PROJECT MANAGER

PROJECT MANAGER

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for four consecutive years.

The UW William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics has an outstanding opportunity for an 80% FTE Project Manager (PM). The PM will oversee, coordinate and execute a variety of strategic projects in support of the Chair and the department, including support for events focused on students, alumni, external partners and the broader community. The PM will serve as communications focal to promote department initiatives, activities and successes, both online (Web and social media) and in print.

The Project Manager will steer all phases of a project, including planning, process development, and execution of core project deliverables. The PM will play a key role in the design, implementation, facilitation and improvement of operations, systems and processes by applying standard project management practices. The PM will interact frequently with a wide variety of people, including staff, faculty and student leaders, depending on project requirements.

The Project Manager reports to the Administrator with direction from the Chair. This individual will be part of a staff team responsible for executing operating plans and priorities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Work in conjunction with the Chair and staff in the UW A&A Department to ensure that initiatives and projects are identified, prioritized, and communicated appropriately to internal and external collaborators.
• Develop a project plan to guide the adoption of new project processes within the department. Lead project meetings and facilitate process improvement workshops
• Test, validate and implement standardized operating procedures. Provide on-site training and support at implementation.
• Facilitate post-implementation assessments to determine any needed adjustments and best practices for future projects.
• Complete an assessment of current project workflow in the main office and work with appropriate team members to implement changes to the workflow for improved outcome, cost, or efficiency.
• Ensure the completion of key project tasks as defined by the project plan.
• Report project status weekly to staff and faculty leadership in a standardized template format.

Event Planning and Coordination

Partner with key department and CoE Advancement staff to manage logistics for departmental events, including:

• Work with event lead to coordinate invitation design and produce print and electronic event invitations.
• Compile guest lists, organize and upload/send mailing lists for both print and digital invitations, manage RSVPs.
• Secure venue, arrange catering, transportation/parking, security, signage, name tags, and event flow.
• Retain and manage vendors, including (but not limited to): caterers, designers, printers, mail services, photographers, and decorators. Manage and authorize expenditures, and negotiate vendor agreements to maximize budget.
• Manage the development of event-related materials and publications, including (but not limited to): programs, flyers, directional signage, and maps.
• Provide updates (corrections/additions) to A&A mail lists to UW Advancement and other constituents.
• Post, update and manage events on social media, internal and external websites and calendars, etc.

Communications/External Relations

• Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics academics, research areas and strengths and work with faculty, staff and students to identify public relations opportunities.
• Design and deliver communication materials via print and web for internal communication and external reporting to appropriate constituents.
• Work with UW News and Information and College of Engineering Communications Department to develop and disseminate A&A Department news, events and achievements.
• Provide news and web content to CoE Web Specialist for posting; coordinate with Web Specialist to review and track web content; update styles and branding as indicated by CoE Drupal theme and UW Boundless branding; enhance existing content with new information, tools and widgets.
• Serve as main Web/Communications contact for the department. Filter/monitor web content requests from the department; review content for accuracy and completeness; help set priorities for web work.
• Develop communications pieces as needed for Chair, including PowerPoint presentations, letters, announcements, etc.

Other Duties

• Represent the A&A Department at University, community and professional functions as appropriate.
• Attend A&A Department and University meetings as needed.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to expand knowledge base for the position.
• Other duties as assigned and needed.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in project management (leading projects, building project plans, providing status updates), writing, fundraising or related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for degree.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated creativity, organizational ability and a strict attention to detail. Strong project management and planning skills.
• Demonstrated strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for correspondence, special reports, spreadsheets, databases, forms, etc.
• The capacity to meet deadlines and achieve superior results working independently and as a member of a creative team in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to manage diverse work assignments and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Mature decision-making ability along with a high level of discretion and tact when dealing with internal and external constituents.

DESIRED

• Proficiency with publication software (such as InDesign, MS Publisher), and Google office products.
• Familiarity with the University of Washington resources, systems and policies.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Ability to work evening and weekend hours, as necessary, on short or limited notice.
• Must have regular and reliable transportation for local travel and willing to travel when necessary. Frequent local travel expected.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly and up to 40 pounds occasionally for event setup and tear down.
• During Events (from setup to tear down) or on Event days:
• Ability to stand 4 or more hours continuously.
• Ability to walk 4 or more hours continuously.
• Ability Standing: duration of 4+ hours for events.
• Ability to work greater than a 10-hour day.