Project Manager, Strategic Projects

Job Title: Project Manager, Strategic Projects

Manager: President

Department: Office of the President

Full-time or Part-time: Full-time

Employee Type:  Regular

Exemption Status: Exempt

Position Summary

Reporting to the President, the Project Manager, Strategic Projects coordinates the work of multi-disciplinary teams on complex, cross-functional projects from inception through completion. The Project Manager directs all phases of project planning, guides internal and external teams in achieving project objectives, and ensures project logistics are completed in alignment with defined timelines, budgets, and expectations.  The Project Manager is a detail-oriented relationship builder with an ability to take a complex vision and translate it into a manageable project plan.  The primary focus will be managing Ventures, meta-portfolios of philanthropic investments that harness the resources and rich multi-disciplinarity of the Foundation to address the most urgent, important, and complex topics of our time.  Ventures will require the coordination of a wide range of interconnected efforts, from launching a funding call to hosting public events and grantee convenings, shaping branding and messaging, supporting evaluation and learning, and organizing key planning meetings.

Areas of Responsibility

• Drive the execution of complex strategic initiatives, primarily Ventures, by defining project scope and objectives, creating timelines and budgets, clarifying roles, detailing deliverables, and setting key milestones.
• Build relationships and help maintain alignment across internal and external project stakeholders through consistent communication and coaching on prioritization and collaboration.
• Identify project risks, roadblocks, and resource needs; escalate issues as appropriate and help resolve problems as they occur.
• Recommend project adjustments when timelines, budgets, priorities, or deliverables require refinement.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, status updates, meeting notes, and other materials needed to support project execution and decision-making.
• Coordinate with internal departments to carry out project initiatives; for example, with Programs and Program and Grant Operations to launch a funding call, with Programs and Special Meetings to host public events and grantee convenings, with Communications to shape branding and messaging, and with Planning and Evaluation to support metrics and learning.
• Draft memos and presentations related to assigned projects to the Board and committees on behalf of the President.

Criteria & Relevant Skills

• A bachelor’s degree within a relevant field.
• At least 5 years of related project management or cross-functional coordination experience.
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, editing, presentation, and relationship management, with the ability to influence, inform, and engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project coordination, planning, budgeting, and implementation.
• Ability to resolve problems and roadblocks effectively as they occur.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage short-term assignments, track deliverables, and maintain project momentum.
• Sound judgment and the ability to work independently while receiving regular supervisory review and guidance.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to exchange complex information with internal and external partners.
• Collaborative orientation and ability to support multi-disciplinary teams in achieving shared objectives.
• Attention to detail and comfort developing, monitoring, and reporting on project budgets.
• Ability to operate within the context of generally defined procedures while adapting to changing project needs.
• Developing detailed plans for sophisticated, large-scale projects using tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, or Monday.com.
• Experience with event planning is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong personal interest in the Foundation’s mission is essential.
• Travel may be required periodically.