Associate / Senior Associate, Operations

About the role

MKThink seeks a detail‑oriented, analytically minded, and process‑driven individual to support the Project Management Office (PMO) and Operations team. This is a temporary, contract‑based role (20 hrs/wk) with the potential to convert to full‑time based on performance and business need. The PMO operates as an internal consulting team supporting project execution through systems innovation and backend data maintenance and analysis. The Contract Associate / Senior Associate will support data entry, project controls, database management, and workplan creation across MKThink's project portfolio, with emphasis on data quality control of quantitative analysis, and will also support the development of AI models for business optimization.

Responsibilities

• Database Management & Quality Control: Maintain and update project and consultant databases, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and completeness of data across platforms; perform quality control review of quantitative analyses in both simple and complex workbooks; reconcile data across multiple systems (project management software, Excel trackers, PDF documents); develop and maintain repeatable QC checklists and processes for recurring quantitative deliverables; review AI processes and outputs to ensure accuracy of models and exports; perform data entry and recordkeeping in support of project management systems and reporting.
• AI‑Enabled Workflow: Work fluently with AI tools; comfortable performing repetitive, detail‑oriented tasks independently and consistently; fluency with AI tools (e.g., Claude, Copilot, or similar) for accelerating data entry, database maintenance, and quantitative analysis workflows; skilled at identifying which tasks are appropriate to delegate to AI versus which require direct human judgment; skilled at providing appropriate and relevant input to AI tools; rigorous in reviewing and quality‑controlling AI‑generated outputs for accuracy before they are used or distributed.
• Project Controls & Earned Value Analysis: Apply earned value management (EVM) methodology to track project cost and schedule performance; navigate project, program, and portfolio management; navigate opportunities and constraints of different management tools and processes.
• Graphic Design & Presentation Support: Ability to negotiate complexity and simplicity in data representation in Microsoft software and project management tools; represent data in graphically clean and simple formats; combine clarity of data and graphic hierarchies in database and visualization tools; track deliverables and process; maintain visual consistency and adherence to MKThink brand and formatting standards across project documents and presentations.
• Other Responsibilities: Participate in ongoing training; perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Required Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated fluency in earned value analysis (EVA/EVM); strong background in project management and data analysis; demonstrated fluency with AI tools; high level of proficiency in Excel; comfort working with large or complex datasets; strong attention to detail; process‑oriented; comfortable with repetitive, quality‑control‑oriented work; familiarity with database or project management software; interest in graphic design and information hierarchy; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Working With Others: Self‑awareness and ability to analyze past performance; ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and ask for help when needed; flexibility in collaborating with project teams and consultants; ability to receive and clarify feedback and adjust accordingly; kindness, patience, and support of colleagues.
• Interests: Demonstrated interest in at least two of the following: Project Management; Process Optimization; The built environment; The relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and culture.
• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, business, architecture, or a related field; or equivalent experience; some experience in Project Management; PMP accreditation or CAPM track is a plus; experience with project controls, budget tracking, or earned value analysis is a plus; experience in a consulting, planning, or architectural design environment is a plus; experience in a small business environment is preferred.

Schedule

Temporary, contract‑based role (20 hrs/wk) with potential to convert to full‑time based on performance and business need.