Principal Product Owner, Workday

Principal Product Owner, Workday

Digital Platforms

Full-time, Exempt Regular, Pay Grade 4.3

Location: Hybrid (Onsite presence in Adelphi, MD required at least once a week)

The Principal Product Owner, Workday, assists the Associate Vice President, ERP & Faculty Systems in providing strategic leadership and delivery oversight for UMGC’s enterprise Workday platform, ensuring alignment between institutional strategy, business needs, and technology capabilities. This role translates organizational priorities—such as the Skills-Driven Organization, Faculty/Staff Experience Modernization, and Financial Transparency—into a clear roadmap for Workday enhancements, integrations, and data-driven outcomes. The Principal Product Owner serves as the bridge between HR, Finance, IT, and executive stakeholders, driving value realization and continuous improvement across Workday HCM, Finance, Prism, Extend, and related modules.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic vision, roadmap, and prioritization for Workday capabilities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and governance frameworks.

• Serve as the primary liaison between business process owners, Workday configuration teams, and technical integration partners to ensure cohesive solution delivery.

• Manage the product backlog, defining epics, features, and user stories that support process optimization, automation, and data transparency.

• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Institutional leadership to define KPIs, success metrics, and business outcomes for Workday initiatives.

• Champion change management and user adoption, ensuring effective communication, training, and stakeholder engagement for each release.

• Engage with Workday Success Managers, user groups, and industry peers to identify best practices and future platform opportunities.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Alignment

• Stakeholder Collaboration and Influence

• Product Management and Agile Delivery

• Analytical and Data-Driven Decision Making

• Communication and Change Leadership

• Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Skills:

• Workday configuration knowledge (HCM, Finance, Prism, Extend, or Journeys)

• Agile product management, backlog grooming, and sprint planning

• Requirements analysis and process mapping

• Strong communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills

• Data visualization and KPI development using Workday reporting tools

• Vendor and stakeholder relationship management

Education & Experience Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• 8+ years of Workday experience, including 4+ years as a Product Owner, Product Manager, or Platform Strategist.

• Proven success leading enterprise-level Workday initiatives across HCM, Finance, or Extend.

• Experience in higher education or complex, matrixed organizations preferred.

Preferred Experience Requirements:

Education:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, or a related field.

Experience:

• Leadership experience in enterprise digital transformation or ERP modernization programs.

• Proven success developing and executing product roadmaps aligned to organizational strategy.

Certifications:

• Workday Pro Certification(s) in one or more modules (HCM, Skills Cloud, Journeys, Extend, or Reporting/Prism) preferred.

• Agile Product Owner or Scrum certification (e.g., CSPO, SAFe PO/PM) a plus.

• Multiple Workday Pro Certifications or equivalent platform specialization.

• Agile or ITIL certification preferred.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC’s Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at [email protected]. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 16 paid holidays (17 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.

• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.

• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).

• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.

• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: