Special Projects Manager, Office of the CEO

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH:

Our mission is to provide Cleveland area scholars with an education that empowers them to lead lives full of impact and opportunity. Our network of schools centers joy, curiosity, and individual growth, uniquely positioning Breakthrough Public Schools to cultivate a learning community where all students thrive. At Breakthrough, we are committed to providing scholars with the academic, social, and emotional skills necessary to excel at learning and citizenship from kindergarten through eighth grade promotion. We are committed to the success of every child.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Special Projects Manager, Office of the CEO performs a high-level blend of strategic project management and executive administrative duties. This role supports the Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), including direct support for the CEO and the Chief of Staff (CoS) to ensure the efficient operation of the executive office and the successful execution of organizational initiatives. The Special Projects Manager acts as a central hub for the home office, fostering a cohesive culture and driving cross-functional projects from conception to completion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Project Management & Strategic Support

• Lead Special Initiatives: Define scope, goals, and deliverables for key projects assigned by the CEO or CoS; track progress and ensure deadlines are met.
• Process Improvement: Identify operational bottlenecks and implement streamlined workflows within the Office of the CEO to increase efficiency.
• Synthesis & Preparation: Ensure senior leaders are prepared by synthesizing information into briefing papers, reports, or visual dashboards to support executive decision-making.

CEO & Chief of Staff Support

• Calendar & Logistics: Manage the CEO's complex calendar, scheduling internal and external meetings, appointments, and travel. Assist the CoS in prioritizing requests and resolving scheduling conflicts.
• Briefing & Preparation: Organize and prepare the executive team for meetings by gathering documents, conducting pre-meeting briefings, and managing technical logistics.
• Executive Communications: Draft, review, and send high-stakes communications on behalf of the CEO; manage executive expense tracking and digital filing systems.
• Meeting Stewardship: Attend high-level meetings to capture action items, distribute minutes, and follow up with stakeholders to ensure accountability.

Home Office Operations

• Office Culture & Tone: Greet internal and external guests, serving as the professional "face" of the home office.
• Logistics Management: Oversee all home office operations, including new staff logistics support, office supply procurement, and maintaining the home office directory.
• Staff Engagement: Arrange and schedule all-staff meetings in partnership with the Chief of Staff, including agenda coordination, presentation design, IT setup, and catering.
• Facilities Liaison: Manage relationships with facilities management and custodial staff; oversee office equipment maintenance, signage, and mail distribution.
• Financial Administration: Process home office accounts payable and collaborate with the finance team to ensure timely vendor payments and postage budget management.

BPS Board Support

• Board & Committee Logistics: Manage and maintain comprehensive contact information and directories for the Board and all Board Committees. Ensure a consistent communication flow and provide ongoing support for access to technology and the distribution of essential materials.
• Board & Committee Event Execution: Maintain the annual meeting cycle for the Board and Board Committees. Lead the end-to-end logistics planning and execution, ensuring all technological, space, and resource requirements are met for every session.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred; Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification is a significant plus.
• Experience: Minimum 2-4 years of experience in a high-level administrative or project management role, specifically supporting C-Suite executives preferred.
• Licensure and Certification(s): Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass a BPS-arranged background check.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or Smartsheet).
• Software Suites: Advanced expertise in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace to create complex reports and high-impact presentations.
• Strategic Mindset: Ability to anticipate the needs of the CEO/CoS and pivot quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Precision: Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with extreme precision and attention to detail.
• Relationship-Focused
• Interpersonal Savvy: Ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex relationships within the Board and executive leadership.
• Discretion: Proven track record of handling highly sensitive and confidential information with absolute integrity and professionalism.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a strong "Customer Focus" orientation.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Breakthrough Schools prioritizes the well-being and security of our full-time employees, offering comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additionally, we provide additional benefits such as paid life insurance, short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and supplemental life insurance. Our commitment extends further with accident and critical illness insurance, a flexible spending account, and our Employee Assistance Program access.

Moreover, we understand the importance of work-life balance and enrichment. Therefore, we provide an enticing holiday and paid time off package. Furthermore, our dedication to employee growth is evident through our diverse training and development opportunities. These encompass personal development, professional advancement, and collaborative team-building initiatives. Additionally, eligible employees will participate in either the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS) or the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio (SERS). At Breakthrough Schools, we prioritize the holistic well-being and career progression of our valued team members.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Performs work in an office setting with moderate levels of noise, sitting for long periods, repetitive motion using computers and phones, and exposure to fluorescent lighting.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The details provided in this job posting offer an overview of the typical tasks and roles associated with this position. It aims to give candidates a sense of the primary responsibilities involved, rather than an exhaustive list of every duty, competency, or expectation. Breakthrough Public Schools upholds the principles of equal opportunity employment, ensuring fair treatment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is integral to our organization's values and culture.

ANY PERSON WHO KNOWINGLY MAKES A FALSE STATEMENT IS GUILTY OF FALISIFCATION UNDER SECTION 2921.13 OF THE REVISED CODE, WHICH IS A MISDEMEANOR OF THE FIRST DEGREE