Job Description Templates

Scrum Master Job Description Template

Contents
Need help onboarding international talent?
Try Deel

The role of Scrum master is key in guiding development teams during Agile processes, facilitating Agile ceremonies, and advocating for team needs. Scrum master responsibilities include:

  • Facilitating Agile ceremonies and promoting Agile principles
  • Guiding the development team on self-organization and cross-functionality
  • Removing impediments and ensuring productivity and efficiency
  • Collaborating with product owners and stakeholders to manage the product backlog
  • Coaching the team on Agile best practices and continuous improvement

Below is a job description template built specifically for the Scrum master. Feel free to use it and adapt it to your specific needs.

About [Company]

This section convinces candidates to apply for a role at your Company instead of another. Include practical information about the Company, as well as details about its culture and values.

[Company] helps [Target] do [x].

[Company] consists of over [x] employees spanning over [x] countries. Our culture combines unity and diversity of culture to drive learning and innovation, improving ourselves and our products.

Delivering unparalleled products in the market is made possible by our cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a global team, all of which are vital to our success and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Why should you be part of [Company] success story?

  • To work with a talented and passionate team dedicated to positively impacting the [Target] industry.
  • To grow your skills and knowledge through ongoing training and development opportunities.
  • To work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that rewards creativity, innovation, hard work, and continuous improvement.

We envision a world of [x].

We offer [Target] all the tools they need.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join [Company].

About the Scrum master role

Consider whether you need a description of the role or prefer to list duties and responsibilities directly as a bullet-point list.

As our Scrum master, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring development teams deliver outstanding performance over multiple iterations of a project. You will be the key to enabling scrum processes bringing constant improvements both in terms of productivity and team interactions, and morale.

As a scrum master at [Company], you’ll be responsible for:

  • Setting up productive collaboration with several stakeholders (product manager, marketing manager, and developers)
  • Coordinating timelines for deliverables
  • Understanding product functionalities, marketing, and sales needs
  • Guiding and coaching the Scrum team on Agile and Scrum practices and values
  • Facilitating Scrum events and ceremonies, such as Sprint Planning, Daily Stand-ups, Sprint Reviews, and Sprint Retrospectives
  • Removing obstacles or impediments that prevent team members from achieving their goals
  • Promoting and enforcing Scrum principles and practices within the team and across the organization
  • Collaborating with the Product Owner to prioritize and refine the product backlog
  • Ensuring that the team meets their commitments and delivers high-quality products
  • Continuously seeking ways to improve the team’s performance and effectiveness
  • Fostering an environment that prioritizes teamwork and interpersonal communication skills as ways to achieve success.
  • Coaching team members in creating clear and actionable user stories

About compensation

The more openly you talk about compensation and benefits, the more honest and attractive your job listing will be. We suggest a brief introduction about the values behind your compensation package, followed by a bullet-point list with the details of what is offered.

  • Salary
  • Bonuses
  • Equity
  • Perks
  • PTO
  • Personal development budget
  • Health and wellness budget
  • Pension plan
  • Insurance contribution
  • Off-sites or events

Scrum Master job description template — Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree (ideally in computer science, project management, or related fields)
  • At least [x] years of experience working as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach (Scrum Master certification is preferred)
  • A strong track record of delivering high-quality products using Agile practices
  • Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
  • A deep understanding of Agile principles and practices and the scrum framework
  • Relevant certifications, such as Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), or any other Scrum certification
  • Deep knowledge of project management tools like [Jira, Trello]
  • Proven experience with different variations of Agile frameworks such as [Kanban]
  • Familiarity with software development, software deliverables, and the needs and roadblocks of a development team
  • Proven experience in the process of product development

Scrum Master job description template — Skills

List the soft skills and personal qualities you are looking for in the perfect candidate.
  • A deep understanding of Agile methodologies, particularly Scrum
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills
  • Proven problem-solving skills
  • Strong leadership and coaching skills within Agile teams
  • The ability to act as a servant-leader
  • A results-oriented mindset with a focus on delivering high-quality products
  • Excellent management of stakeholders and expectations
  • High levels of self-organization
  • Positive and proactive conflict resolution skills
  • A deep understanding of the Scrum process, its timelines, and their relation to a software development team’s progress

What is a Scrum master? 

The Scrum master is a coach and facilitator to help Scrum teams work efficiently and effectively, fostering collaboration and adherence to agile principles. A Scrum master is crucial in the Scrum framework, a popular Agile software development methodology.

What does a Scrum master do? 

A Scrum master’s responsibilities include:

    • Facilitating Scrum events (daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, etc.)
    • Removing obstacles or impediments to team progress
    • Coaching the team on agile practices and values
    • Promoting continuous improvement
    • Shielding the team from external interruptions
    • Facilitating communication and collaboration
    • Ensuring the Scrum framework is followed

What is the Scrum master’s role in daily Scrum? 

In the daily Scrum (daily stand-up), the Scrum master ensures that the team follows the format of providing updates on what they accomplished yesterday, what they plan to do today, and any impediments they’re facing. The Scrum master doesn’t lead the meeting but ensures it stays focused and is time-boxed.

How much do Scrum masters make? 

Scrum master salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and company size. In the United States, the annual salary for a Scrum master can range from $70,000 to $130,000 or more, depending on many factors.

Is Scrum master a project manager? 

While both roles involve project management aspects, they have different focuses. A Scrum master facilitates and coaches Agile teams to follow the Scrum framework, while a project manager is responsible for the planning and execution of projects.

Is the Scrum master a management position?

No, the Scrum master is not a traditional management position. They don’t manage the team’s work or make decisions for the team. Instead, they serve as a servant leader, supporting the team’s self-organization and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

Do Scrum masters need to know coding?

No, coding knowledge can be helpful, but it is not a strict requirement for Scrum masters. Scrum masters focus on facilitating the team’s workflow, communication, and adherence to agile principles. Technical knowledge can aid in understanding the team’s work, but it’s not the primary focus.

What should a Scrum master do on the first day? 

On the first day, a Scrum master should introduce themselves to the team, get familiar with the team’s work and current sprint, establish open communication, and start building relationships. They should also begin understanding any ongoing challenges or impediments the team faces.

What falls outside the Scrum master’s responsibility? 

Scrum masters focus on facilitating the team’s agile processes and helping the team become more effective. They are not responsible for making technical decisions, managing the team’s work, or providing detailed solutions to problems.

Do Scrum masters need a degree? 

No, a formal degree is not a strict requirement to become a Scrum master. However, a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline can provide a strong foundation for understanding agile projects’ technical and business aspects.

Is Scrum master a stressful job? 

The stress level in a Scrum master role can vary based on team dynamics, project complexity, and organizational culture. While facilitating and supporting the team’s progress can be rewarding, it can also involve addressing challenges and conflicts. Strong communication and problem-solving skills can help mitigate stress.