Senior Director Of Special Projects

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Special Projects is an expert project manager capable of working collaboratively across a large network as well as with external stakeholders. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role will have significant responsibility for synthesizing a growing portfolio of external strategies into well-communicated and concise project plans. In addition, this role will provide executive support to the CEO and Chief of Staff in their management of the CEO Cabinet and related initiatives, including the management and at times execution of major initiatives directed by the Chief of Staff and/or CEO in support of the organization.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Essential Job Functions:

• External Strategies

• Build and maintain a database for tracking external partners across 23 schools and the Central Office and serve as primary point of contact for growing and securing network partnerships.

• CEO Cabinet

• Ensure seamless workstreams between CEO Cabinet major initiatives and strategic plan implementation

• Maintain the process documentation forms, integrated project timelines, and associated project management tools for each project, establishing systems to effectively communicate project status to all internal stakeholders.

• Proactively, and independently, identify and resolve project team challenges.

• Demonstrate problem solving and good judgment in which analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of various factors.

• Special Projects

• This role will require a highly adaptable multitasker who can respond to a high degree of unpredictability in their workday and be receptive to a high volume of “other duties as assigned.”

Qualifications:

• Proven ability to lead and manage complex projects, ensuring successful outcomes and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Excellent computer skills are required, with an expert knowledge of MS office suite, SharePoint and MS Project, Smartsheet or other standard project management software.
• Ability to relate and work with a wide range of people (internal and external) to achieve results.
• Proven success in goal setting, prioritization and time management.
• Proactive individual with strong leadership, facilitation, teamwork and influence management/negotiation skills.
• Ability to adapt and perform effectively in varying work environments without disruption.
• Keen insight, independent judgment and tactful discretion are required.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, embracing new challenges, and adapting to evolving priorities with a proactive and flexible
• approach
• Ability to apply strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to drive successful outcomes
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience with a minimum of 10 years of formal project management experience.
• Prior experience in managing interdisciplinary or cross functional teams is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Certification in Project Management is preferred.
• Continuing education in Project Management best practices is required.
• Experience in K-12 environment is highly desired.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role as outlined above, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as traveling to network campuses, monitoring and interacting with students, in-person facilitation of trainings, etc.
• Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle, or access to reliable transportation