Project Manager

Public Strategies Overview

Public Strategies is a dynamic professional services firm with more than 35 years of experience delivering innovative communications, consulting, technology, events, and project management solutions. Our collaborative team of problem solvers, creatives, technologists, trainers, communicators, and change agents is committed to doing good well.

Serving private sector, government, and nonprofit clients nationwide, Public Strategies delivers award-winning products and experiences. Public Strategies has also pioneered nationally respected human services programs supporting low-income and other vulnerable populations. Through our integrated initiatives (including One Set Studio, our cutting-edge virtual production space, and NextThought, our eLearning initiative) we elevate storytelling, training, videos, and immersive experiences for leading national brands.

Position Summary

The Project Manager plans, manages, and delivers assigned projects, programs, contracts, and special initiatives from initiation through completion, ensuring work is completed on time, within scope and budget, and in alignment with client, funder, and organizational goals. The Project Manager coordinates cross-functional teams, partner organizations, and stakeholders; establishes clear processes, tools, and communication structures; and monitors performance, quality, and risk to support consistent, high-quality delivery and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions

- Manage the full lifecycle of assigned projects, programs, and special initiatives, including assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

- Define project scope, deliverables, milestones, and resource requirements in collaboration with leadership, cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders.

- Develop and maintain project plans, work plans, timelines, and action plans; manage priorities, workflows, and deadlines across multiple concurrent projects.

- Manage assigned contracts and deliverables, including tracking deliverables, monitoring budgets, and ensuring compliance with contract, client, and funder requirements; escalate complex contractual issues as appropriate.

- Identify risks, implementation needs, and barriers early; develop and carry out mitigation strategies related to scope, budget, timelines, quality, and compliance.

- Serve as a primary point of contact and liaison among clients, funders, government agency staff, partner organizations, and internal teams; communicate project status, risks, and changes clearly and on time.

- Plan and facilitate meetings, trainings, and technical assistance activities; prepare agendas, action plans, and follow-up documentation.

- Lead and coordinate the work of project team members, providing direction, guidance, and training on project processes, tools, and expectations.

- Develop, implement, and document project management tools, processes, procedures, and best practices, and integrate new initiatives and process changes with minimal disruption to existing services.

- Design and oversee data collection, tracking systems, and quality assurance measures; analyze project performance data to monitor progress, fidelity, and outcomes and recommend improvements.

- Translate research, program needs, and stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations, tools, and resources, and communicate requirements between project teams and technology or content development teams.

- Prepare high-quality written materials, including reports, presentations, and communication products, and support proposal and business development activities as needed.

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Training

- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Project Management, Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Social Work, Humanities, Education, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, required

- Master’s degree, preferred

- Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar project management certification, preferred

- Two years of experience will be considered in lieu of an Associate’s degree, four years of experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, and six years of experience will be considered in lieu of a Master’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

- 2 years of related experience in project management, program operations, strategic planning, research, or policy, required

- Experience managing large-scale, multi-partner projects involving government contracts, multiple sites or agencies, and competing priorities, strongly preferred

- Experience in social service delivery, government contracting, or nonprofit environments, preferred

- Experience developing and delivering training or technical assistance, preferred

- Grant or proposal writing experience, preferred

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

- Knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices, including planning, scheduling, risk management, and quality assurance

- Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously

- Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, and presentation skills

- Ability to translate research, data, and program needs into practical recommendations, tools, and resources

- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, funders, government agency staff, partner organizations, and cross-functional teams

- Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use data to monitor performance and inform decisions

- Knowledge of contract, budget, and compliance requirements

- Knowledge of human services programs and government agency operations, preferred

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook

- Proficiency in project management software and collaboration tools

- Ability to use organization-approved technology, including AI-enabled tools, to research, analyze, and produce high-quality work products while ensuring accuracy and safeguarding confidential and participant information.

Working Conditions

- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel as needed.

- May be required to run errands, meet vendors on-site and off-site, pick-up supplies and meals, and assist with set-up, tear-down, and clean-up activities at various meetings and events.

- Occasional to moderate in-state and domestic travel, including air travel.

- Ability to use or learn organization-approved technology tools, including AI.

- May be required to report to alternative work location on occasion or travel between sites.

- This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties as assigned.

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ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sufficient mobility and strength to move about the facility.

Public Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.