Scrum Master

Job Description

The Washington Post's world-class Information Technology department is on the ground floor of some of the most exciting, game-changing projects in the news media industry; projects involving cutting-edge tools that promise to revolutionize how our award-winning journalists tell their stories. To succeed in this mission, we're searching for a dynamic Scrum Master to play a critical role in coaching and training teams as they use the Scrum framework. It's your chance to take your career to the next exciting level, and to play a major part in The Post's future as one of the world's most trusted and respected news sources.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates Scrum events; daily scrum, backlog refinement, sprint planning, sprint review and retrospective.
• Coach product managers, delivery managers and engineering teams on the effective application of agile values, principles and practices.
• Create a environment where teams feel empowered to self organize, introspect, ideate and experiment
• Be flexible in the face of change, create and support light weight processes and practices that are adaptable
• Collect meaningful metrics and track trends to help teams plan and execute better.
• Identify anti-patterns and make them transparent.
• Protect the team from distractions while they focus on their goals
• Work with other Scrum masters to learn and share experiences and ideas

• Coaches the team on the scrum framework as a subject matter expert.
• Responsible for removing impediments for the scrum team.
• Coaches the product owner on effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management
• Help the Scrum Team focus on creating high-value Increments that meet the Definition of Done
• Organizes bug bashes, works with the team to identify test cases.
• Works with the team to identify unsurfaced scope, missed requirements.

Requirements

• 2-5 years' experience as a Scrum Master serving multiple teams.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required; focus in computer science, engineering, business or related technical field preferred.
• Has earned one or more professional certifications. Individual may have Scrum Master Certification (CSM) and/or experience using Agile methods
• A common sense approach to agility that is focused on better outcomes irrespective of methodologies, practices or processes.
• Experience working with distributed teams.
• Excellent communication, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Knowledge of multiple methodologies, frameworks and systems like agile, Scrum, Kanban and XP
• Understand the basic fundamentals of iterative and incremental development.
• Strong knowledge of Scrum theory, rules and practices.
• Basic knowledge of software development processes and procedures to understand team needs.
• Knowledge of KPI's and metrics for scrum teams
• Experience with concepts like user stories, epics, themes, velocity, cycle time, lead time etc.
• Good skills and knowledge of servant leadership, facilitation, situational awareness, conflict resolution, continuous improvement, empowerment, and increasing transparency.
• Professional experience in acting, teaching, improv, military, waiting tables, customer service, social work, medicine, nursing, community organizing or recruiting is a plus.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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