GCI's Planning Specialist will oversee the intake, evaluation, and prioritization of strategic initiatives and projects. Ensures that proposed projects and strategic initiatives are aligned with organizational goals and resources are allocated effectively. Works closely with cross-functional teams to manage project requests, assess their strategic value, and prioritize them to maximize business impact. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Intake Management: + Oversee the intake process for new project requests and strategic initiatives, ensuring all submissions are complete and meet initial criteria. + Coordinate with stakeholders to gather necessary information, clarify project scopes, and document requirements. Reporting & Documentation: + Prepare and present reports on project intake, prioritization outcomes, and resource allocation to senior management and other stakeholders. + Maintain accurate records of project requests, evaluations, and prioritization decisions. Prioritization & Evaluation: + Develop and maintain a framework for evaluating and prioritizing strategic initiatives based on factors such as strategic alignment, business impact, resource requirements, and risk. + Assess incoming project proposals and strategic requests, providing recommendations for prioritization to senior management. Resource Allocation: + Collaborate with project managers and department heads to allocate resources effectively based on project priorities and organizational needs. + Monitor resource utilization and adjust allocations as needed to ensure project success and alignment with strategic goals. Strategic Planning Support: + Assist in the development and maintenance of strategic planning processes and tools, including project tracking systems and prioritization matrices. + Provide analytical support for strategic planning activities, including data analysis and reporting on project performance and resource utilization. Stakeholder Engagement: + Serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders submitting project requests, providing guidance on the intake process and prioritization criteria. + Facilitate communication between stakeholders, project managers, and the Strategic Management Office to ensure alignment and address any issues. Process Improvement: + Identify opportunities for improving the project intake and prioritization processes, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. + Develop and maintain documentation and training materials related to project intake and prioritization processes. Compliance & Best Practices: + Ensure that all intake and prioritization activities adhere to organizational policies, procedures, and best practices. + Stay informed about industry trends and emerging practices in project management and strategic planning. COMPETENCIES: + ACCOUNTABILITY- Takes ownership for actions, decisions, and results; openly accepts feedback and demonstrates a willingness to improve. + Proven ability to lead an organization to high levels of performance while maintaining morale and personal growth for employees. + owns and manages priorities and individual tasks without direct supervision. + Take the initiative and seek out opportunities. + BASIC PRINCIPLES - Interacts with people in a way that builds mutual trust, confidence, and respect; adheres to GCI’s Code of Conduct for Employees – the Basic Principles. + COLLABORATION - Works effectively with others to accomplish common goals and objectives; maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. + COMMUNICATION- Conveys thoughts and expresses ideas appropriately and professionally. + Ability to accurately communicate information virtually (i.e., Teams), over the phone, and in-person in a clear and concise manner to a range of audiences. + Ability to accurately read, write, and respond to business correspondence such as emails, chat messages, policies, procedures, reports. + Ability to articulate information in presentation format in front of internal and external customers and clients. + Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences. + Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information and insights. + COMPLIANCE - Follows internal controls; protects confidential information; abides by GCI’s Code of Business Conduct & Ethics. + CUSTOMER FOCUS - Demonstrates commitment to service excellence; gives high priority to customer satisfaction. + RELIABILITY - Consistently follows through on assigned tasks as expected; demonstrates timely attendance at meetings, training, and other work obligations. + RESULTS - Uses a combination of job knowledge, initiative, sound decision making, innovation, adaptability, and problem solving. + Strong analytical skills, with experience in evaluating and prioritizing projects and initiatives. + Proficiency in project management and resource allocation, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. + High attention to detail and organizational skills, with a focus on accuracy and process improvement. + SAFETY & SECURITY - Supports a safe work environment by following all workplace safety rules and guidelines; complies with applicable Security policies and procedures. + Advanced Microsoft Excel knowledge; Proficient computer skills and MS Office 365 Suite to complete job duties effectively. + Familiarity with project management tools and software, project tracking systems, and data analysis tools. Minimum Qualifications: Required: *A combination of relevant work experience and/or education sufficient to perform the duties of the job may substitute to meet the total years required on a year-for-year basis + High School diploma or equivalent. + Bachelor’s degree in management Business Administration, Project Management, Finance, or related field. * + Minimum of five (5) years of experience in project management, strategic planning, or a related role. * Preferred: + Master’s degree or MBA. + Telecommunications experience. + Relevant telecom industry or job specific certifications. + Project Management Professional (PMP) DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: + This position may require access to reliable transportation for occasional travel between retail store locations, offices, worksites, or other locations as needed. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS: + Work performed at office, remote office, and client sites. + Interaction with upset customers, vendors, or employees may occur. + Position requires regular travel for business and training purposes, including travel during scoping, requirements, development, testing, or business development activities. + Work is primarily sedentary, requiring daily routine computer usage. + Ability to work shifts as assigned, work in standard office/home office setting, and operate standard office equipment. + Ability to accurately communicate information and ideas to others effectively. + Physical agility and effort sufficient to perform job duties safely and effectively. + Ability to make valid judgments and decisions. + Available to work additional time on weekends, holidays, before or after normal work hours when necessary. + Must work well in a team environment and be able to work with a diverse group of people and customers. + Virtual workers must comply with remote work policies and agreements. The company and its subsidiaries operate in a 24/7 environment providing critical services to Alaskans and may need to respond to public health and safety matters or other business emergencies. Due to business needs employees may be contacted outside of the core business hours to respond to an immediate emergency. As such, you will be requested to provide emergency after hours contact numbers, to include your home and cell phone numbers if you have those services. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At GCI, we foster a culture of inclusivity by nurturing an environment where the varied perspectives of our employees, customers, and fellow Alaskans are celebrated. We add value to our community as we grow and empower a diverse workforce that provides equitable opportunity for every Trailblazer. EEO: GCI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected under applicable state or federal law. DISCLAIMER: The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All employees of GCI work in support of the GCI Mission Statement and Declaration of Principles which are located on the GCI Career page and Employee portal.