Experienced Project Director for Postsecondary Education – Leadership Role in Economic Mobility, Workforce Systems, and Education Initiatives

Introduction to WestEd and Our Mission

WestEd is a renowned community of over 1,400 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. We are dedicated to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults by conducting and applying research, developing evidence-based solutions, and providing consulting services across the country. Our primary goal is to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood, serving as trusted partners in education, health, and justice. We enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact by asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

About the Economic Mobility, Postsecondary, and Workforce Systems Initiatives

The Economic Mobility, Postsecondary, and Workforce Systems Initiatives at WestEd aim to improve education and workforce systems to remove systemic barriers to living-wage jobs and provide low-income people, families, and communities with access to economic and social mobility. Our evidence-based, collaborative, and student-centered approaches offer relevant information, help make that information meaningful to improving learner and community economic outcomes, and support systems change. The content area and the WestEd Center for Economic Mobility are supported by a dynamic, innovative team of individuals with a passion for social and economic justice and systems change.

Key Responsibilities of the Project Director

• Implement projects related to utilizing labor market information to help postsecondary education systems provide equitable access for traditionally underserved populations and marginalized communities.
• Lead strategy and business development efforts to increase federal, state, local, and philanthropic funding for the postsecondary education portfolio.
• Provide operational management, including supervising program managers, supporting their growth as leaders, and aiding them in their work supervising staff to support the development of the postsecondary team.
• Oversee the operational aspects of projects, including reporting, budget development and monitoring, financial transactions, execution of project plans, and project performance.
• Contribute to projects within the postsecondary portfolio in specific roles such as facilitation, technical assistance, writing reports and toolkits, and supporting planning processes.
• Presentation of information in a concise fashion in high-stakes settings, such as meetings with advisory committees, legislative staff, and the press.
• Support dissemination of our work through conferences, blog posts, white papers, and other presentation venues, including engagement with federal and state policy leaders.
• Manage partnerships across agencies and within WestEd departments.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate should have the following core qualifications:

• At least 10 years of experience in a postsecondary education leadership or technical assistance role.
• A history of managing complex projects involving large project teams, multiple stakeholders, and multiple project budgets in excess of $1 million dollars.
• A strong sense of labor market trends and how shifts in hiring requirements are reshaping the role of education in preparing people for rewarding, well-paid work.
• A deep understanding of postsecondary structures and systems, including college governance, programming, data systems, change management, and reform strategies.
• Strong facilitation skills, including leading groups of postsecondary practitioners through planning and program redesign processes that build consensus and create a shared purpose across interest holders.
• A proven track record of leading large, complex, multi-year projects with demanding timelines and teams that include people not in one's direct line of supervision.
• Mastery of operational systems necessary to manage large projects, such as contracting, staffing projections, budgeting, and fiscal management.
• Strong business development experience, including managing a diverse portfolio of projects while continuously engaging in proposal development leading to new projects and lines of work.
• Experience with the operational aspects of leading a large team, with a focus on building strong career ladders, mentoring, performance management, and staff development.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

In addition to the essential qualifications, the following skills and experiences are preferred:

• Experience working in a remote or hybrid environment, with the ability to manage and lead teams across different locations.
• Familiarity with project management tools and software, such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project.
• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills, with the ability to communicate complex data insights to diverse audiences.
• Experience with grant writing and management, including securing and managing large-scale contracts and grants.
• Strong networking and partnership-building skills, with the ability to establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and community leaders.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At WestEd, we are committed to supporting the growth and development of our employees. As a Project Director, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Lead and manage high-performing teams, with a focus on building strong career ladders, mentoring, and staff development.
• Collaborate with other departments and teams to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conferences.
• Contribute to the development of new projects and initiatives, with opportunities for innovation and creativity.

Work Environment and Company Culture

WestEd is committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment that supports the well-being and success of our employees. We offer:

• A remote or hybrid work arrangement, with the option to work from home or from one of our office locations.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment, with opportunities for teamwork and cross-functional collaboration.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth, including training, workshops, and conferences.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment for all employees.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $139,200 to $217,500, with a target hiring range of $139,200 to $174,000. In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15% contribution toward retirement, effective day 1 of employment.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts.
• All health and welfare benefits are effective the first of the month following the hire date.
• PTO: 3 weeks' vacation (increases to 4 weeks beginning the 4th year of employment), paid holidays, and 12 days paid sick leave per year.
• Life Insurance: value of 3x gross salary.
• Opportunities for annual merit-based performance increases + annual incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and mentorship program.

Conclusion and Call to Action

If you are a motivated and experienced professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply for the Project Director position. As a Project Director at WestEd, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities, while also contributing to the growth and development of our organization. Don't miss this opportunity to join our team and help us achieve our mission of improving education and workforce systems to remove systemic barriers to living-wage jobs and provide low-income people, families, and communities with access to economic and social mobility.

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