Ability to translate Agile principles for executive audiences and manage organizational dynamics.
Strong presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Experience addressing matrix management and designing Agile governance in complex settings.
Background in government or regulated industries is a plus.
Responsibilities
Educate executives on Agile principles and effective interaction with Agile teams.
Design and lead workshops aimed at increasing executive understanding of Agile.
Facilitate sessions to build literacy around how Agile teams operate and what they require.
Instill accountability within leadership without resorting to micromanagement.
Develop oversight models that offer visibility while respecting team autonomy.
Collaborate with the Agile Program Manager to align executive expectations with team realities.
Benefits
Engage in a pivotal role that influences leadership and team dynamics.
Opportunity to shape Agile practices at an executive level.
Gain insights into best practices for Agile governance and matrix management.
Work in a complex environment that may include governmental or regulatory elements.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Agile Coach Job Location: Washington, DC
REQUIREMENTS:
Client requires personnel with qualifications, knowledge, skills, and capabilities as described below. The Senior Executive Agile Coach is responsible for educating and guiding executives and managers on Agile principles, methodologies, and how to effectively support Agile teams without interference. This role addresses the challenges of matrix management by teaching leadership how to appropriately engage with staff assigned to Agile teams, establish oversight models that provide visibility without micromanagement, and adopt behaviors that enable team success. The Sr. Executive Agile Coach designs and delivers workshops, facilitates executive sessions, and provides both proactive education and reactive guidance when leadership concerns arise. This role works closely with the Agile Program Manager to ensure alignment between executive oversight expectations and team operational realities and must be adaptable to the organization's culture while bringing industry best practices to drive leadership transformation.
Key Outcomes:
Matrix Management & Non-Interference: Educate managers on why they do not need to know daily tasks of matrixed staff, teach appropriate ways to engage with Agile teams (asking questions vs. directing work), and establish clear boundaries and expectations for executive involvement.
Executive Agile Education & Understanding:
Design and deliver workshops/sessions teaching Agile principles, methodologies, and practices to executives, translate Agile concepts into business language executives understand, and build executive literacy on how Agile teams operate and what they need to succeed. Governance & Oversight Models: Teach executives how to maintain accountability without micromanaging, establish appropriate metrics and reporting that provide visibility without disrupting teams, and design governance structures that support Agile ways of working.
Required Qualifications:
At least seven (7) years of hands-on experience in Agile transformation with a proven track record of coaching and facilitating workshops for executive-level audiences.
At least one relevant Agile certification (e.g., ICAgile Certified Professional, SAFe Program Consultant, Certified Enterprise Coach, or equivalent) is required.
Demonstrated ability to translate Agile principles into business language, facilitate workshops with senior leadership, and navigate organizational dynamics and resistance at the executive level.
Strong presentation, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in addressing matrix management challenges and establishing Agile governance models in complex organizations.
Government or highly regulated industry experience preferred.
