Senior Project Manager – Customer‑Facing Software Development & Stakeholder Engagement (Remote – Baton Rouge, LA)

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a forward‑thinking organization dedicated to delivering technology solutions that empower communities across the State of Louisiana. As a key part of the broader educational and economic ecosystem, arenaflex partners with higher‑education institutions, industry training programs, and public agencies to create software that drives workforce development, improves public services, and fuels regional growth. Our mission‑driven culture blends technical excellence with a deep commitment to social impact, offering employees the chance to work on projects that matter while advancing their own careers.

Why This Role Matters

In today’s digital age, software is the backbone of every modern service—from online learning platforms to industry certification portals. As a Project Manager – Software Development (Customer‑Facing) at arenaflex, you will be the linchpin that connects visionary stakeholders, talented development teams, and end‑users who rely on our solutions daily. Your leadership will ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest quality standards, while maintaining transparent, proactive communication with our clients.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Define, plan, and execute software development initiatives from concept through launch, aligning scope, schedule, and resources with strategic objectives.
• Develop detailed project charters, work breakdown structures, and roadmaps that reflect stakeholder priorities and technical feasibility.
• Monitor progress against milestones, adjust plans proactively, and ensure deliverables meet or exceed quality benchmarks.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and report financial performance to senior leadership.

Customer‑Facing Communications

• Act as the primary liaison for client organizations, translating business needs into actionable technical requirements.
• Facilitate requirement‑gathering workshops, demos, and review sessions to keep clients informed and engaged.
• Anticipate and resolve client concerns swiftly, preserving trust and fostering long‑term partnerships.
• Document client feedback, change requests, and acceptance criteria to maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Coordinate cross‑functional teams—including developers, UX designers, QA engineers, and product owners—to ensure seamless workflow.
• Promote an inclusive, innovative environment where ideas are shared openly and team members feel empowered to contribute.
• Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and conflict resolution to keep the team motivated and focused.
• Utilize collaboration tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence, Trello, Slack) to maintain visibility and transparency.

Risk Management & Issue Resolution

• Identify potential risks early, assess impact, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Maintain a risk register, conduct regular reviews, and communicate risk status to stakeholders.
• Implement change‑control processes to manage scope creep, schedule shifts, and budget variations.
• Escalate critical issues promptly while proposing actionable solutions.

Reporting, Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare concise status reports, dashboards, and executive summaries for internal and external audiences.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation—including plans, meeting minutes, decisions, and lessons learned.
• Conduct post‑project reviews to capture successes, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Champion best‑practice adoption of Agile, Scrum, and other modern development methodologies.

Essential Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years proven project management experience in software development, with a strong emphasis on customer‑facing roles.
• Methodologies: Demonstrated expertise in Agile frameworks (Scrum, Kanban) and familiarity with tools such as JIRA, Trello, or Azure DevOps.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex technical concepts to non‑technical audiences.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, drive consensus, and inspire high performance.
• Problem‑Solving: Proactive, analytical mindset with a track record of identifying issues early and delivering effective solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification.
• Experience managing remote or distributed teams across multiple time zones.
• Background in higher‑education technology platforms, workforce development systems, or public‑sector software initiatives.
• Familiarity with cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and data privacy regulations (FERPA, HIPAA).

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align project outcomes with arenaflex’s broader mission and long‑term goals.
• Stakeholder Management: Skilled at building rapport with senior executives, client sponsors, and technical teams.
• Organizational Acumen: Mastery of scheduling, resource allocation, and budget oversight.
• Adaptability: Comfortable navigating changing priorities, emerging technologies, and evolving client needs.
• Emotional Intelligence: Sensitivity to team dynamics, cultural diversity, and inclusive communication.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

arenaflex invests heavily in employee development. As a Project Manager, you will have access to:

• Continuous learning subsidies for certifications, workshops, and conferences.
• Mentorship programs pairing you with senior leaders in technology and education sectors.
• Opportunities to lead larger, multi‑year initiatives that shape statewide digital transformation.
• Cross‑functional rotations that broaden your expertise in product management, UX design, and data analytics.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While exact figures are tailored to experience and education, arenaflex offers a competitive salary package complemented by a comprehensive benefits suite, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance options with employer contributions.
• Retirement savings plans with matching contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Tax Saver Flexible Benefits for childcare and medical expenses.
• Generous paid time off—14 holidays, vacation accrual, and sick leave.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Remote‑work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere within the United States.
• Professional development budget and tuition reimbursement for continued education.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

arenaflex prides itself on a collaborative, inclusive, and mission‑driven culture. Our teams are geographically dispersed but tightly connected through regular virtual stand‑ups, quarterly in‑person retreats, and an open‑door leadership philosophy. Diversity of thought is celebrated, and every employee is encouraged to bring their authentic self to work. We champion work‑life balance, provide ergonomic home‑office stipends, and maintain a supportive environment where innovation thrives.

Application Process

Ready to make an impact? Follow these steps to apply:

1. Prepare a tailored cover letter that addresses the responsibilities outlined above and highlights your relevant achievements.
2. Submit an up‑to‑date resume showcasing your project management experience, technical knowledge, and customer‑facing successes.
3. Provide contact information for three professional references who can speak to your leadership and collaboration skills.
4. If selected, you will be asked to provide a certified copy of your transcript and undergo a standard background check in compliance with arenaflex policies.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. don’t miss the chance to join a purpose‑driven organization that values both technical excellence and community impact.

Join arenaflex Today

If you are a proactive, client‑focused leader with a passion for delivering high‑quality software solutions, we want to hear from you. Bring your expertise, enthusiasm, and vision to arenaflex, and help us shape the future of education and workforce development across Louisiana and beyond. Apply now and become part of a team that turns innovative ideas into real‑world outcomes.