Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is responsible for training and facilitating one or more software development product teams working within the Agile methodology and Scrum framework. The Scrum Master will instill agile principles and best practices and ensure that the team follows this methodology. Necessitates a positive, confident outward demeanor, proven leadership skills, inspires and guides others, has a track-record of ensuring deliverables milestones and deadlines are met. This position reports to the Agile Practice Manager.

Responsibilities and Duties:

The Scrum Master is responsible for the following (though not limited to):

• Lead teams and the organization on how to best use Agile principles/frameworks and effectively leverages appropriate best practices
• Act as Scrum Master for assigned Scrum teams, facilitating ceremonies such as release planning, sprint planning, sprint reviews, daily stand-ups and retrospectives and others as needed
• Assist/Support the Product Owner with managing the backlog and aid the team in determining suitable commitments for product backlog items and sprints
• Guide the development team to create high-value products and to be self-organizing and cross-functional
• Assess the Agile maturity of the team and organization and coaching the team to higher levels of maturity, at a pace that is sustainable and comfortable for the team and organization
• Create and track team metrics to assist with sprint planning and quality improvement
• Remove impediments and/or guide the team to remove the impediments
• Facilitate getting the work done without coercion, assigning, or dictating the work
• Facilitate discussion, decision making, and conflict resolution
• Assist with internal and external communication, improving transparency, and radiating information
• Be a servant leader
• Facilitate and assist with increasing stakeholder engagement
• Work with other Scrum Masters to increase the effectiveness of Scrum in the organization
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of Lean, Scrum, Kanban and other framework principles
• Reputable skills of servant leadership, facilitation, coaching, situational awareness, conflict resolution, continual improvement, empowerment, and increasing transparency
• Detail-oriented with very strong critical thinking and communication skills
• Self-motivated, constructive and positive attitude
• Passion for leading Scrum teams to continually improve quality and delivered value
• Ability to drive change on a large scale
• Demonstrated ability to inspire others and promote a sense of community
• Proficient in Agile/ Scrum development methodology
• Ability to work both in a team and alone
• Experience with Agile software management tools, such as Jira, Microsoft TFS, etc.

Required Training and Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Information Technology or Engineering or equivalent work experience desired
• First level Scrum Master certification (PSM I, CSM)
• Experience in a Scrum Master role for at least one year for a Scrum team
• Experience on software development teams with an understanding of software development and software quality disciplines, including familiarity with DevOps and/or DevSecOps

Preferred Skills, Training, and Experience:

• Second or Third level Scrum Master certification (A-CSM, PSM II, CSP-SM, PSM III)
• Knowledge and/or experience with Agile techniques such as: ATDD, TDD, BDD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Testing, Pair Programming, Automated Testing, Agile Games

Working Conditions:

This is an office-based position in which work will be completed during a work shift of 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Though hours are fairly routine, the position does require some flexibility to meet needs of program, periodically attend meetings scheduled outside normal work hours, etc. Additionally employee will participate in staff meetings at regularly scheduled times, for the purpose of information sharing and problem solving and these may occur outside of the scheduled hours working, with non-reimbursable mandatory attendance required.