Senior Program & Project Lead - Strategic Execution

Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) retirement plan with employer 3

Paid time off and holidays

Transportation benefits

Education assistance

Job summary

Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) seeks a Senior Program and Project Lead to strengthen execution and impact of advisory services and signature programs. The role reports to the Chief Program Officer and provides cross-functional leadership across the Programs department in hybrid Washington, DC.

You will monitor program performance, ensure grant compliance, manage budgets with Finance, and drive process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in project or program management, nonprofit sector preferred.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and grant management experience.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.

Responsibilities

• Monitor advisory services programs to ensure grant compliance and objectives.
• Review program activities, documentation, and reports to ensure performance metrics.
• Collaborate with program managers and directors to identify improvements and provide support.
• Monitor program budgets; coordinate with Finance to track grants and expenses.
• Design and manage project boards using Monday.com and track milestones.
• Prepare reports for senior management and board meetings; ensure timely reporting.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Grant management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Monday.com

Job description

Career Opportunity

Senior Program and Project Lead

REPORTS TO: Chief Program Officer (CPO)
STATUS: Full-Time – Exempt
LOCATION: Hybrid, Washington, DC

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) seeks a highly skilled and motivated Senior Program and Project Lead to join the Programs department. This role plays a critical part in strengthening the execution, accountability, and impact of WACIF’s advisory services and signature programs.

The Senior Program and Project Lead is responsible for monitoring program performance, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, supporting the achievement of grant objectives established by the Chief Program Officer (CPO), and overseeing cross departmental project execution. Key responsibilities include partnering with Program Directors and Managers to advance programmatic goals, monitoring program budgets in collaboration with Finance, and driving continuous improvement across program operations.

This is a senior level role that provides cross functional leadership, operational oversight, and strategic coordination across the Programs department.

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 with program managers and directors outlined in grant and sponsorship agreements.
• Partners with Finance to track grant-related expenses, proactively address variances, and support timely financial reconciliation.
• Ensures all program expenses are submitted, processed, and fully paid prior to grant closeout, in compliance with funder and organizational requirements.

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.
• Proactively identify risks, interdependencies, and operational gaps, and recommend corrective actions to leadership.

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.

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.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and influence cross functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to drive accountability and results.
• 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).

Salary Range: $75,000 – $100,000

TO APPLY

Interested candidates should apply using the link below: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/thehrteam/jobs/4205534-1141059 .

If you have questions or need additional information about this role, don’t hesitate to contact us at [e-mail] 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.

Note: In accordance with the District of Columbia’s First Source Employment Agreement, applicants who are residents of the District of Columbia will be given preference in the hiring process.

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