Associate, Scrum Master

About the position

The Associate Scrum Master is a servant leader who coaches and mentors IT development teams to self-organize, self-manage, and deliver value via effective Lean-Agile practices in the Scaled Agile Framework. This role supports and enforces Scrum and quality processes, assists the team in coordinating with other teams on the Agile Release Train (ART), and effectively tracks and communicates status while influencing team progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide basic Scrum Master support to the Scrum Master organization while preparing to take on full Scrum Master duties for designated team(s).
• Work with 1 to 2 agile teams with a team complexity level of low to medium.
• Help agile teams embrace SAFe Core Values, adopt and apply SAFe Principles, and implement SAFe practices.
• Coach teams on agile methodologies and processes.
• Lead standard SCRUM ceremonies (Team Sync, Retrospectives, Sprint Planning, etc).
• Address impediments to keep the team focused on achieving their objectives.
• Assist the team in managing interpersonal and cross-team conflicts, adapting to changing circumstances, and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Use established team metrics, dashboards, and analytical reports to drive improvement and team behaviors.
• Understand impacts that may adversely affect the successful delivery of the business objectives.
• Facilitate preparation and readiness for ART events.
• Obtain/maintain Scaled Agile certification and continually reference the framework to define and adopt effective and appropriate processes.
• Promote and reinforce Sallie Mae's implementation of SAFe, with particular attention to compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with Team Members, Product Owners, Product Managers, and stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Participate and contribute to Communities of Practice, SoS, and other enterprise initiatives that share and advance practical knowledge.
• Coordinate with other teams (e.g. System Team, User Experience, Architecture) and maintain open communication to and from the team.
• Prepare and share meaningful and appropriate information to outside groups, including senior management.
• Proactively identify and manage cross-team dependencies, risks, and impediments; effectively communicate with impacted parties and escalate immediately if objectives are not being met.
• Protect the team and build trust with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Prior experience in a Scrum Master role.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Detail-oriented mindset with excellent documentation and reporting abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Azure DevOps.
• BS in a technical field or equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years' experience in an Information Technology role.
• 1+ years' experience on an Agile team, or in a project management or similar role within an agile organization.
• Hold SAFe Scrum Master certification or obtain within first 6 months of hiring.
• Demonstrate high level understanding of the Scaled Agile Framework.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• 1-2 years of experience in technology project coordination or support role is preferred.
• SAFe Scrum Master Certification.

Benefits

• Competitive base salaries
• Bonus incentives
• Generous PTO, Floating Holidays and 12 Federal Holidays observed
• Support for financial-well-being and retirement 401k with employer match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance and more
• Employer paid short-term/long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
• Paid parental leave and adoption reimbursement programs
• Free access to on-site staffed fitness centers (in Delaware) and gym subsidy (for locations outside Delaware)
• Confidential counseling support (EAP), Health Advocacy services and Wellness program with financial incentives
• Tuition Reimbursement and Family Scholarship Programs
• Career development and training opportunities