Project Manager - Division of Operations

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

Job summary

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) is seeking a Project Manager in the Division of Operations to define, plan, track and manage district projects from concept to completion. You will work with stakeholders to establish schedules, budgets, and reporting while ensuring alignment with district policies.

You must have 3+ years of PM experience, strong communication, and proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and intranet systems. This site-based role is located in Detroit.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited university.
• 3+ years of direct project management experience across Operations/IT/PM.
• PMP Certification preferred; master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in urban public-school districts is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools and intranet systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Define project management processes, standards, and cadence; develop SOPs.
• Lead cross‑department initiatives and coordinate stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and maintain schedules, dashboards, and progress reports.
• Manage budgets, procurement, and change control; track outcomes.
• Support district technology planning and policy development.
• Prepare high-quality plans, presentations, and data disclosures.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting and procurement

Technical writing

Cross-functional leadership

Analytical thinking

Multi-project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Associate's or HS diploma + related experience

Master’s Degree (preferred)

PMP Certification (preferred)

Experience in urban public-school district (a plus)

Tools

SharePoint

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Flow

Forms

Intranet system

Job description

Project Manager - Division of Operations

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

Position Summary:

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.

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
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

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.
• AssistOps 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.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, age, religion, height, weight, citizenship, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions opportunities.