Senior Project Manager

The Poynter Institute is seeking a Senior Project Manager to successfully oversee and coordinate multiple complex teaching projects, with particular focus on the sustainability of local media in the U.S. and around the world.

As Poynter continues to grow, so have our ambitions and funded opportunities. This new advanced position will be responsible for project managing multi-year contracts and grants, including government-funded programs and those with rigorous reporting requirements, ensuring successful execution and compliance. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional project management skills, a keen eye for detail, and a strong ability to write comprehensive reports focusing on analysis, data, and impact – while also maintaining professional and effective relationships with high-profile stakeholders.

This position plays a crucial role in organizing and executing high-level Poynter programs, all designed to strengthen democracy by improving the quality, value, relevance and ethical practice of journalism. You’ll join a team of project managers, producers and customer service specialists who create Poynter Magic for tens of thousands of journalists each year, making a meaningful difference in both individuals’ lives and the journalism ecosystem.

Job Specific Competencies:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project management, with a focus on government-funded programs and grants.
• A record of advanced data collection, analysis and reporting.
• A commitment to local newsroom sustainability and to Poynter’s mission of strengthening democracy by improving the relevance, ethical practice and value of journalism.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Oversee and manage multiple funded programs, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets working with multiple stakeholders.
• Grant and Contract Management: Monitor grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and grant/contract commitments.
• Component Coordination: Coordinate the various components of each project, ensuring seamless integration and efficient execution from inception to conclusion.
• Participant Focus: Keep a clear focus on creating meaningful and impactful experiences for customers and participants.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and partners. Serve as the main point of contact for select program partners.
• Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret data to assess program performance, impact, and areas for improvement. Utilize software to analyze data from multiple sources, including use of advanced Excel functions, such as creating complex formulas, pivot tables, and other necessary tools to analyze data effectively.
• Reporting: Write detailed narrative reports focusing on program analysis, data outcomes, and overall impact through case studies. Present findings to stakeholders and funders.
• Budget and Resource Management: Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with grant requirements. This includes documenting timesheets, expenses and other records.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure program success.
• Leadership and Coaching: Lead and mentor project teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement best practices and continuous improvement strategies to enhance program efficiency and effectiveness.
• Project Management Tools: Use and champion project management tools, primarily utilizing Asana, to provide administrative and organizational support for assigned projects.

Qualifications:

Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project management, with a focus on government-funded programs and grants. Bonus if experience is in media, journalism or democracy-related projects.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in project management, public administration, business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent experience.

Skills:

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• High level of proficiency in Excel, including creating complex formulas, pivot tables, and other data analysis tools.
• High level of proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience with budget management and financial oversight.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Attributes: Detail-oriented, analytical, proactive, and able to work under pressure.

Preferred: Familiarity with federal grant regulations and compliance requirements.

RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Senior Project Manager reports to the Director of Program Management. The Director of Program Management is responsible for monitoring the Senior Project Manager’s progress and performance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

INTERNAL: The Senior Project Manager has daily contact with colleagues. This individual has contact with Poynter administration, marketing, faculty and staff, as needed. This position involves working with a wide variety of stakeholders.

EXTERNAL: The Senior Project Manager will have relationships with experienced journalists and journalism professionals, as well as other program partners at C-suite levels. Excellent communication skills and business savvy are a must, as are discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS: Bachelor’s degree or commensurate work experience is required. Experience project managing programs is essential. Minimum 7-10 years of previous work experience in a relevant position is required. Position requires advanced administrative and intermediate computer skills. PMP certification or equivalent experience is required.

Poynter’s headquarters are in St. Petersburg, Florida, and we also have offices in Washington, D.C. This position is eligible for remote work in the United States. Candidates who advance in this process will be asked to share an example of a project plan and report.

In addition to salary, we offer:

• Excellent professional development opportunities and the ability to progress in both your craft and career
• Generous paid time off, seven designated paid holidays, plus two weeks paid leave at the end of every calendar year
• Paid parental leave benefit allows for up to 24 weeks of compensated leave for birth moms and 16 weeks for spouses, partners, and adoptive parents
• Competitive benefits package including: employer-funded HRA/medical/dental/vision insurance/life insurance/paid holidays/FSA
• Waterfront campus with dog-friendly offices and hybrid work policy

Reports to the Director of Program Management.

EOE

No phone calls, please.

Send resume and cover letter to: SPMjob@poynter.org

Annual salary range: Starting at $70,000, negotiable based on experience

A fluent speaker of English is required. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is essential. Exceptional ability to communicate and manage compassionately in a fast-paced environment is required. Advanced skill level using Microsoft Word, Excel, and G suite apps, plus a fluency in project management software such as Asana. Previous experience using content management software is a plus. Top-notch skills in editing, writing and proofreading are required.

PROBLEM-SOLVING/DECISION MAKING: Work is diversified and involved. Must be able to work on multiple projects at once, while maintaining a high level of organization. Ability to take ownership/manage the full project life cycle: comes up with project scope definition and deadline/timelines, ensuring timely completion and meeting budget objectives. Ability to see how small details fit into the big picture. Must possess the ability to analyze project details and adapt to changing requirements with quick and thorough decision making. Strong critical thinking/analytical skills are required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires sitting for extended periods, while at the computer and answering and placing video calls, Slack messages and emails. Requires moving throughout the building and occasionally to outside business offices. Requires ability to communicate with other individuals (written and oral) both inside and outside the Institute. Other physical requirements include ability to proofread and edit on paper and onscreen. Requires the ability to operate computer keyboard and mouse. Routine interruptions and unforeseen assignments are to be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to work under deadlines as required and expect moderate noise levels while performing work assignments. The workdays will vary from time to time depending on the workload.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• 7 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• PMP Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Petersburg, FL 33701