Scrum Master - US Based Remote Opportunity

ABOUT US

Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 1100 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application. 

If you are an experienced Scrum Master professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Scrum Master.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Technology Operations team, reporting to the Agile Coach, the Scrum Master will play a critical role in facilitating and optimizing agile processes across cross-functional Agile software project  teams. This position will guide software development teams in the efficient, high-quality delivery of work, drive continuous improvement, and champion agile methodologies to ensure successful project execution and value delivery. By fostering a collaborative and adaptable team environment, the Scrum Master will enhance alignment with organizational goals, support the team in overcoming challenges, and promote agile best practices to ensure project transparency, accountability, and innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

This role requires:

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• Willing to travel to attend twice annual Common App Retreat.
• 4-6 years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Computer Science, Business, Project Management) or equivalent experience.
• Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM), or equivalent certification.
• Displays a deep understanding of technical concepts and industry trends.
• Exhibits leadership qualities by guiding and mentoring junior team members.
• Makes well-informed decisions based on experience and data analysis.
• Deep understanding of agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban), with practical knowledge of agile frameworks and techniques.
• Proficiency in facilitating agile events and coaching teams toward collaborative and effective interactions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly within an agile context.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation abilities, with a knack for simplifying complex information for diverse audiences.
• Experience with agile planning and development tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders and build strong, collaborative relationships.
• Skilled in resolving conflicts within teams and with stakeholders, promoting productive discussions and mitigating tension. 

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Familiarity with techniques like Liberating Structures, Lean Coffee, or retrospective formats that enhance team engagement and retrospectives.
• Proven ability to work closely with Product, Design, and QA teams to align on goals and objectives across functions.
• While not required to code, a background in software development, systems architecture, or DevOps practices can enable the Scrum Master to better understand technical challenges and constraints.
• Knowledge of SAFe or Other Scaled Agile Frameworks
• SAFe Agilist (SA) or Leading SAFe certification
• A passion for higher education is a plus. 

PAY RANGE

• $97,201 - $109,351 

Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including: 

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays*
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day

*floating holidays prorated depending on start date

• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Financial security
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Health & wellness
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Career development
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Additional perks
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

HOW DO I APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.

PROTECTING YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION:

During the recruiting process, please note that Common App will never:

• Provide a job offer without an interview
• Ask for payment to process documents, purchase equipment or for any other reason
• Request banking or credit card information
• Direct you to third-party services to obtain visas or other documentation

As we work alongside you through our recruitment process, please remain alert and never provide financial information or payment to anyone claiming to offer a job opportunity.

If you believe you’re a victim of a job scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state attorney general. To learn more about job scams, read the FBI’s public service announcement or visit the FTC site.