Project Manager - Division of Operations

Detroit International; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 64,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is seeking a Project Manager for the Division of Operations. The role defines, plans, tracks, and manages projects from concept to completion, interacting with various stakeholders while handling multiple priorities and strong technical writing duties.

The position requires 3+ years of project management experience, preferably with an urban public-school background. PMP certification is a plus; site-based work at DPSCD Central Office in Detroit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) from an accredited four-year university.
• 3+ years of project management experience in Operations, IT, or analytics.
• PMP certification preferred; urban public-school district experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define project management processes, standards, and deliverables across projects.
• Lead cross-team initiatives with effective kick-offs, check-ins, and closure meetings.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, dashboards, and budget forecasts.
• Coordinate with IT and vendors to ensure quality and accountability.
• Draft external/internal communications and technical procedures.
• Present complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Technical writing

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor's degree

PMP certification preferred

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job Description

As a significant member of the Operations Team, the Project Manager is responsible for defining, planning, tracking and managing the Division of Operations team related projects from concept to completion. This position requires an acute aptitude for project management, the ability to interact with various stakeholders while managing multiple projects, strong technical writing skills and demonstrated capacity to create and proofread presentations and proposals. This role also requires the ability to prioritize an array of professional tasks concurrently.

We are looking for a talented person who is passionate about transforming Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and making a significant difference in the lives of public‑school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees. This position requires three (3) years of combined project management and administrative experience. Candidates with a background in K-12 education practices are highly preferred (not required). The Project Manager is an assertive, collaborative, and highly organized individual who understands district policies and procedures as well as the strategic direction of the District.

Position Title

Project Manager - Division of Operations

Location

Central Office, 1601 Farnsworth, Detroit, MI

Salary Details

$64,373 - $99,486

Reports to

Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Capital Projects, & Auxiliary Services

Bargaining Unit

None

Benefits Eligibility

Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility

Site based. Not eligible for telecommuting

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor¿s Degree (or higher) required from an accredited four (4) year university required, or
• An associate's degree or High School Diploma and significant experience conducting specifically related work
• Master¿s Degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification preferred
• Expertise and experience working in an urban public-school district is a plus.
• 3+ years of relevant and direct project management experience within multiple facets of Operations, IT, Program Management, Business Analytics, etc.
• Skilled in the core project and program management competencies where you have been accountable for the successful planning, execution, and close out of projects
• Experience managing and coordinating small to large scale projects
• Expertise in developing and managing cross-departmental project plans including goals, milestones, dates, and responsibilities
• Experience and proficiency with Microsoft 365 platforms including: SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Flow, and Forms
• Experience with an intranet system
• Experience in the development and tracking of budgets and procurement
• Expertise in working with vendors and developing effective relationships with an emphasis on quality assurance and accountability
• Experience in drafting and publishing external and internal communication documents
• Ability to develop technical procedures and guidelines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to engage and present complex information clearly across stakeholder groups.
• Experience in drafting confidential communication on behalf of key organizational leaders and able to maintain confidentiality relating to sensitive issues
• Assume leadership role on projects of various complexities in a fast-paced environment and with minimal supervision and impeccable follow through
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Solution oriented with a growth mindset and uses creativity to solve problems
• Create and execute project work plans and revise as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements

Essential Functions

• Define the project management process, standards, deliverables, and operational cadence necessary to ensure consistency throughout all projects. Assist with the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) documentation, training, and communication.
• Assist Ops leaders with the development and implementation of the Division of Operations strategic plan objectives, activities, and key results
• Manage project scope and deliverables through a structured change management process to ensure projects are complete and meet expectations.
• Refine the Division¿s structured management process for the successful completion of projects.
• Lead project management initiatives within and across teams by defining, planning, tracking and managing key outcomes, including leading effective project kick‑offs, check‑ins and closure meetings.
• Conduct assessments and audits of department functions and operations and recommend areas for improvement.
• Provide support to department staff by maintaining detailed data metrics as well as tracking systems to ensure the department meets all deadlines and District requirements.
• Use District‑wide systems to develop, implement and maintain data and reporting systems to provide real‑time displays of pertinent information related to project management.
• Develop and maintain project schedules and task details by utilizing a district‑wide project management solution and tools such as reports, tracking charts, checklists, and budget forecasting. Develop methods for making progress against goals visible, including shared Gantt charts, dashboards, etc.
• Develop content and materials for the District¿s intranet system to communicate the department¿s processes and practices.
• Produce high‑quality project plans, reports, presentations and data displays for review and analysis by District stakeholders.
• Proactively participate in district‑wide technology planning, projects, and activities.
• Develop content and materials for stakeholders used to share pertinent information, project status and timelines/upcoming deadlines for transparency, accountability and real‑time feedback.
• Work with departments to analyze actual performance against the project plan and adjust as required.
• Coordinate with the District Information Technology team to implement improvements to robustly report on the Division¿s initiatives and processes.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of policy, processes and procedures, serve as an agent to inform, advocate and administer new policies, procedures and change orders.
• Work collaboratively and independently to achieve department goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent.

Security Clearance

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at [phone] or detroitk12.org/compliance.