Senior Project Manager

Summary

Join Great Minds as a Senior Project Manager and play a key role in managing research and development projects. This position involves leading grant project management for a collaborative research initiative focused on improving equity in K-12 math education and building strategic research partnerships. You will develop and maintain project plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, ensure grant compliance, and identify new funding opportunities. The ideal candidate possesses strong project management experience, exceptional organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities. This is a remote position, preferably in Washington, DC or Richmond, VA, with some travel required.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project management, preferably in education or nonprofit settings
• Proven experience managing grant-funded projects, including reporting and compliance
• Strong background in partnership development and grant writing
• Familiarity with K-12 education systems, research processes, and funding landscapes
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear and compelling grant applications
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in project management tools and software (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, or similar)
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across teams and with external stakeholders
• Bachelor’s degree in education, project management, public administration, or a related field (required)

Responsibilities

• Lead project management for a collaborative research initiative involving Great Minds, USC EdPolicy Hub, and Riverside Unified School District, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and deliverables for the Gates-funded research initiative
• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including internal researchers, external collaborators, and school district partners
• Ensure adherence to grant requirements, including reporting timelines, deliverables, and budget compliance
• Facilitate regular communication and updates with stakeholders, including funders, partners, and internal leadership
• Identify and proactively address risks and challenges to ensure project success
• Build and maintain strategic research partnerships to support research initiatives and lead efforts to identify and secure new grant opportunities to expand Great Minds’ impact
• Build and sustain relationships with educational research institutions, school districts, and funding organizations
• Identify new funding opportunities and lead proposal development in collaboration with the Research Team and other Great Minds departments
• Develop compelling grant applications, including narratives, budgets, and supporting materials
• Monitor trends in education funding and research to identify strategic opportunities for Great Minds
• Represent Great Minds at conferences, webinars, and other networking events to build the organization’s profile in the research community
• Cultivate a culture of trust, collegiality, curiosity, and continuous improvement
• Model professionalism, innovation, and critical thinking
• Provide constructive feedback to support team members’ growth and organizational success
• Ensure alignment between grant initiatives and Great Minds’ strategic goals

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP or other relevant project management certification
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Passion for high-quality, knowledge-rich curriculum and commitment to educational equity
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders
• Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferred)

Benefits

• Remote (preferred Washington, DC or Richmond, VA); Travel (~15%) may be required
• The expected base salary range for this position is $82,000 - $93,000 however the offered salary may be higher or lower than the above range dependent on numerous factors including, but not limited to location, work experience, skills and internal equity considerations