Sr. Project Director - Hybrid

Overview

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

We value diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth. Our success depends on all our employees' points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

Position Summary:

The Senior Project Director provides high-level oversight and has accountability for on average 2 complex projects (number may vary depending on size and complexity of projects). The Senior Project Director is expected to have 50-60% LOE in project management. Senior Project Directors are expected to take a larger role in client/partner/staff engagement. Senior Project Directors provide technical and management consultation to COPs whom they supervise, and serve as mentors and coaches to junior staff within their division. Senior Project Directors contribute to business development (BD) efforts, serving as technical lead writer, conducting capture for new opportunities, or contributing/integrating writer, with an anticipated LOE of 25-30% in BD. They provide guidance on partner selection, key personnel recruitment and selection, and cost strategy. The Senior Project Director will travel to the field to support project operations at least once per year per project and must be willing and able to travel to countries within Creative's education portfolio, including some crisis and conflict contexts. Travel may also include support for capture and BD. The Senior Project Director may serve in Acting capacity for technical or management roles.

The Senior Project Director will primarily support the Leveraging Education Assistance Resources in Nigeria (LEARN) to Read project. The LEARN project is a five-year, USAID-funded project implemented by Creative Associates International in Nigeria. The project supports Nigerian federal and state governments to effectively utilize their available operational and technical resources to strengthen, scale, and sustain improvements in early grade reading outcomes for pupils in Primary 1 and 2. LEARN is implemented closely with the Nigerian federal government through the Federal Ministry of Education and its agencies.

The Senior Project Director may support other projects within the Education Division as needed. The Senior Project Director will also support business development initiatives, such as conducting capture on new opportunities, writing proposals, managing relationships with potential subpartners, and providing pricing support. The Senior Project Director may support internal corporate initiatives and represent Creative at external events and/or working groups.

Reporting & Supervision:

The Senior Project Director will report to the Director of Programs. The Senior Project Director will supervise 1-2 Project Managers and Program Associates, 1-2 Chiefs of Party, and other field staff as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Managing complex or high-risk programs requiring significant client interaction;
• Liaising with clients on complex matters, including writing complex and succinct client communications;
• Communicating internally within the company on project updates and risk issues;
• Proactively anticipating issues and mitigating risk to the project or the company;
• Problem-solving and formulating recommendations to senior leadership;
• Mentoring, coaching, and supervising junior staff members;
• Serving as SME or STTA in the field for assigned projects and other projects across the company as needed;
• Ensuring compliance with Creative's policies and procedures and client's rules and regulations;
• Serving in Acting roles in field and as Practice Area Director as needed;
• Serving as a leader on new business initiatives, including capture and proposal design/development;
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 15 years of relevant work experience. Previous experience successfully managing USG funded programs or portfolio of projects valued at least $20-25 million/year
• Demonstrated overseas experience working on a client-funded project
• Demonstrated knowledge of client priorities, preferences, and regulations
• Demonstrated expertise in MS Office, with excellent Excel skills
• Experience integrating cross-cutting concepts such as GESI, youth engagement, and DNH in project implementation
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 8 weeks per year
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated experience in proposal writing and design
• Previous experience working on USG business development initiatives, including writing proposal sections and conducting capture work
• Demonstrated network of peers, partners, and clients in USG space
• Previous experience managing, coaching, and strengthening the capacity of US and international staff
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant systems, processes, and approaches, with excellent financial management skills

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• MBA or similar degree in relevant field
• Additional experience with a non-USG international donor is a plus

EEOC Statement: Creative is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to I[redacted]. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: Creative will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation. #LI-IB

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.