National Academy of Public Administration Project Director, Full-time Position

Position Overview

The Project Director oversees, and guides Academy thought leadership projects, including their day-to-day research project management, supervision and evaluation of project staff, and preparation of the draft and final reports and other work products. The Project Director coordinates tasks with the Director of Strategic Initiatives and International Programs and a Panel of Expert Academy Fellows or Expert Advisory Groups. The Project Director must possess excellent communication skills, understand critical public administration and policy issues, think holistically and systematically about these issues, be creative in developing new frameworks and innovative work products, and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Requirements and Responsibilities

Thought Leadership & Development

·       Lead Academy thought leader projects to develop innovative approaches to the most significant challenges facing the public administration field.

·       Implement strategies for high-quality and impactful project deliverables.

·       Support continued Strategic Initiatives project development by identifying new opportunities, developing proposals, and/or participating meetings and presentations to potential sponsors.

Project Management

·       Utilize innovative methods to achieve core project goals.

·       Work collaboratively with the Academy’s program leadership to develop the project plan and address project-related issues.

·       Work constructively with sponsors and program leadership to adjust scope, tasking, and approaches when necessary.

·       Serve as an effective liaison with the sponsor, Panel or Executive Advisory Group.

·       Manage study staff, develop a work plan, assign tasks to study team, and monitor progress.

·       Provide routine performance feedback to project staff as a part of the Academy’s employee development program.

·       Prepare progress reports for the sponsor(s).

·       Manage the project budget according to established accounting policies; review monthly project cost and staff utilization reports; evaluate variances from budget; and propose constructive solutions to any identified issues.

Report Development

·       Conduct qualitative and quantitative research/analysis.

·       Conduct primary and secondary research.

·       Lead interviews and roundtable discussions.

·       Develop innovative content for final project reports, including holistic new frameworks and strategic yet practical recommendations.

·       Present new insights, frameworks, data, and recommendations in creative ways to maximize readability and impact.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Strong knowledge of key issues in the public administration and policy field.
• Quickly get up to speed on new topics.
• Creativity, curiosity, and innovation.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent people skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic and tactical capabilities to influence project stakeholders and drive positive outcomes.
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and guide project teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite programs.

Education and Experience

• At least 10 years of management consulting, program management, or evaluation experience.
• Demonstrated success working with or in the public sector.
• Advanced degree preferred.