Senior Project Manager, Stabilization and Development - Creative Associates International

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees' points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility. 

Position Summary:

Creative seeks a Senior Project Manager (SPM) for the Communities in Transition Division.  The Senior Project Manager (SPM) works under general supervision and performs a variety of complex work assignments within their project area with a project implementation focus.  The Senior Project Manager may assume responsibilities for projects typically of $15M in funding, depending upon variables such as the complexity, projected timeline of the projects, and geographic location of the work.  Work involves guiding activities through the project life cycle (start-up, implementation, and close-out), working with multiple teams and ensuring coordination and collaboration between HQ and the field.  The Senior Project Manager may oversee junior staff providing project backstopping support for financial, contractual, and programs. The Senior Project Manager travels internationally for field projects and reconnaissance activities and contributes to the successful and compliant implementation of assigned projects.  This position identifies and helps resolve potential project implementation problems.  The Senior Project Manager drafts programmatic documents and reports; coordinates operational, research, and logistical support to project staff and consultants.  The SPM will be the key Point of Contact between the field staff and the multiple HQ divisions and backstops. As part of the HQ team, the Senior Project Manager works closely with field teams and contributes to technical aspects of program design and implementation, as well as business development and proposal activities.

Reporting & Supervision:

This SPM reports to a Project Director. The SPM will coordinate with the Business Development Director and the Project Management Team Lead on quality assurance, compliance with corporate and client policies, and individual professional development plans.  SPMs may supervise junior level project management staff.

• Oversees assigned project management staff;
• Ensures that Projects under SPM oversight achieve contractual deliverables with technical distinction, meet fiscal targets, are well planned, resourced and properly tracked;
• Tracks aspects of project performance; oversees project implementation of approved activities, monitoring timelines, tracking budgets, and supporting subcontract performance and financial management;
• Represents Creative before projects; communicates with client representatives, i.e., CORs and AORs as well as other partners;
• Resolves issues in project start-up and close-down; manages project backstopping, key field personnel support, consultant agreements; processing of project finance transactions, invoices, approval and handling of program files, transaction files, etc.;
• Provides/backstops field projects on technical, financial, and administrative tasks, as assigned;
• Supports key field personnel; may coordinate mobilizations and demobilizations of expatriates and TCNs;
• Develops and monitors consultant agreements, assures coordination of travel and logistics, and oversees the facilitation of payment requests; may handle grants management activities, as needed;
• Recommends improvements to project management standard operating procedures;
• Ensures compliance of project-related documentation including work plans, staff records, communications, and transactions ensuring they are properly documented, including reviewing project-related invoices;
• Participates in pertinent new business development endeavors; contributes to proposal preparation in technical/geographic areas closely connected to projects in the portfolio, including participating and/or leading reconnaissance and fact-finding trips in preparation for bids;
• Elevates risks and opportunities to senior project management;
• Reviews, and may prepare, project reports, and other material such as success stories, interventions and innovations;
• Participates in project learning and data driven adaptation;
• Directly manages and ensures the project’s the timely development and implementation of quality products and knowledge-share events according to project KM plans in close collaboration with the KM team;
• Directly manages and ensures the timely and accurate tagging, uploading and tracking of KM project products in coordination with the KM team; 
• Provides targeted product development, authorship or leadership for KM as required; and
• Serves as a liaison with Creative’s support units, including HR, Finance & Contracts, Procurement, Field Operations, Communications, and others.

• Bachelor's degree in International Development and 8 years of relevant work experience. Previous experience successfully managing USAID funded programs or portfolio of projects valued at least $5-10 million/year. 
• Demonstrated overseas experience working on a USAID-funded project.  
• Experience integrating cross-cutting concepts in project implementation 
• Previous experience working on USG business development initiatives, including writing proposal sections 
• Demonstrated expertise in MS Office, with strong Excel use 
• Willingness to travel up to 8 weeks per year 
• Strong written and oral communication skills  
• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate systems, processes, and program management approaches, including financial management.  
• At least one year of experience managing multiple direct reports. 
• French fluency is required

Desired Skills and Qualifications:   

•  MBA or similar degree in relevant field
• Spanish Fluency is desired

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between ($98,000.00 - 109,000.00). Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

EEOC Statement: Creative is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Ireneb@creativedc.com. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. 

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: Creative will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation. #LI-IB1

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.