Project Manager, Mission Delivery
Position Summary
The Project Manager, Mission Delivery, is responsible for the execution and integration of high-priority initiatives aligned with CARRA’s Strategic Plan and Research Agenda. Operating within a matrixed organizational structure, this role partners with functional leads across research, philanthropy, mission delivery, grants, and external partners to coordinate and deliver cross-cutting initiatives.
The individual ensures alignment across interdependent workstreams by proactively managing dependencies, risks, and trade-offs to achieve program goals, contractual obligations, and key performance metrics. Serving as a link between strategy and execution, the Project Manager drives accountability and progress through influence rather than direct authority.
The individual establishes project governance, supports prioritization and decision-making, and maintains a clear view of initiative progress to provide leadership with actionable insights. The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative project leader with experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives in a nonprofit or research-driven setting.
Key Responsibilities
Project Planning & Execution
- Lead end-to-end project management for mission-driven research and program initiatives
- Define project scope, goals, deliverables, timelines, and success metrics
- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets
- Ensure timely and high-quality delivery across multiple concurrent projects
Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management
- Coordinate and facilitate alignment across internal teams and ensure clarity of roles, timelines, and outcomes
- Serve as the primary point of contact for project lifecycle coordination and for complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Facilitate project meetings, provide status updates, and manage expectations
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, funders, and collaborators
Monitoring & Reporting
- Track project progress against milestones, deliverables, and budgets
- Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for internal and external audiences
- Ensure compliance with grant or contract requirements and organizational policies
Operational Excellence
- Implement and improve project management processes, tools and SOPs to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability
- Promote best practices in project execution and documentation
- Support design and implementation of evaluation frameworks and continuous improvement initiatives to measure mission-related outcomes
Mission Alignment
- Ensure all projects reflect and advance the organization’s mission and values
- Identify and provide recommendations to bridge gaps in program alignment, in accordance with CARRA’s Strategic Plan and Research Agenda
- Support dissemination of findings and impact through reports, publications, and events
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- 3–7+ years of progressive experience in project management, preferably in a nonprofit, research, or mission-driven environment
- Proven ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously
- Experience in research program management or grant-funded projects
- Knowledge of nonprofit operations and funding structures
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with project management tools
Preferred
- Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., MPH, MPA, MBA, PMP, or similar)
Compensation
Salary for this position is competitive and depends on experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.
How to Apply
Please email your curriculum vitae and cover letter to [email protected]. Applicant review will continue until the position is filled.
Amount of Travel Required
Less than 10 days a year.