Strategic Project Manager

About The Possible Project

The Possible Project (TPP) is a multi-year, youth entrepreneurship program offering students exciting project-based experiences:

• the creation and running of student-directed, passion-based ventures 
• hands-on experiences within TPP Social Enterprises
• work-based learning opportunities through internships and fellowships  
• learning about and use of high-technology maker equipment, such as laser cutters, 3-D printers and clothing printers/presses
• personalized college and/or career advising

Throughout their TPP journey, students work with dedicated educators, advisors, peers, and field experts; earn stipends; design products and services in a state-of-the-art makerspace; attend pitch panels and marketplaces; build and apply essential skills, mindsets, and social capital; and explore the exciting opportunities that exist post-high school.  Students have fun learning, growing and interacting with peers as they design their futures.  

TPP is in its second decade of operations, having served nearly 1000 students in the greater Boston area. The organization employs 25+ professionals with plans to grow significantly in Boston over the next 4 years, as well as other cities beyond 2025. TPP offers a strong professional development ethos, a fast-paced entrepreneurial culture, innovative curriculum & pedagogy, and a commitment to excellence and student impact. Importantly, TPP is highly committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. Currently in an expansion mode, TPP plans to open a 35,000 sq ft Boston Innovation Center serving 1000 students a year, launching in Fall 2021. 

About the Role 

The Possible Project is both growing and undertaking an organization-wide strategic plan and is in need of a motivated and adaptable Strategic Project Manager to support our strategic execution, Strategy and Executive Teams, and board engagement. Given the high-stakes nature of this position, this individual must model the core values, have exceptional planning skills, and be excellent at solving abstract problems. The Project Manager (PM) will report directly to the Chief Talent Officer and indirectly to the Board Chair for strategic guidance and direction. This person will work in close collaboration with:

1. The Strategy Team to support, manage, and drive key initiatives towards deliverables
2. The Executive Team to ensure streamlined activities throughout the development and implementation of the strategic plan as well as supporting the operations of the Executive Team and board engagement.
3. Strategic Initiative Teams involving multiple stakeholders executing key aspects of TPPs strategy 

Responsibilities 

Curriculum Project: 15%

• Create and implement systems and structures to manage a large, multi-team project (e.g.: Gantt chart / critical path chart of workflow, calendar of key dates/deadlines, documentation, use of project management tools, communication, and other processes as needed)
• Coordinate across Design Teams (Entrepreneurship, Advisory, Fellowship/WBL, and Deep Dives) to support cross-team communication and alignment
• Manage external advisors to interact with Design Teams, provide feedback and input on emerging curriculum 

Strategic Plan: 60%

• Coordinate the work of implementing TPP’s 5-year strategic plan, by developing and managing multiple strategic initiatives and  workstreams
• Act as main point of contact for external consultancy to gather requisite data, materials, and resources, connect to key stakeholders, and solicit input and feedback
• In collaboration with the Executive Team, plan and execute on approach to internally and externally communicate the strategy 
• Support the management of detailed project plans to ensure successful implementation the strategy
• Work across multiple lines and stakeholders to support managing in a matrixed structure
• Build and manage systems to monitor and report on implementation progress of the strategic plan 

Board and Executive Team Operations: 25%

• Coordinate meeting and retreat agendas, materials, and logistics
• Create high-stakes external and board-facing presentations (using powerpoint), combining the work of multiple teams and departments
• Create systems to track meeting minutes, decisions, next steps, and timelines
• Facilitate discussion and create recommendations with the leadership teams to address complex cross-team challenges
• Ensure Board of Directors and leadership team members are informed about important work and decisions
• Facilitate follow-up when there are cross-org implications and dependencies
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without advanced notice.

Qualifications- 

• 5+ years experience in planning and project management, particularly related to development of curriculum and alignment across various teams

• Prior experience in at least two or more of the following: experiential learning, project-based learning, competency-based learning, out of school time programming, entrepreneurship, and work-based learning
• Passion for TPP’s mission and an understanding of the needs of youth, particularly those who are underserved, recent immigrants, or those who face barriers to success
• Facility with Google Suite, Asana, Excel, Word
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills
• Adaptable, innovative individual committed to working collaboratively with a creative team and who anticipates challenges and finds solutions to mitigate. 
• Entrepreneurial mindset - comfort with taking educated risks, excitement to pilot new ideas, research best practices, and reflect on experience for continuous improvement
• Take initiative, work independently, and troubleshoot in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial work environment
• Demonstration and alignment to our core values and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 
• Demonstrated proficiency and eagerness to learn and grow in TPPs core and leadership competencies: Communication, Cultural Curiosity, Commitment to Excellence, Growth Mindset, Service Mindset, Teamwork & Collaboration, Results, Relationships, Talent 
• Bilingual in Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole a plus
• Bachelor’s degree and work authorization