Senior Project Manager (Social and Human Services Exp.)

About the role

USI is a national nonprofit founded in 1978 with extensive experience in the design and implementation of place-based human capital development strategies in communities undergoing comprehensive physical revitalization. USI supports about 30,000 economically stressed families (approximately 100,000 individuals) in 53 communities across 28 major metropolitan areas, driven by a commitment to being results-based, data-driven, and equity-centered.

The Senior Project Manager will plan and oversee all aspects of the organizational strategy to ensure that families in the target area are stable and thriving. This position establishes effective working relationships with clients and key community partners — schools, service providers, civic leaders, federal, state and local public agencies, businesses, and philanthropy. The role is funded whole or in part with Choice Neighborhoods grant funds.

Supervisory responsibilities: Possibly, for site-based staff, resident outreach workers, interns, or practicum students.

Responsibilities

Partnership Development and Cultivation

• Research and identify high-impact partners that have the ability (or with capacity building will have the ability) to meet programmatic goals.
• Oversee, monitor, and lead sub-contractors and partners from the private, nonprofit, and public sectors; support them in implementation of programs and services.
• Develop and sustain new working relationships with key partner organizations and social service providers with resources that can support programmatic goals.
• Coordinate and manage the development of special projects as needed.
• Collaborate with the housing management team to ensure housing stability goals for each specific site are addressed effectively.
• Develop robust partnerships to increase economic development within the neighborhood.
• Develop and implement a neighborhood revitalization plan that supports residents and maximizes economic mobility of constituents.

Reporting Requirements

• In consultation with Executive staff, develop and implement an Annual Plan for the target area that aligns with overall programmatic goals and is consistent with program philosophies and the articulated vision for a sustainable mixed-income community.
• Ensure programs and services are informed by ongoing needs assessment and evidence-based practice.
• Track and report programmatic outcomes; engage in ongoing evaluation of programs and services to ensure they meet project objectives and requirements.
• Monitor productivity of all data entered into the LEARN Performance Management System to prepare reports and document progress toward programmatic goals.

Sustainability and Capacity Building

• Facilitate community building, leadership training, and capacity-building activities to strengthen and expand the ability of residents, resident leaders, and local partners to contribute to neighborhood transformation.
• Support sustainability planning, fundraising, and resource development efforts as directed, including ongoing identification of potential partnerships and funding opportunities, and assisting with writing grant or project proposals.

Administrative

• Manage project contracts and budgets; be accountable for expenditures to the Director of Finance.
• Develop and present or publish internal and external reports to stakeholders and partners.
• Actively participate in Urban Strategies program meetings and other meetings related to the project.
• Be available to occasionally work nights and/or weekends, and travel.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Five years of work experience in the not-for-profit or human services sector, demonstrating progressively higher levels of responsibility for managing all aspects of a project or program, overseeing partnerships and contracts, and supervising a team of individuals.
• Writing sample: Must provide a writing sample demonstrating effective persuasive writing.

Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with all members of a diverse stakeholder group, from residents to professionals and executives.
• Comfortable and effective in facilitating group processes.
• Ability to set vision, lead, and empower team members, residents, and service partners.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, and to base program designs on resident-driven and data-driven rationale.
• Strong sense of and respect for confidentiality involving both participants and fellow employees.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced environment with multiple service locations and a broad set of diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a variety of settings with culturally diverse persons and communities with cultural sensitivity and appropriateness.
• Passion for community building and ability to share that enthusiasm with residents, staff, and the larger community.
• Ability to work independently and with initiative, combined with skills for thriving in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to develop and balance a program/project budget.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office Suite (advanced MS Excel) and other commonly used software.

Schedule

Full-time position. Occasional nights, weekends, and travel required.