Job Information
GCI Communication Corp Senior Program Standards Coach in Anchorage, Alaska
GCI's Senior Program Standards Coach is responsible for enhancing the skills and effectiveness of program management through individualized coaching and workshops. Focuses on developing program management capabilities, ensuring that program managers can effectively apply best practices and align their work with organizational standards.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:
Enhance the skills and effectiveness of program management within the organization. Provide individualized coaching, facilitate workshops, and develop program management capabilities. Ensure that program managers can effectively apply best practices and align their work with organizational standards.
Decision Rights
Owns:
Coaching content and methodology
Progress evaluation and feedback
Shapes:
Coaching development approach
Application of best practices
Vetoes:
Non-compliant coaching practices
Project managers training materials
Individualized Coaching & Development:
Enhance the effectiveness of program management by addressing unique challenges in program management, fostering personal and professional growth, and aligning work with organizational standards.
Provide personalized one-on-one coaching, identifying areas for improvement, setting goals, and developing personalized action plans.
Provide coaching on delineation of roles between program and project managers.
Conduct comprehensive evaluations of current skills, strengths, and areas for development through assessments, self-reflections, and feedback from peers and supervisors. Identify specific challenges being faced, including program management, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Collaborate to establish clear, measurable, and achievable goals based on the initial assessment. Ensure goals align with both personal aspirations and organizational objectives, focusing on key competencies such as communication, strategic planning, and performance measurement.
Develop customized action plans tailored to individual goals and areas for improvement, detailing specific steps, resources, and timelines for achieving these goals. Incorporate various learning methods, including hands-on activities, shadowing opportunities, and relevant reading materials.
Schedule regular one-on-one coaching sessions to monitor progress, provide guidance, and adjust action plans as necessary. Offer constructive feedback and encouragement, fostering a safe environment where program managers feel comfortable discussing challenges and successes.
Focus on enhancing essential skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, team dynamics, and strategic thinking through targeted exercises and role-playing scenarios. Encourage the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches in program management.
Encourage self-reflection to help assess growth and identify ongoing areas for development. Utilize evaluation tools to measure progress against established goals and adapt coaching strategies based on outcomes.
Share relevant resources, such as articles, case studies, and training materials, to support ongoing learning and development. Connect with other professionals, mentors, or networks that can provide additional insights and support.
Assist with facilitating Project management coaching sessions as needed.
Metrics:
Individual:
% of trained vs reporting improvements
% of identified skill gaps vs addressed in coaching.
Achievement of strategic goals: % achievement within fiscal year
Shared:
Coaching satisfaction rate
Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:
Work closely with the Program and Project Standards Manager, Program Management team and CTO department to design and implement coaching initiatives that meet the needs of program managers.
Collaborate with project management trainers to align the roles and delineation of responsibilities between project managers and program managers.
Collaborate with leadership and other stakeholders to ensure alignment of program management practices with overall organizational objectives.
Work closely to foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and collaboration across teams.
Workshop Development & Facilitation:
Design and deliver workshops focused on program management skills, best practices, and organizational standards to enhance overall team performance and effectiveness.
Conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific skills gaps and training needs of program managers through surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Develop a curriculum that addresses identified needs, ensuring a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Structure workshops into engaging modules, each focusing on key topics such as:
Effective program planning and execution
Risk management strategies
Team leadership and motivation techniques
Data-driven decision-making and performance metrics
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Create dynamic and interactive materials, including presentations, handouts, case studies, and group activities that promote participation and collaboration. Incorporate real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises to simulate challenges program managers may face in their roles.
Conduct workshops focused on program management best practices, ensuring that program managers are equipped with the latest methodologies and tools.
Utilize various facilitation methods to cater to diverse learning styles, such as:
Group discussions and brainstorming sessions
Breakout activities for hands-on practice
Q&A sessions to encourage dialogue and clarification
Visual aids and technology to enhance understanding
Lead workshops in a manner that fosters an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging open communication and sharing of experiences. Use storytelling and personal anecdotes to illustrate key concepts and make content relatable.
Implement techniques to maintain high levels of engagement, such as:
Icebreakers and team-building exercises at the beginning of each session
Interactive polls and quizzes to gauge understanding and reinforce learning
Feedback loops to allow participants to express their thoughts and experiences throughout the workshop.
Develop follow-up activities or assignments to reinforce skills learned in the workshop, encouraging participants to apply new strategies in their work.
Create a peer mentorship or accountability system to support continued learning and implementation.
Provide participants with a resource library that includes additional reading materials, tools, and templates to support ongoing development. Encourage the establishment of a community of practice among program managers to facilitate peer support and knowledge sharing beyond the workshop setting.
Analyze feedback from previous workshops to refine content and delivery methods.
Assist with developing and facilitating Project management training and workshops as needed.
Best Practices & Resource Development:
Research, identify, and implement effective best practices in program management, ensuring strategies enhance the capabilities and align efforts with organizational standards and are accessible and applicable to all.
Collaborate with Program and Project Standards Manager on development of best practices, such as:
Program planning and implementation
Risk management and mitigation strategies
Communication and stakeholder engagement
Other program artefacts applicable for organization
Develop user-friendly documentation that clearly outlines best practices, including guidelines, templates, and checklists that program managers can easily reference.
Create an online repository or knowledge management system where best practices are stored and easily accessible, ensuring all can find the information they need.
Continuous Improvement:
Ensure continuous improvement of program standards coaching and training materials to
Maintain detailed records of coaching sessions, progress, and adjustments made to action plans to track development over time.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging individuals to provide feedback on best practices, sharing what works and what doesn’t. Update best practices regularly based on new research findings, emerging trends, and feedback from program managers to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Assess the effectiveness of current programs and provide feedback on management practices and alignment with organizational goals.
Gather participant feedback on the workshop’s effectiveness, content relevance, and overall experience. Analyze feedback to identify areas for improvement in future workshops and adjust content or delivery methods as needed.
Establish metrics to evaluate the success of coaching and training initiatives, and adjust strategies based on outcomes and feedback.
Assess the effectiveness of implemented best practices, such as program outcomes, stakeholder satisfaction, and efficiency measures. Regularly review and analyze these metrics to identify successes and areas needing further improvement.
Own and manage priorities and individual tasks without direct supervision.
Take the initiative and seek out opportunities.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences.
Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess project performance and compliance.
Proven experience in project management, with a focus on developing and implementing standards and methodologies.
Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex challenging problems and situations leading to optimal solutions.
Demonstrated ability to analyze workload, establish appropriate priorities, and set measurable and achievable goals and objectives
Proficiency in project management software, systems, and tools.
COMPETENCIES:
ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY - Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively.
TRAINING & FACILITATION:
Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse audiences.
Ability to adapt coaching materials and approaches to meet the specific needs of different teams and organizational contexts.
Ability to design and deliver effective coaching sessions and workshops.
Proven experience in program management, coaching, or professional development.
Strong understanding of best practices in program management and organizational standards.
Grade: E07
Additional Job Requirements:
This is a senior level position within the discipline demonstrating proficiency in all areas of responsibility. Performs highly complex tasks and assignments under minimal guidance, anticipating and preventing problems and roadblocks before they occur. Works under minimal supervision with latitude for independent judgment.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis
High School diploma or equivalent.
Bachelor’s degree in Management, Business Administration, Project Management, Education, or related field. *
Including a minimum of three (3) years of experience in developing and delivering training programs, workshops, or coaching sessions utilizing agile methodologies and frameworks focused on program management or leadership development.
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in program management, professional coaching or development, or a related role within a relevant industry. *
PMP or PRINCE2 certification in a good standing (not expired), or successfully obtain and maintain PMP or PRINCE2 certification within six (6) months of employment.
Preferred:
Master’s degree or MBA.
Telecommunications experience.
Experience in a training, coaching, or mentoring role.
Knowledge of performance assessment tools and techniques.
Familiarity with project management software and tools.
Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications.
Certifications in instructional design or training delivery.
PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification.
DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:
This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:
This position involves a mix of in-person and virtual training sessions, requiring flexibility in work hours to accommodate participants across different time zones.
Occasional travel is required for on-site training sessions or workshops, generally located in the Anchorage area.
Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively.
Ability to make valid judgments and decisions.
Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary.
Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.
The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to the immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity for every Trailblazer.
EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.
DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.