a significant agency-wide initiative dedicated to modernizing and streamlining business processes, incorporating cutting-edge IT and technology projects to significantly improve client experience and outcomes, reduce waste and complexity, and safeguard against identity theft and fraud. As the incumbent, you will provide essential leadership in resolving challenges and driving the success of A-to-Z Arizona, which functions as an agency-wide portal connecting clients to vital resources, allowing them to apply for programs, and manage their services on demand, with key responsibilities including leading Overall Product Management strategy, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) strategy, Employee Experience (EX) initiatives, and Requirements gathering and prioritization. This high-profile position requires routinely and proactively representing executive positions in meetings and committees (including public speaking on technology projects), developing integrated functional projects, creating comprehensive communication plans, and designing scorecards to effectively measure the initiative's success. This position may offer the ability to work remotely within Arizona based upon the department's needs and continual meetings of expected performance measures. The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, commissions, many State employees participate in the State's Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Project and/or product management
Systems and programs in the area of assignment, and of their purposes and variations in form, structure and content
Principles concepts and current practices of State government and government management including legislative and administrative processes
Principles, concepts and current practices of State government and government management, including legislative and administrative processes State laws, rules and regulations
Skills In: Conceptualization, design, planning and development of various aspects of systems and programs in the area of assignment
Written and oral communication
Interviewing and eliciting information in support of project objectives
Interpersonal relations, as applied to contacts with officials, managers and representatives of various agencies and organizations
Ability to: Test and troubleshoot project elements in area of assignment
Conduct research and extract, compile, analyze, evaluate and synthesize data
Present information effectively in support of project objectives

Nice To Haves

Master Degree in Public Policy or Administration, JD, Budget/Finance and experience working in project management, public policy, contacts, strategic planning, organizational development or business operations/budget.

Responsibilities

Lead the Department's strategic product and modernization initiative, A-to-Z Arizona, serving as the Executive Product Manager/Chief Experience Officer for the statewide portal. This includes defining and driving the product vision and strategy, incorporating best practices to improve client experience and outcomes.
Drive the overall User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) strategy, ensuring all digital products are highly intuitive, efficient, and engaging by overseeing research, design, cross-functional collaboration, testing, and the management of a centralized design system.
Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the Deputy Director of Operations and senior leadership, routinely and proactively representing the executives' positions in meetings and committees to advance the statewide initiative.
Participate in extensive and intensive research for agency-level program/policy projects to formalize requirements gathering, analyze data, and recommend policy changes to support product objectives.
Act as a primary spokesperson for the A-to-Z Arizona technology project, performing public speaking engagements and presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and partnering agencies to communicate progress and achieve commitment.
Design and develop new or revised systems to monitor divisional metrics and product deliverables, and recommend new systems, procedures, or organizational changes to management through presentations or written reports.
Develop integrated functional projects, communication plans, and scorecards to effectively measure the success of the A-to-Z Arizona initiative and monitor its effectiveness.
Lead project update meetings with divisional leadership to ensure timely implementation, identify and resolve barriers to project implementations, and provide problem solving support to teams working through strategic projects.
Serve as a consultant with divisional leadership on product barriers/challenges with internal and external partners.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid vacation and sick time
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child.
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition Reimbursement
Stipend Opportunities
Infant at Work Program
Rideshare and Public Transit Subsidy
Career Advancement & Employee Development Opportunities