Scrum Master

Job Details:

Job Title: Scrum Master

Duration: 12 months (possibility of extension)

Location: Hybrid (Newark, NJ)

Client's Marketing Technology Group is seeking an experienced Scrum Master with the right mix of skills and passion for managing the dynamics of a fast-paced environment. The contractor will collaborate with Product Owners, Tech Leads, and Architecture teams to successfully deliver complex cross-functional projects.

Key Responsibilities:

* Guide teams and stakeholders on implementing Agile/Scrum practices and values to deliver customer value

* Coach teams on maximizing the benefits of self-organization and autonomy

* Help teams navigate and fill intentional gaps in Agile/Scrum frameworks

* Assess team Scrum maturity and provide coaching to achieve higher maturity levels at a sustainable pace

* Identify and remove impediments, or guide teams to resolve blockers by connecting with appropriate stakeholders

* Foster a trusting, safe environment that encourages open problem-solving without blame or judgment

* Facilitate work completion through collaboration rather than task assignment or directive management

* Lead facilitation of discussions, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution

* Improve internal and external communication, transparency, and information sharing

* Support and coach Product Owners on backlog grooming and maintenance

* Apply servant leadership principles and lead by example

* Drive software development activities to meet project schedules and timelines

* Provide regular status reporting to leadership, proactively identifying risks to budget and timeline

Required Qualifications:

* 10+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in Scrum Master role

* Proven experience managing mission-critical applications in agile environments

* Strong verbal and written communication skills

* Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, cross-functional teams, and business partners

* Deep understanding of servant leadership, facilitation, situational awareness, conflict resolution, continuous improvement, empowerment, and transparency

* Knowledge of Scrum patterns and techniques including Burndown charts, Retrospective formats, and defect management

* Expert-level proficiency in JIRA

* Familiarity with additional Agile frameworks: XP, Kanban, Crystal, FDD, JIRA Align

* Experience with Agile engineering practices: User Stories, ATDD, TDD, Continuous Integration, Continuous Testing, Pair Programming, Automated Testing, Agile Games

* Working knowledge of technologies used by development teams

* 3+ years managing projects in Marketing Technologies utilizing Content Management Systems and Marketing Automation Platforms

Preferred Qualifications:

* Scrum Master Certification (CSM, PSM, or equivalent)

* Experience with Agile SAFe methodology and scaled agile execution

* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field