Director, Project Management Office (PMO)

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

Position Overview

MxD is seeking an experienced Director for the Project Management Office (PMO). The Director, Project Management Office (PMO), is responsible for leading and supervising the PMO team to execute all MxD projects including the management and accountability of project timelines, budgets, scope, and resource plans from project concept through project closeout. This position will report to the VP, Projects and Engineering.

The ideal candidate will be someone who understands the complexities of working on projects with diverse teams. This individual will be able to manage complex risks and identify creative solutions to problems. Experience with technical projects and government contracts is preferred.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Lead PMO team which includes responsibility for R&D, cybersecurity, and other projects
• Define and own the strategy, goals, and measures of success for MxD’s program management process and project outcomes
• Continuously improve the MxD program/project management process at the corporate level and in alignment with corporate objectives
• Provide consistent and concise verbal and written communications to executive level stakeholders including project management performance reporting, milestone reporting, status reporting, issue and risk management and quality reporting on a regular basis.
• Lead a team of 10-12 project managers and staff.
• Serve as a role model and mentor for the team to grow and develop talent within the PMO and larger organization.

Best Practices:

• Establish accountability measures for project timelines, scope and milestones for a variety of projects utilizing both internal and external resources.
• Develop and ensure implementation of PMO process and policies.
• Champion strong project governance and execution assurance processes.
• Ensure the allocation of resources for the management of project timelines, scope and milestones for a variety of projects.

Risk Management:

• Serve as a point of escalation between stakeholders of the program/project to ensure execution on program deliverables, timelines, priorities and resolution of issues.
• Interface with MxD Government Program Manager and other Government personnel to communicate project portfolio status across and risks to project planning, contracting, execution, and closeout.
• Identify project, program and portfolio priorities, deal with challenges and communicate project risks and opportunities.

Position Requirements

• Bachelors degree required
• PMP, SCPM, or similar project management certification highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project management from ideation to execution and deployment
• Demonstrated team leadership experience is required
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills along with excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to interface at the executive levels of MxD and MxD’s government, industry, and academic partners
• Demonstrated ability leading, collaborating, and developing cross-functional and diverse teams
• Experience working in a federal government contracting environment is preferred.
• Must be local to the Chicagoland area and willing and able to be onsite minimum 2 days a week and as well as on as needed basis.
• Hands-on and team-oriented
• Ability for some travel (10%)
• Ability and desire to work in a highly dynamic environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

How To Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart!

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

• MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.