Senior Program and Project LEAD

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) seeks a highly skilled and motivated Senior Program and Project Lead to join the Programs department. The Senior Program and Project Lead will play a pivotal role in monitoring Wacif’s advisory services and signature programs, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and achieving outlined grant objectives set forth from the Chief Program Officer (CPO). Key responsibilities include supporting Program Directors and Managers, monitoring program budgets, and helping reach programmatic goals. Additionally, the position will monitor projects across various internal departments to ensure timely completion of project deliverables. Furthermore, this role will help assess and evaluate program efficiency, streamline processes, and focus on overall program enhancement, which is essential to success.

Lastly, this is a supervisory role with responsibility for effectively managing, coaching, and development of the Programs Coordinator.

REPORTS TO: Chief Program Officer (CPO)

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advisory Educational Services Program Monitoring:

Monitor advisory services programs to ensure compliance with grant requirements and objectives outlined in grant agreements.
Regularly review program activities, documentation, and progress reports to ensure adherence to established guidelines and performance metrics.
Collaborate with program managers and directors to identify areas for improvement and provide necessary support to achieve program goals.

Budget Monitoring and Accountability:

In conjunction with supporting the CPO, monitor program budgets and financial resources related to advisory services and signature programs.
Work closely with program managers and directors to ensure proper allocation and utilization of funds.
Notify and share financial targets and goals to program managers and directors outlined in grant and sponsorship agreements.

Cross-Departmental Project Oversight:

Monitor and coordinate projects across internal departments, ensuring adherence to project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Design project boards using the Monday.com project management tool to track project progress, tasks, and milestones.
Collaborate with department heads and project teams to identify and address any obstacles or bottlenecks that may impact project progress.
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders using Monday.com to promote efficient project execution.

Program Efficiency and Process Improvement Support:

In collaboration with the Program Managers and Directors, regularly assess program efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and recommend process enhancements to streamline operations.
Develop and implement performance metrics and indicators to measure program effectiveness.
Utilize the Monday.com tool to monitor and track the success of program improvements and process changes.

Documentation and Reporting:

Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of program activities, budgets, and performance metrics.
Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and board meetings, providing insights on program performance and progress.
Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements as outlined in grant agreements and funding guidelines.

Meeting Agendas and Deadlines:

Set meeting agendas for program staff meetings and quarterly meetings, ensuring that key topics, updates, and discussions are addressed.
Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to gather necessary information and materials for meetings.
Monitor and track deadlines for board reporting and grant reporting, ensuring timely submission of required documents and reports.

Supervisory:

Supervises Program Coordinator (PC), overseeing their day-to-day activities and providing guidance on projects and program initiatives.
Provides coaching on development and growth, fosters a supportive and empowering work environment conducive to continuous learning and improvement.

Other Duties as Assigned

Support the CPO, Program leaders, and other team members on various projects, events, and assignments.
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Project Management) and/or master’s degree is preferred. Equivalent work experience with at least five years of experience.
5 years of proven experience in project or program management, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
Proven ability to effectively supervise team, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment while ensuring the achievement of department goals and objectives.
Strong understanding of grant management, including monitoring grant requirements and objectives.
Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess program efficiency and implement process improvements.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Proficient in using project management tools and software.
Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
Proficiency in using the Monday.com project management tool, including designing project boards and utilizing its features for tracking and monitoring project progress.
Experience in utilizing project management software or tools for effective project planning, execution, and reporting.
Ability to adapt to new technology and project management tools as required by the organization.
Strong organizational and planning skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage deadlines effectively.
Excellent attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
Proficiency in using productivity tools and software for agenda setting, deadline tracking, and documentation management.
Effective communication skills to facilitate meetings and coordinate with stakeholders.
Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

About the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif)

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) advances equity and opportunity in the Washington, D.C. area’s underserved communities by providing financial capital, business advisory services, and strategic networking support to underinvested entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 1987, Wacif has deployed more than $50 million in capital, served more than 3,500 entrepreneurs with business advisory services, and helped create or retain more than 20,000 local jobs. To learn more about Wacif’s work, visit www.wacif.org.

COMPENSATION

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, FSA, DCA, Life & Disability coverages available. 401(k) retirement plan (employer matching contribution eligible); paid time off (increased with tenure), paid holidays and sick leave days, transportation benefits, and education assistance benefits (professional development, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment).

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email a resume, thoughtful cover letter that outlines how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, and salary requirements to with “Senior Program & Project Lead” in the subject line.

Wacif is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Wacif provides a flexible and hybrid working environment with the opportunity to work remotely.