Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest credit unions in the United States, with approximately $2.5 billion in assets. With an occupation-based field of membership, Ascend is focused on the expansion and diversification of the select employee groups it serves, which creates greater security for the credit union and its member-owners. Approximately 650 employees serve more than 207,000 members from 28 Middle Tennessee locations and the Corporate Headquarters.

Ascend recognizes that its employees are critical to the credit union's sustained success and future growth. Our employees are the face of the credit union and their personal successes fuel the success of the team. Through collaboration between employees, management, our membership and our Board, we fuel an engine that propels the credit union forward.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Ascend Federal Credit Union! Being employed by Ascend is vastly different than just holding a job. The credit union prides itself on providing employees rewarding career opportunities, competitive benefits and a unique work culture. The credit union's commitment to its employees is fostered by its commitment to the member-owners, ensuring dedicated and engaged employees to serve the membership. Ascend's vision to be the most loved credit union in our market by employees and members alike has earned the credit union distinctions including Federal Credit Union of the Year (NAFCU, 2015), Best Credit Union to Work For (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) and Training Top 125 (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019).

The Project Portfolio Manager reports to the Chief Strategy Officer and is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of programs and projects that enable business capability and drives business value. Develops an advanced understanding of how project activities contribute to the achievement of strategic business goals and operational objectives. Collaborates with key stakeholders and project/program teams to ensure priorities are established and objectives are met within prescribed timeframes and budgets.

Accountable for prioritizing projects that align with strategic business goals and objectives.
• Participate in the strategic planning process by developing positive relationships with executive leadership, effectively identifying tactics in support of Ascend's strategic plan, and by defining achievable operational goals.
• Articulate direction and scope for an effective cross-functional team, consistent with the organization's mission, strategy, and direction.
• Drives implementation of multiple, complex project/program initiatives, working closely with leadership, cross-functional teams, and resources to achieve multiple program and project milestones within established timeframes.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates activities for complex programs and projects through the development of project plans intended to accomplish goals and objectives within prescribed timeframes and budgets.
• Hold vendors accountable for timely completion of project deliverables. Build accountability measures across internal functions to ensure that project milestones are met in a timely manner.
• Ensures consistent visibility for program and project teams by monitoring and reporting business objectives, program/project achievements, and key indicators.
• Communicates with project stakeholders and executive management to provide insight on issues through root cause analysis.
• Facilitates collaboration on creative alternatives to project challenges with subject matter experts
• Removes obstacles and impediments to ensure business and operational objectives are met.
• Identifies and applies best practices and needed process improvements.
• Establishes advanced capabilities in program and project design where possible.
• Ensures compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Monitors project execution to deliver exceptional business value.
• Maintains a strong sense of urgency
• Identify, monitor, and evaluate key metrics to ensure system health and business progress within areas of influence
• Manage and develop relationships with internal business customers.

Leadership

• Instill a culture of agility and continuous improvement, able to successfully train and influence project managers and project teams.
• Maintain a high degree of poise and tact to represent the credit union positively in outside contacts and with employees.
• Possess excellent service, communication, analytics, and problem-solving skills.
• Continuously pursue self-improvement (technical skills, leadership skills, soft skills, etc.)
• Demonstrate a positive team culture that is eager to learn and is member-focused
• Communicates effectively with executive leadership and is comfortable articulating recommendations based on business impact when leadership has opposing opinions.

Minimum Qualifications/Skills/Abilities Required

• Four-year college degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in project and program management (PMO).
• 3-5 years of experience in a team leadership role.
• Advanced knowledge of project management tools and methodologies.
• Ability to meet deadlines and proactively report progress/issues to senior executives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Attributes

• 3-5 years of industry experience with expertise in Financial Services
• Holds one or more of the following (PMP, Scrum Master certification and/or Black Belt certification)
• Project/Program experience with federal banking/credit union regulatory agencies and how to remain compliant while still delivering strategic capabilities and business value.
• Proven success delivering highly effective member experiences in financial services.
• Demonstrated experience in large scale, regulatory, operational or strategic initiatives
• Expert level communication and ability to influence team via concise, effective communication

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Ascend Federal Credit Union is an Equal Opportunity Employer.