The Development Project Manager will be responsible for managing and leading small to large-scale complex projects that may span multiple departments or programs with the goal of optimizing efficiencies in the WO Development division and field fundraising, coordinating activities across programs such as marketing, communications, and conservation.
The Development Project Manager will establish project goals and success factors to enhance performance, implement new strategies and ensure success. They will develop project plans, budgets, metrics and schedules with input and buy-in from key stakeholders and team members. They will critically assess project scope and objectives, ensuring all risks and dependencies are addressed in the project plan in order to deliver successful project results that support the fulfillment of the objectives. They will define roles and responsibilities, recruit, and lead the project teams to successfully achieve identified goals in the most cost-effective and time-saving manner possible. The Project Manager will obtain go/no-go decisions at all project decision points from the Project Lead or Sponsor, and identify and obtain approval for project deliverables from the appropriate staff or teams. Throughout the project lifecycle, the Project Manager will monitor and measure project progress, conduct corrective action as necessary, communicate project status information to all stakeholders. They will perform risk management, issue resolution, and conflict management, and collaboratively solve complex problems. The Project Manager will ensure coordination between related projects that may span across multiple departments and/or divisions, maintaining a high degree of collaboration with peers. They will utilize project management methodologies and processes, and ensure all organizational and divisional standards are met. They will act as a resource to other staff and project managers to provide project management guidance, training, and expertise.
The Director of Strategic Initiatives will report to the Vice President and Associate Chief Development Officer with a dotted line to the Chief Development Officer and will also work closely with the entire Development Leadership Team (DLT) on key initiatives that the DLT is driving.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently and in supervisor’s stead, as needed; exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;
- Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Develop and implement new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved;
- Ensure programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
- Manage project budgets and assist with budget development related to strategic projects;
- Manage and implement multiple complex projects, including managing project teams, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability;
- May manage or participate in complex negotiations;
- May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff, including training and professional development;
- Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed;
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- 2 years of project management experience or 1 year acting as a project lead;
- Completed coursework or other training on project management principles;
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple projects;
- Experience managing project teams and working with cross-functional staff;
- Experience managing scheduling and financial aspects of small to large projects that range from short to long term; and
- Experience using project management techniques and tools such as Microsoft Project.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to manage and implement complex processes;
- Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers;
- Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data;
- Certification in project management;
- Strong communication and presentation skills;
- Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade; and/or
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.