Program Manager

About the Organization:

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is a Secretariat within the executive branch of the Commonwealth responsible for directing and executing the Governor’s agenda on economic, community and business development, job creation, consumer affairs, and business regulation.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran, or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Executive Office of Economic Development values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

The Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens.

About the Role:

The Program Manager is part of EOED’s Community Programs and Resources Office (CPRO) team and is primarily responsible for performing program and contract management functions that support the Commonwealth’s economic development goals and strategies. Program management may include conceptualization, research, scope preparation, and technical assistance, as appropriate. The Program Manager will assist EOED’s grant making process and specifically serve as a contract manager for MassWorks, Seaport Economic Council programs, and the Dredging Program, as needed. The position will manage a portfolio of approximately 50 funding contracts in various regions of the state and regularly interact with grantees. Duties include managing the preparation and execution of contracts, as well as assisting grantees with contract, payment, and reporting requirements. In addition, the Program Manager will monitor project timelines, funding schedules, and ensure timely expenditure of funds. The position may also interact with other state agencies, quasi-governmental entities, and public/private stakeholders. This position requires working knowledge and/or experience with community and economic development, as well as a working familiarity with state contracting.

Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Program Development and Support: Work as part of the CPRO team to assist in the development of programs that support EOED’s implementation of strategies and achievement of goals, outlined in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Economic Development Plan. Contribute to regular discussions regarding the structure and/or content of EOED capital infrastructure grant programs, including but not limited to program guidelines, applications, public outreach, technical assistance, review processes, award requirements. Contribute to development and implementation of EOED’s capital infrastructure grant programs, including the MassWorks Infrastructure, Seaport Economic Council Grant, and Vacant Storefronts Program.
• Contract Management: Responsible for regular and direct interaction with assigned grantees for contracting, performance oversight, funds disbursement, amendment requests, and project closeouts. Coordinates with each grantee to ensure that all required documentation for contracting is submitted. Consults with finance and legal staff to determine specific program contract requirements, and to ensure compliance with all applicable state laws, rules, and regulations. Maintains detailed and accurate records of assigned projects and grants. Support ongoing development and expansion of EOED's use of online grant management platforms. Update and continue ongoing development of review scorecards for grant program rounds. Responsible for identifying and helping to resolve issues with projects (and/or grantees), as well as reporting problems to, and seeking assistance/guidance from, appropriate senior staff. Coordinates and responds to all project inquiries and requests in timely and professional manner. There may be additional requests for data and information from the Secretary, other EOED Executive staff, and/or the Governor’s office. Support secretariat goals and performance targets for the MassWorks Infrastructure and Seaport Economic Council program, as approved by EOED-OPMO.
• Support CPRO Team: Assist with the creation and/or coordination of various CPRO grant programs and T/A initiatives that support the growth and development of communities across the state in alignment with EOED priorities. Coordinate as appropriate with the Community One Stop for Growth. Participate in interagency discussions related to how EOED capital and operating budget programs interact with, support, and catalyze investment from other agencies.
• Diversity Goals: Support the EOED Diversity Plan by reviewing and becoming familiar with the work of the Diversity Officers as well as any diversity initiatives put forward from the Diversity Working Group. Complete the required annual diversity training module(s).
• Reporting and Communications: Prepare and submit timely reports and presentations in support of project management as requested by supervisor. Assist EOED executive staff in assessing and/or verifying project performance, timelines, past spending, spending projections, amendments, and closeouts. Also, assist with development and preparation of briefs, project updates, spending projections, press releases, presentations, and other EOED internal or external reports and communications as assigned. This includes responses to requests for information (RFIs) from the Secretary and/or Governor's Office. May be assigned to represent and/or to make presentations on behalf of the office at relevant events.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience and knowledge about community economic development, public/private partnerships, infrastructure construction, and/or housing development initiatives.
• Familiarity and/or working knowledge of federal, state or local government grant programs, incentives and policy initiatives as well as relevant governmental policies and regulations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. The preferred candidate will have some experience with marketing/communications, public policy, and program management.
• Experience working with various project constituencies, including government agencies, citizen and community advocacy groups, private sector businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
• Strong interactive and relationship-building skills with an ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from government officials, the public, and various external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team-based project management environment. Demonstrated ability to multitask and perform effectively in a fast-paced professional environment.
• The candidate is an enthusiastic, self-directed, creative problem-solver and passionate about community economic development.
• Must have strong computer skills in standard productivity software, (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.). The preferred candidate will have an interest and some experience in innovative technology, including economic development tools. GIS experience a plus.

All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!