Tax Learning Program Leader (Manager)

Job Description:

The Learning & Effectiveness (LE) Tax Learning Program Leader (LPL) reports to the Business Learning Leader and is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of Tax learning projects and programs, leading end to end from initial consultation and analysis through design, delivery, execution, evaluation and reporting. The LPL ensures that all programs are strategically aligned, on time, to quality standards and that the program itself continues to meet the goals and objectives outlined in the program charter. They are also responsible for ensuring that the program aligns to CLE strategy and firm strategy, optimizing business impact. The Tax LPL leads a matrix team of learning professionals that may encompass project managers, instructional designers, learning implementation staff, as well as consultation with one or more L&E Leaders. 

The ideal candidate will be:

• A business-minded learning/project management professional with multiple years of increased responsibility in program leader roles and a demonstrated ability to thrive in a culture that is collaborative, service-oriented, and consultative 

• Highly action-oriented, with a leadership style characterized by strong influencing skills; someone who is a change agent who can build collaborative relationships across a matrixed organization

• A program or portfolio management professional who delivers services with a pragmatic approach to business partnership and operations ensuring delivery of projects and programs on-time and on-budget (prior experience as learning practitioner required)

• An effective coach and mentor with engaging and approachable personality 

• Significant history of working successfully with all levels of staff, from front-line through senior executive

• A proven expert in prioritization, delegation and negotiation with demonstrated ability to be effective in supporting multiple stakeholders working in various locations across different business units

• Confident with history of exhibiting strong personal initiative as someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done in a timely and consistent manner

• Strategically focused with proven ability to deliver timely, consistent results

• Metric-focused with ability and history of using analytics to solve problems and develop business solutions

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of seven years of proven success in progressive program management roles, ideally in a matrixed environment within the professional services industry

• Knowledge of how professional service firms and their various business segments work, how they make a profit and what makes them successful

• Experience managing learning programs and with current adult learning theory, advanced learning methodologies, frameworks, technologies and the use of social media to produce behavior change and performance results

• Project Management Institute Certification a plus (one of these or equivalent a plus):

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

    • Program Management Professional (PgMP)

• Ability to run meetings (status, design, info-gathering, close-out) and manage a portfolio of projects in one or more client business segments

• A reputation for discretion, integrity, judgment, responsiveness, strong attention to detail and common sense

• Demonstrated success in terms of product quality, completion on time and on budget, compliance and degree of customer satisfaction

• Strong verbal, written communication & presentation skills

• Solid PC skills with expert proficiency in MS Office 365

• Solid Smartsheet skills preferred

• Ability to travel on occasion 

Core Responsibilities:

• Creation, ownership, execution, and implementation of complex project plans to achieve and deliver effective learning/performance solutions

• Responsible for executing the learning strategy of the Tax practice and ensuring the well-rounded development of all Tax professionals by driving accountability for completing key milestone programs, growth and professional skills programs, badging requirements, and other key programs in addition to their technical learning.

• Consult with key Tax stakeholders on an ongoing basis to understand Tax learning strategy and priorities and align program support resources accordingly.

• Regularly report to senior Tax leaders on program metrics and outcomes.

• Core program management activities including contract management / scope management / budget creation and management / risk management / quality management

• Ensure delivery of projects and programs on-time and on-budget

• Exceed client expectations, drive accountability, support development through implementation of solutions (learning and non-learning) in all modalities, on time and on budget

• Build, maintain, and utilize networks of relationships to manage and effectively utilize resources (internal and external), project and program workflow, quality work product and budget

• Demonstrate proven ability and success with directing teams: supervising and/or influencing direct and indirect reports to create an atmosphere of trust and seeking diverse views to encourage improvement and innovation

• Answer questions and provide direction to less-experienced staff; manage performance issues, coach staff, and build relationships with experienced Managers, Directors, SMEs and Business Sponsors

• Understand and utilize key industry, business, and organizational metrics to support the strategy of the firm, and the business priorities of the client/practice supported

• Work collaboratively to provide practical and targeted information/reporting to key stakeholders in a timely manner

• Demonstrate transparency, build things once and share them, seek advice, feedback, openly and proactively share feedback with others in the moment and across time

• Recognize and articulate the value of one’s own contribution and the contributions of others regularly with appreciation

• Communicate value, influence unwilling audiences without authority 

• Provide input to Business Learning Leaders, Center Learning Leaders, managers and staff for assigned service line/business unit

• Lend support to assigned program teams to ensure that all CPE worthy learning solutions comply with NASBA, PCAOB and other governing and regulatory body requirements

• Support assigned program teams in collaborating with knowledge managers to incorporate systematic performance support options to learning and organization effectiveness solutions

The base salary range for this position is between $104,000 and $156,000. Placement within the pay range is at Grant Thornton’s discretion, and it is based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, job -related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, progression within the role, geographic location, and internal equity. At Grant Thornton, compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.