Project Manager Tech 4/ REDMOND, WA ( Remote )- 8 months Contract

Project Manager Tech

Looking for Ex-Microsoft Employees/Contractors This is a remote position. Typical day in the role:

Purpose of the team:

• WWPS (worldwide public sector) focus on public sector/government customers. This team helps with the skilling of those employees to make sure they can understand MSFT technology and how to use their tools for their roles as public servants.
• This team is launching a new program, AI Hackathon it is a skilling program that is happening all over the world with great success.
• This program has been interviewing all of the teams across the globe who have participated in hackathons to see what worked/what didn't work/etc. to help create a global program to have people be able to grab the assets/marketing materials already branded so they can download and go. This team is also giving CELA guidance. Goal is to make it easier to host hackathons.

Key projects:

• Looking for someone to manage logistics and local teams around the world to plan hackathons.
• Help create invitation templates that are sent out and using all of the assets created. Being able to unblock issues, make sure they can coordinate and make things easier for teams. Doing outreach to get speakers, and all of the logistics to help teams around the world be successful in this event.

Typical task breakdown and operating rhythm:

• This person will work closely with the Sponsor and communicate frequently. For the first couple weeks, daily calls for action items.
• Create work back plans, create project plan templates and keep track of overarching team plans for customers for all the hackathons
• Documentation/spreadsheets to keep internal team organized
• Taking care of needs of local teams as a priority this can look different depending on the day
• Create invites, team's folders, keeping tasks organized and etc.

Compelling story & candidate value proposition:

What makes this role interesting?

• The impact of the program is large as the goal is to skill hundreds of public servants all over the world
• The reach that this person and program has potential to make is very large and has profound impact

Unique selling points:

• Unique opportunity as this position is world-wide

Candidate requirements:

Years of experience required: 8-10 overall years of experience in the field.

Degrees or certifications required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in project management, event management, or related field.

Disqualifiers: Candidates who are not aware of AI or are against AI

Best vs. average:

• Candidates who are able to write/have communication skills in the sense of understanding social media and write for social events
• Knowledge of the public sector and government operations and how they function
• Prior MSFT experience is a plus but not required

Performance indicators:

• Deadline-driven as there are dates set for the Hackathon Events
• Quality of work to make sure the event is organized, runs successfully and the team is equipped with what they need (multiple Hackathons to run at the same time)

Project or program management:

Will the contractor be owning the project(s) themselves or primarily taking direction? Yes

Does the contractor need to have any sort of PM certifications? A nice to have, but not required

Will the contractor be interacting heavily with external stakeholders? Yes still MSFT employees, but external in terms of outside of the WWPS (Worldwide Public Sector)

Top 3 hard skills required:

• Project management skills (experience in managing and delivering complex projects or events, preferably in the technology sector) - 8+ YOE
• Coordination and event planning skills - 8+ YOE
• Communication skills (and MSFT tools to do this) - 8+ YOE

Hard skills assessments:

Expected dates that hard skills assessments will be scheduled: ASAP

Hard skills assessment process: The assessment process will include standard interview.

Required candidate preparation: Candidates should have their resume prepared prior to the assessment.

Job description:

Project manager for AI Hackathon in a Box program. Microsoft's Worldwide Public Sector GTM Strategy team is looking for a technical project manager to help manage the AI Hackathon in a Box Program. This program aims to empower local teams to run AI hackathons for public sector customers. The project manager will help create materials and will be responsible for managing each event and providing end-to-end support.

Role and responsibilities:

Responsible for overall management of the project timeline, budget, and deliverables for each hackathon event to ensure it meets the quality standards and expectations that have been established.

Ability to assist in the management of all technical aspects of the hackathon such as working closely with local teams to setup environments, onboard participants, and orchestrate licensing.

Coordinate with the local teams to plan and execute the AI hackathon events, including logistics, marketing, registration, and communication.

Creation of workback plans, management of project timeline, and budget.

Assist in the creation of hackathon agendas and, when applicable, coordinate with the Worldwide Public Sector team to deliver presentations and/or demos during the event.

Assist in the creation of branded repeatable assets for Microsoft teams to leverage.

Monitor and troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the hackathon events, and provide timely and effective solutions.

Collect and analyze feedback from the hackathon participants, sponsors, and organizers, and use it to improve the AI Hackathon in a Box Program.

Track and report the outcomes and impact of the AI hackathon events, and share best practices and lessons learned with the Worldwide Public Sector team and the local teams.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in project management, event management, or related field.

Knowledge of the Microsoft cloud environment setup and management For example experience in managing an Azure, M365, D365 subscription and tenants.

At least 3 years of experience in managing and delivering complex development projects and/or events, preferably for the Microsoft Cloud directly or via a Microsoft Partner.

Working knowledge and interest of Microsoft AI services and products and its applications in the public sector.

Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills and can work well under pressure and meet deadlines.

Excellent communication skills and can collaborate well with others and be a team player.

Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Willingness to work across different time zones and cultures.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, and Project.