Special Projects Manager

MEXICAN AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY FOUNDATION

Position Title: Special Projects Manager

Department: MAOF Administration

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Annual Salary: $85,000 - $95,000

Summary

The Special Projects Manager will serve as a strategic partner to the COO, driving high-impact initiatives that align with the organization?s mission and long-term vision. The Special Projects Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of priority projects assigned by the COO; facilitate coordination across departments; and support executive communications. The role also includes managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables; representing the COO in internal and external meetings; and ensuring follow-through on organizational goals and strategic directives.

This is an in-person position. It is full-time, Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends available. This position requires regular driving and travel to all MAOF sites, as well as attending conferences, trainings, and other work-related events as needed; travel is not limited to specific locations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a key advisor and thought partner to the COO.
• Lead the planning, development, and execution of organizational initiatives and cross-functional projects.
• Track progress on strategic priorities and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Monitor and manage project timelines, milestones, and budgets to ensure timely delivery.
• Prepare materials, reports, presentations, and executive summaries for the COO.
• Represent the COO in meetings and communications with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Ensure follow-through on action items, decisions, and directives issued by the COO.
• Work collaboratively with program, operations, HR, finance, and development departments to advance high-impact initiatives.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate high-level events, convenings, and special initiatives aligned with MAOF?s strategic priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in all matters, especially those involving executive leadership and organizational planning
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor?s Degree required, preferably with an emphasis in Public Administration, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in project management, strategic planning, or executive-level support.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex projects from concept to completion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level writing.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and with tight deadlines.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and collaboration platforms.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Collaborative team player with initiative, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to represent MAOF with professionalism, diplomacy, and credibility.
• Commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.
• Must be available to travel and attend occasional evening or weekend events.
• Ability to work both in a professional office environment and in community settings with diverse populations.

Special Requirements

This position requires regular driving and travel to all MAOF sites, as well as attending conferences, trainings, and other work-related events as needed; travel is not limited to specific locations.

• Must possess a valid California Driver?s License, have access to a reliable motor vehicle, and maintain appropriate automobile liability insurance coverage.
• Must be willing to travel and attend occasional evening or weekend events.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in a professional office setting and requires occasional visits to MAOF program sites and outside activities. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, photocopiers, and filing systems. Travel to external locations for conferences, training, and events is expected as part of regular duties.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the Government Relations Manager position:

• Regularly required to communicate effectively through speaking and listening.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel objects, and reach with arms.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move items up to 20 pounds.
• Must have the ability to travel to various locations as necessary to fulfill job responsibilities.

MAOF Sponsored Benefits:

At MAOF, we are committed to supporting the overall well-being of our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive package of benefits and perks for full-time employees, with select benefits also available to part-time employees.

• Personal Time Off (PTO) ? (Vacation/personal days or sick time).
• Paid Sick Time ? 48 hours.
• Paid Holidays per Calendar Year - 12 paid holidays.
• Bereavement Leave ? 5 paid days.
• Jury Duty ? 5 paid days.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid 100% by MAOF.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - 5% employer match ? 100% vested.
• Basic Life and Accidental Insurance.
• Pet Insurance.
• Supplemental life insurance.
• Professional development opportunities.