Senior Portfolio Manager

GCI's Senior Portfolio Manager will be responsible for overseeing the successful execution and alignment of the organization's portfolio of strategic projects and programs. Ensures that resources are appropriately allocated, risk is managed, and priorities are continuously reassessed to support the organization’s overall business goals and strategic direction. Portfolio managers work closely with senior leadership, project managers, and cross-functional teams to provide transparency, optimize project performance, and enable data-driven decision-making. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT ALL LEVELS:

• Portfolio Monitoring: 
  • Oversee and track the progress of multiple projects within the program and portfolio, ensuring they are aligned with business objectives.
• Project Tracking & Reporting:
  • Maintain status reports for each project, providing visibility into the entire portfolio including milestones, risks, issues, and budget status.
• Stakeholder Communication: 
  • Communicate project and portfolio performance updates to stakeholders and senior management, highlighting key achievements, risks, and recommendations for improvements.
• Risk Management: 
  • Identify and assess risks at the project level and escalate issues that could impact portfolio delivery. 
  • Suggest mitigation strategies.
• Resource Allocation: 
  • Collaborate with project managers and engineering resource managers to allocate resources across projects effectively and ensure resource constraints are identified early.
• Process Compliance: 
  • Ensure all projects follow defined project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and comply with internal governance and best practices.
• Project Documentation: 
  • Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including timelines, budgets, status reports, and action items.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: 
  • Work with cross-functional teams, including marketing, engineering, finance, and operations, to ensure alignment and resource availability for projects.

COMPETENCIES:

• ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve.
  • Positive self-starter with ability to take initiative, identify needs, and work independently with minimal direction and supervision.
• BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles.
• COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances.
  • Must be comfortable and effective working across company personnel at all levels of leadership, demonstrating an ability to maintain and grow a network of contacts to support our priorities.
• COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally.
  • Excellent verbal, written and electronic communication skills. 
  • Persuasiveness in communication is a must. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction.
• RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations.
• RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving.
  • Capability to work effectively within a geographically distributed organization and across internal departments; ability to leverage assets within larger departments to achieve policy goals.
  • Knowledge to shape and implement a proactive policy agenda that meets quantifiable outcomes.
  • Ability to manage multiple sub-programs at the same time, without losing sight of the big picture.
  • Familiar with reporting and tracking tools necessary to assure program budget performance meets expectations.
  • Expertise in balancing risk and maximizing return on investment (ROI).
• SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures.
• Proficient computer skills and MS Office knowledge (e.g., Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel) to complete job duties effectively, such as using the company intranet and to accurately retrieve and input information into database or equivalent.
• Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)
• In-depth understanding of the telecom sector, including trends, technologies, and operational challenges.
• CHANGE MANAGEMENT: champions and supports department and company change.
• DECISION MAKING: uses sound, logical judgment based on data, research, and experience to choose an appropriate course of action.
  • Ability to analyze complex challenging problems and situations leading to optimal solutions.
  • Ability to resolve complex issues in creative and effective ways.
• PLANNING & IMPLEMENTATION: analyzes workload and establishes appropriate priorities; sets measurable and achievable goals and objectives for the team.
  • Utilizes interpersonal skills to guide, direct, and influence others to achieve results.
  • Strong project management skills
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving
  • Risk management and mitigation
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment
• Leadership: Ability to guide teams, manage cross-functional collaboration, and drive organizational change.

Additional Job Requirements:

Strategic role in overseeing the portfolio of projects within a specific division or business unit. This position involves providing leadership in resource planning, optimizing the portfolio to drive business value, and mitigating risks across multiple initiatives. Works closely with senior leadership to align portfolio performance with corporate strategy and ensures that all initiatives are delivering measurable business outcomes.

• Portfolio Optimization: Review and optimize the portfolio to ensure strategic alignment with business objectives. Continuously prioritize projects to ensure maximum value delivery.
• Governance and Process Improvement: Lead the implementation and improvement of portfolio management processes, tools, and governance structures across projects.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure all projects and programs within the portfolio align with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
• Budget and Financial Management: Oversee and manage portfolio budgets, ensuring that projects stay within financial constraints and deliver ROI.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Lead discussions with senior executives, stakeholders, and business leaders to ensure buy-in and support for the portfolio.
• Risk and Issue Management: Proactively identify risks at the portfolio level and collaborate with project managers to develop solutions to mitigate these risks.
• Performance Metrics: Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure portfolio success and project outcomes, providing recommendations for course correction when necessary.
• Team Leadership & Development: Mentor and guide junior portfolio managers and project managers, helping to develop their skills and ensuring adherence to best practices.
• Change Management: Drive change management efforts to ensure smooth execution of strategic initiatives and alignment with evolving business needs.

Additional Competencies:

• Advanced Portfolio Management & Strategic Alignment 
• Leadership & Team Development
• Expertise in Portfolio Management Methodologies & Frameworks 
• High-Level Problem Solving & Risk Management 
• Strong Financial Acumen & Budget Management
• In-Depth Understanding of Telecom-Specific Operations & Challenges
• Proven Ability to Influence Stakeholders & Drive Change 
• Ability to Work with Cross-Functional Teams 
• Comfortable in High-Pressure Environments & Managing Multiple Priorities
• Experience in telecommunications, or technology sectors, or related. 

Minimum Qualifications:

Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Telecommunications, Project Management, or a related field.*
• Minimum of ten (10) years of combined professional experience in strategic planning, portfolio and initiative development, and managing an integrated Portfolio/Initiative/Project delivery model.*
• The years of experience may be achieved through a combination of experience across the following focus areas, including:
  • A minimum of two (2) years of progressive management or leadership experience
  • A minimum of two (2) years of project or program management experience
  • A minimum of one (1) year in a financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or comparable financial role

Experience may overlap across focus areas; however, the total combined professional experience must equal at least ten (10) years.

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Financial analysis or compliance and audit experience.
• Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. 
  • PMP, PgMP (Program Management Professional), or equivalent certifications
• Experience with advanced project and portfolio management software
• Experience working with senior executives to align portfolios with strategic business objectives 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS:  

• This position requires driving a company-owned vehicle, company provided vehicle, or a personal vehicle on behalf of the company. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, a satisfactory driving record, and successfully complete Defensive Driving course.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS:  

• Most of the work is performed in Anchorage with projects both in and out of town.
• Position may require some travel throughout the state.
• Occasional work conducted at the customer’s premises.
• Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage.
• Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively.
• Physical agility and effort sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. 
• Must be able to perform in high stress situations and deal with all levels of customer management. 
• Must be able to deal with conflict in a professional and courteous manner.
• Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. 
• Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers.
• Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements.

The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to an immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after-hour contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Culture, Engagement, and Connection: At GCI, we foster an environment where the unique perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community by nurturing and empowering each member of our workforce, ensuring equal opportunities for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law.  DISCLAIMER:  The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.