Salary : $90,096.00 - $121,176.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations Statewide, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-05774
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Office of Modernization
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
Closing Date: 7/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionThis position is mainly virtual but requires the flexibility of the incumbent to come into the office in Olympia infrequently or as business needs arise.The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.The ideal candidate for the IT Project Manager - Journey role is an experienced agile practitioner who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.They bring a strong foundation in Agile project management, including hands-on facilitation of ceremonies such as sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, retrospectives, and backlog grooming. As described in the position, this role "works with and leads the scrum teams to define and to scale agile processes appropriate for project technology teams" and requires someone who can confidently guide multiple scrum teams through complex, multi-sprint delivery cycles while maintaining alignment with agency priorities.
This candidate excels at removing impediments, driving resolution of issues, and ensuring that teams operate efficiently and predictably. They demonstrate skill in monitoring development inputs and outputs, analyzing sprint reports, and using data to identify improvement opportunities-reflecting the position's requirement to "identify any gaps and correct impediments to performance." They partner seamlessly with Product Managers and Technology Managers to align backlog priorities, support defect remediation, and maintain delivery continuity across competing workstreams. Their communication skills allow them to work effectively with customers, stakeholders, external agencies, and technical teams, ensuring transparency and trust throughout the software development lifecycle.
Finally, the ideal candidate embodies ESD's values of Access, Love, Equity, Belonging, and Stewardship. They demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to meeting the needs of others-qualities reflected in the required equity competencies. They champion continuous improvement, helping teams adopt new tools, workflows, and best practices while minimizing disruption. With experience in Azure DevOps or similar tools, and ideally certifications such as CSM, SAFE, PMP, or PMI-ACP, they contribute to a resilient, innovative organization where "employees are optimistic and empowered to improve how they work and the organization." Their work directly supports the financial systems that underpin critical statewide programs, making accuracy, quality, and reliability central to their professional identity.
DutiesApplication of agile tools and processes. This includes:- Facilitates agile ceremonies, contributing input and enforcing standards and policies such as Definition of Ready and Definition of Done
- Assist the team in removing impediments and driving escalation resolution, while protecting the team from external distractions and interruptions
- Ensure key agile ceremonies are conducted well and are responsive to team needs. Sprint teams should successfully conduct key ceremonies with regularity, including Team stand-ups, Sprint team backlog grooming, Sprint planning, Sprint reviews, retrospectives, solutioning, and release planning
- Analyze sprint reports/ retrospective notes to identify areas for improvement and collaborate with the technology manager on potential resolution strategies
Ensure scrum teams operate efficiently. This includes:- Partners with the Product Manager to align backlog priorities and ensure the team focuses on the right things in the right order by ensuring defect remediation is planned and executed
- Collaborates and contributes to schedule management, requests and reviews backup plans for delivery of work, so that work continues to progress, and Ensures development support for all deployments
- Encourages and supports effective development operations practices, including encouraging stakeholder engagement
- Leads and facilitates agile retrospectives and continuous improvement sessions to enhance team performance and delivery outcomes
Drives continuous improvement and best practices in software deployment. This includes: - Supports the team in researching and recommending development and testing tools that strengthen software quality and delivery outcomes
- Guides the team in adopting new processes, tools, and workflows while minimizing disruption and maintaining delivery continuity
To request a detailed position description, click
here.
Qualifications- 6 years of IT experience that includes agile project management for software delivery
- OR Associate's degree in computer science, information technology or closely related field AND 4 years of IT experience, that includes agile project management for software delivery
- OR Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or closely related field AND 2 years of IT experience, that includes agile project management for software delivery
AND:- 4 years of IT experience that includes agile project management and facilitating Agile ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, Retrospectives, etc)
- Experience in tracking software execution and work item management using Azure DevOps or similar tools
- Experience driving end-to-end project execution, from initiation through delivery, ensuring scope, quality, and deadlines are met
- Communication skills: Ability to clearly communicate and understand information based on the knowledge of the audience
Required equity competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
The required experience includes:
Technical Problem-Solving and Analysis: Ability to analyze and solve highly complex problems through a methodical process. Fixes application errors or failures on extremely complex applications or processes.
- Seeks opportunities to resolve problems and presents recommendations for review
- Works independently to analyze complex problems, communicating findings and recommendations
- Reviews and evaluates existing systems for potential improvements or re-architecture
- Collaborates with stakeholders to resolve technical challenges impacting applications and systems
Systems Analysis: Ability to understand business processes or portions of large and extremely complex projects and propose technical solutions that can improve those processes; design information systems to automate business processes.
- Understand portions of business processes of extreme complexity by reviewing the documentation of others
- The methods used to perform the analysis are often innovative in nature
Ability to demonstrate and adhere to the following ESD Employee Competencies:
- Accountability: Accept personal responsibility for work and actions
- Communication Effectiveness: Effectively convey ideas and information
- Critical Thinking: Use purposeful and reflective judgment to process, analyze, interpret, explain, evaluate, illustrate, and compare information
- Customer Service: Commit to providing value-added services to external and internal customers
- Inclusiveness: Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to help achieve organizational goals
- Interpersonal abilities: The ability to relate to your co-workers, mitigate conflict, and inspire others to participate
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check
- This position has access to federal tax information and therefore, per RCW 41.04.821 and the IRS publication 1075, is required to have a criminal history record check throughout the Washington State Patrol and Federal Bureau of Investigations
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental InformationOur drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact or at or the , prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact or or toll free , Washington Relay 711.
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?
02
Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.
03
What kind of experience do you bring to this position? (choose one)
- 6 years of IT experience that includes agile project management for software delivery.
- Associate's degree in computer science, information technology or closely related field AND 4 years of IT experience, that includes agile project management for software delivery.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or closely related field AND 2 years of IT experience, that includes agile project management for software delivery.
- Other
- None of the above
04
Please describe your experience in the above question.
05
Which of the following required qualifications do you have experience with? (choose all that apply)
- 4 years of IT experience that includes agile project management and facilitating Agile ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, Retrospectives, etc).
- Experience in tracking software execution and work item management using Azure DevOps or similar tools.
- Experience driving end-to-end project execution, from initiation through delivery, ensuring scope, quality, and deadlines are met.
- Ability to clearly communicate and understand information based on the knowledge of the audience.
- None of the above
06
Please describe your experience in the above question.
07
ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?
- ;/li>
- WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
- Washington State Employee Referral
- ESD Employee Referral
- Employment Security Department's job web page: ;/li>
- Monster
- College/university career fair or website
- LinkedIn
- Facebook
- VERG
- Craigslist
- CareerBuilder
- Diversity Jobs
- Handshake
- Other
Required Question
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