Senior Project Director, CIT - HYBRID - Creative Associates International

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:

Creative seeks a Senior Project Director (SPD) for the Communities in Transition Division. The SPD will be responsible for performing specialized and complex work within the project area and may coach or mentor others while overseeing various team project implementation efforts.  Senior Project Directors assume responsibilities for management of complex projects typically of $35M+ in funding, depending upon variables such as the complexity, projected timeline of the projects, and geographic location of the work.  The SPD has a key role in the technical, financial, compliance and accountability for the performance of assigned projects.  The SPD supervises Project Directors and other project management staff to ensure quality programming, and achievement of financial targets and contractual outcomes.  The SPD travels internationally to perform many of the responsibilities of the role and serves as a lead in new business initiatives within the assigned portfolio or geography.

Reporting & Supervision:

SPDs report to Practice Area Directors, as needed.  SPDs supervise Project Directors or Project (Senior) Project Managers and other project management staff.

Expected Outcomes:

Leadership

Projects under SPD oversight receives senior level guidance and management support. Project Directors and other project management staff under SPD oversight manage their projects purposely, cohesively and efficiently. Project aims are clear on the strategic (outcome level—technical), tactical (output level—managerial and financial) and operational (milestone-level transactions) fronts. Challenges and potential implementation issues are preemptively identified and proactively addressed. The client is being effectively served and is satisfied with Creative’s service and offerings. Senior Management is kept abreast of significant threats, implementation deficiencies and opportunities.

Project Management

Projects under SPD oversight performs well–they meet contractual obligations, and fiscal targets. Projects are well-planned so that inputs—such as human resource deployments, STTA, procurements—can be timely and effectively supported by HQ. Project staffing, project obligations, and reporting meet anticipated levels and high-quality standards. 

Financial Management

Projects under SPD oversight meet performance targets and revenue projections.  SPDs proactively manage vacancies, non-billables, and foregone revenue. Projects requiring important course corrections or corporate support receive the attention of upper management.

Staff Management

Project management staff under SPD oversight are meaningful and constructive and are administered in a timely manner. Projects adhere to all aspects of programmatic and fiscal compliance.

New Business Development

Projects under SPD oversight demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit; they are able to seize opportunities in the local marketplace, and to position the company and pave the way for the realization of new business opportunities. Opportunities for new business generation are created and nurtured. The company is visibly represented before stakeholders. Specific new business pursuits are well planned and timely executed. Activity design is conducted with insight and intellectual curiosity.

Learning & Adaptation

Projects under SPD supervision has a heightened awareness of the value of learning and adaptation. Projects have explicitly defined learning agendas, M&E and Knowledge Management (KM) plans that track progress towards learning, and course corrections that are informed by data. Project interventions and innovations are well documented and catalogued. Learning events (i.e., Knowledge Share) capture salient programmatic aspects with potential for replication or scale up. Salient activities are celebrated and promoted through Creative’s Communications Department.

• Oversees assigned project management staff;
• Ensures that Projects under SPD oversight achieve contractual deliverables with technical distinction, meet fiscal targets, are well planned and resourced;
• Communicates regularly with client representatives, i.e. CORs and AORs; USAID/OTI Deputy Team Leads and Team Leads as relevant, anchoring the Creative DC corner for OTI task orders;
• Represents Creative for project and other industry functions;
• Tracks all aspects of project performance; oversees project implementation of approved activities, monitoring of timelines, tracking budgets, and supporting subcontract performance and financial management;
• Resolves issues in project start-up and close-down; manages project backstopping, key field personnel support, consultant agreements; processing of project finance transactions, approval and handling of all travel and related logistics, and grant management implementation;
• Oversees compliance of project-related documentation including work plans, staff records, communications, and transactions ensuring they are properly documented;
• Leads pertinent new business development endeavors; contributes to proposal preparation in technical/geographic areas closely connected to projects in the portfolio;
• Communicates with senior management on matters or importance, including risks and opportunities;
• Oversees the production of project reports, and other material such as success stories, interventions and innovations;
• Participates in project learning and data driven adaptation;
• Directly manages and ensures the project’s timely development of quality written and media knowledge and communications products and knowledge-share events according to project KM plans in close collaboration with the KM team, providing targeted product development authorship or leadership for KM as required;
• Directly manages and ensures the timely and accurate tagging, uploading and tracking of KM project products in coordination with the KM team; and
• Serves as a liaison with Creative’s support units, including HR, Finance & Contracts, Procurement, Field Operations, Communications, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and fifteen years of relevant experience or Master’s degree in relevant field and twelve years of relevant experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Spanish is required.
• Proven experience managing client relationships with USAID and USAID/OTI.
• Field experience implementing projects at an operational level.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience; preferably on USAID funded projects.
• Demonstrated ability to assume responsibilities for projects typically totaling $35M+ in funding, depending upon the complexity, projected timeline of the projects, and geographic location of the work.
• Extensive knowledge within their project area and experience in coaching or mentoring others in project implementation.
• Experience in working with field staff, providing technical and financial oversight on projects to include budget realignments.
• Demonstrated experience in reviewing & approving grants, project procurements, and purchase order agreements.
• Strategic thinker and decisive evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Experience in a relevant technical area such as peacebuilding, conflict mitigation, preventing/countering violent extremism, resilience, etc.
• Experience in quickly producing results on a range of assignments in diverse country and programmatic contexts; in developing/monitoring proposal and project budgets.
• Experience in leading project start-ups and close-downs.
• Skill in managing teams, handling tight deadlines; ability to travel internationally on short notice.
• Extensive skill and experience in U.S. government donor relations and client management.
• Considerable knowledge of USAID Programs and Regulations and OTI models such as the Activity Cycle and One Team Approach.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to include, experience in making formal presentations to clients, peers and other groups.
• Business Development experience (prior experience with Proposal Management, Championing or Writing USAID proposals).

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between ($142,800.00 - 156,100.00). Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

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 a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to Ireneb@creativedc.com. 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-IB1

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