What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager, Strategic Engagement Ops position at United States Space Foundation?
POSITION: Project Manager, Strategic Engagement Operations
DEPARTMENT: Strategic Engagements
REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagements
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Project Manager, Strategic Engagement Operations will be responsible directly to the SVP – Strategic Engagements for overseeing and managing the planning, execution, and delivery of assigned projects. This role is critical in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within scope, and on budget while achieving the organization's mission to promote collaboration across the industry. The Project Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams, external partners, and stakeholders to coordinate resources, manage risks, and ensure the highest standards of quality throughout the project lifecycle. The role is also managing the operations of Space Foundation’s Washington DC Office.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following outlines representative responsibilities of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this role:
Project Planning and Execution
- Leads (or supports) the planning process for various high-level programs and projects, defining project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines in alignment with organizational objectives.
- Identify resource requirements (personnel, technology, budget) and ensure these resources are allocated efficiently to meet project goals.
- Establish clear project milestones, timelines, and deadlines, and ensure the timely completion of each phase of the project.
- Collaborate with various departments (e.g., outreach, communications, education, operations) to ensure smooth coordination and successful project delivery.
- Identify potential project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure risks are proactively managed to minimize impact on project timelines and outcomes.
Management and Communication
- Where appropriate, act as the primary point of contact for project partners and stakeholders, including internal teams, external partners, and funders.
- Provide regular updates to partners and stakeholders on project progress, deliverables, and any challenges. This may include formal reports, presentations, and meetings.
- Ensure all project stakeholders remain aligned with project goals, expectations, and deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Continuously monitors project progress to ensure that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. Adjust plans as needed based on changing priorities or unforeseen obstacles.
- Create and deliver regular project status reports, including financial reports, performance metrics, and risk assessments, to senior leadership and relevant stakeholders.
- After project completion, assess the overall performance and impact, including gathering feedback from stakeholders and making recommendations for future projects.
Program Improvement
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices for project management, striving for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
- Document lessons learned and contributes to post-project evaluations to improve processes for future projects.
- Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Budgetary Responsibilities
- This position does not have budgetary or financial oversight responsibilities.
COMPETENCIES:
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with stakeholders, clients, and team members.
- Excellent organizational skills to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Proficiency managing project budgets, estimating costs, and ensuring the project stays within financial constraints.
- Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Jira, Monday.com, and other collaboration or scheduling software.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The following briefly describes knowledge, skills, abilities and characteristics associated with this position, including any required experience, education, licensure, certification, or combination thereof:
- 1 – 3 years of Project Management experience preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in project management, or a related discipline required; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is preferred.
COMPETENCIES:
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with stakeholders, clients, and team members.
- Excellent organizational skills to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to specification.
- Proficiency managing project budgets, estimating costs, and ensuring the project stays within financial constraints.
- Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, Jira, Monday.com, and other collaboration or scheduling software.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position involves extended periods of sitting or standing at a workstation and frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement, including walking, lifting, or carrying items up to 15 pounds, may be required. Reasonable accommodation will be made to support individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This role is primarily based in an office environment, with access to standard equipment and furnishings. The employee may occasionally be required to participate in offsite meetings or events, including potential travel as needed. The work environment is quiet to moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.
BENEFITS:
Space Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution
- Paid holidays and generous paid time off
- Access to employee assistance program (EAP)
JOB STATUS:
- FLSA Classification: This position is exempt according to guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act and, as such, an individual in this position is not eligible to receive overtime pay.
- Full- or Part-Time: This position is full-time in nature. An individual in this position will work a schedule consisting of 40 hours per week.
- Work Location: This position’s primary work site is at Space Foundation Arlington, VA office. Space Foundation’s current hybrid policy allows for up to two remote days per week.
- Regular Schedule: Usual business days are Monday through Friday, holidays excepted, and usual business hours are from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. in the time zone in which the position is located.
EEO STATEMENT
Space Foundation 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, or protected veteran status.