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JOB DESCRIPTION...
NOTE: although remote, candidate will come to Nashville for meetings. Prefers candidate within 300 mile radius of Nashville (Atlanta, GA; Memphis, TN; Etc)
Within the TN Dept of Education, there are large programs and projects that must be delivered in order to meet the strategic goals set forth by the Agency. The Information Technology team drives the technical solutions supporting the Department creating holistic academic and non-academic supports for K-12 students across Tennessee.
Job Responsibilities
The role of a Product Owner will be to:
1. Work across a team of IT Product Owners and with multiple program areas
Use IT solutions subject matter expertise and requirements management to build solutions for education programs.
2. Own the Solution Functionality for the program area (Strategic)
Own the IT solution vision for a particular product or product domain to decompose the vision into IT work.
3. Own the Solution Functionality for the program area (Tactical)
Establish subject matter expertise in IT solution functionalities to document acceptance criteria and functional priorities.
4. Own product intake process of new functionality
Receive and organize the intake of work providing business valued solutions.
5. Serve as a relationship manager to product areas
Build strong relationships with designated program areas and serve as a trusted advisor to the program area to create solutions leveraging existing and, when necessary, new technology solutions. Consult on the process and how to reasonably facilitate the process with technology solutions.
6. Develop Project Relationships
Build strong interdependent relationships with the project managers and scrum masters fostering communication to implementing and supporting IT Solutions efficiently and effectively.
7. Champion Agile.
Adopt and grow Agile, scrum and iterative advancements. Clear establishment of and demonstrated adherence to Agile principles.
8. Define the Product needed to deliver projects from the perspective of the larger ecosystem.
Ensure the product have functionality properly prioritized, scoped, evaluated, and documented.
Essential Skills
? Be able to influence and instruct team members in a matrixed reporting relationship.[1,5,6]
? Strong command of Agile philosophies and principles that drive team productivity. [8]
? Document and maintain the IT solution vision and IT landscape of products and services [2,3]
? Facilitate product vision and requirements gathering within an Agile project framework. [8,9]
? Ability to take a solution and decompose it down to manageable workable deliverables. [9]
? Strong organization skills [4,5,8]
? Strong estimation skills [4,5,8]
? Strong prioritization skills [4,5,8]
? Strong ability to pivot as business needs change [4,5,8]
? Excellent people skills [1,6,7]
? Takes direction well, challenges when necessary [7,9]
? Ability to trace requirements to delivered functionality [7,9]
? Lead by Example, Accountable and works Interdependently [1-9]
? Collaborates well within the team without a strictly defined operating structure.[6]
Requirements
? 3-5 years? experience in Requirements Gathering and Solution definition as a Product Owner.
? 3-5 years? experience in Agile methodologies, including leading scrum ceremonies.
? Desire to guide and develop a high performing scrum team
? Experience in documenting solutions
? Demonstrated experience working in multiple, simultaneous IT projects and multi-year program delivery.
? Strong customer service mindset and relationship building competencies
? Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to simplify the complex
? Experience working in a contractor and FTE resources in a matrixed environment
? Experience with JIRA and Confluence
? Experience with State Government processes beneficial but not essential
Estimated Duration......04/10/2025 - 03/01/2026
Why Work with Us
Benefits
At Cook Systems, we don't just offer jobs we build futures. Our team is the heart of everything we do, and we're committed to supporting you with benefits that go beyond the basics. We want you to feel secure, valued, and empowered from the very beginning of your journey with us. When you join Cook Systems, here's what you can look forward to:
Your Health, Your Way: Choose from two comprehensive medical plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, complete with dental and vision coverage. With access to one of the nation's largest networks, you'll get the care you need for yourself and your family wherever life takes you.
Peace of Mind, Every Step of the Way: Protect what matters most with life, critical illness, and accident insurance through Unum. Because your loved ones deserve security no matter what the future holds.
Flexibility for Life's Needs: Save money and plan ahead with a Flexible Spending Account and Daycare FSA through Navia, helping you manage healthcare and dependent care expenses on your terms.
Bridging the Gaps: Unexpected costs? No problem. Our Health Gap Insurance through Sunlife helps ensure you're covered when it counts.
Your Future Starts Now: Dream big with our 401(k) retirement plan through The Standard. After just six months, you will be eligible to participate, because your future deserves a strong foundation.
At Cook Systems, you're not just another employee you're family. Here, your ideas matter, your contributions shine, and your career will thrive. Together, we innovate, grow, and celebrate success every step of the way. Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Let's build the future together at Cook Systems.