Project Manager

ABOUT US

Do you have a passion for higher education? Do you want to make a positive impact on the college admissions process? Our staff help to remove barriers and encourage students to forge their path to a better future. Common App is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to the pursuit of access, equity, and integrity in the college admission process. Each year we support more than 1 million students, one-third of whom are first-generation, as they apply to our more than 900 diverse member colleges & universities using the Common App's free online application.

If you are an experienced Project Management professional and want to be part of a mission-driven non-profit that uses innovative technology to advance the college admission process, Common App may be a great match for you. Common App is currently searching for a Project Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the Portfolio Management Office (PMO) team, and reporting to the Senior Manager of the PMO, this position will work closely with fellow PMO team members to ensure that there is empowerment, awareness, and alignment around Common App’s programmatic work in support of the organization's strategy.

The Project Manager will play an active role in the PMO’s day-to-day operations and serve as a valued business partner to programmatic leaders of all levels by providing ongoing, tailored project management support and guidance to a variety of cross-functional projects across the organization. This position will also support and help lead enterprise-wide learning of project management through formal and informal channels and resources to establish baseline project management knowledge across the organization and role-specific proficiency.

This role requires:

• Candidates must live in the United States.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience managing cross-functional projects.
• Bachelor's degree in business, business analytics, or relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience applying a variety of project management methodologies (waterfall, agile, hybrid, etc.)
• Familiarity with a variety of project management processes and tools, particularly Atlassian products (Jira and Confluence).
• Project Management Acumen & Advanced Technical Skills: Possesses and deploys advanced knowledge of project management methodologies, practices, and skills to effectively manage projects and stakeholders, create and maintain detailed project plans and timelines, and identify and track deliverables, milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, etc.
• PMO (Portfolio Management Office) Knowledge: Able to articulate an understanding of how PMO operations fit into the organization’s operating model and the value it can bring.
• Project Management Tools: Able to easily use and adapt to a variety of project management tools.
• Communication: Demonstrates outstanding skills in written, verbal, and visual communication to effectively and proactively convey information and teach project management best practices as well as exhibiting strong active listening and comprehension skills:
• Excellent Written Communication: Ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling project management artifacts, presentations, and educational resources/templates.
• Effective Verbal Communication: Skilled in delivering information confidently and clearly in meetings, presentations, and one-on-one interactions.
• Visual Communication: Proficiency in using visual tools and techniques to enhance understanding and engagement.
• Proactive Communication: Anticipate needs and provide timely, relevant information to prevent misunderstandings and ensure alignment.
• Active Listening: Demonstrated ability to listen attentively, understand diverse perspectives, and respond appropriately to feedback.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Analyzes problems, identifies patterns, and proposes innovative solutions.
• Organizational Skills: Employs organizational skills and attention to detail to effectively manage and track multiple, simultaneous projects.

• Initiative: Takes ownership of tasks and seeks opportunities to contribute beyond assigned responsibilities.
• Adaptability: Ensures effective performance when faced with ambiguity, changing environments, and demands in a fast-paced, scaling environment.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborates effectively with other departments to achieve shared objectives.
• Interpersonal Skills: Employs highly developed interpersonal skills, including building solid relationships and trust among a broad range of people, positions, and functions to effectively support, manage, and collaborate with project stakeholders.
• Mentoring: Demonstrates willingness and ability to mentor and share expertise with other members of the PMO team.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Reporting: Familiarity with project and program reporting.
• Analytical Acumen: Utilize data-driven insights for improvements.
• Nonprofit Interest: Interest in nonprofit, social impact, and/or education work.
• Advanced degree and/or relevant certification(s) (e.g., PMP, PfMP, CAPM, CSM).
• Project management with non-profit organizations.

PAY RANGE

Target hiring salary range $77,910-87,649

Common App is a virtual first environment. We value our employees’ time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive salary and an extensive benefits package including:

• Work-Life balance
• Virtual-first office
• Seven company-wide holidays
• Nine floating holidays*
• Sick leave
• Monthly mental health day

*floating holidays prorated depending on start date

• Virtual-first support
• Choice of PC of MAC laptop
• May choose an external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and/or headset
• One-time office set-up stipend
• Monthly remote work stipend
• Monthly mobile stipend
• Financial security
• Market-based salaries
• Performance-based bonus
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 5% company contribution
• additional 5% company match
• 3-year vesting schedule
• Participation may begin immediately
• Health & wellness
• Choice of two health insurance plans
• Health Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Medical Flexible Savings Account, depending on health plan selection
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Insurance coverage begins on the date of hire
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• Maven virtual clinic for women’s and family health
• Company provided life and ad&d insurance
• Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance for self, spouse, and dependents
• Company provided short and long-term disability insurance
• Career development
• Budgeted annual funds for professional development
• Growth opportunities within the company
• Additional perks
• Mutual of Omaha Employee Assistance Program
• Mutual of Omaha will preparation services
• Mutual of Omaha travel assistance
• Payroll dedication pet insurance through PinPaws
• 1Password family account

We work to maintain the best possible environment for our staff, where people can learn and grow. We strive to provide a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented, creative environment where each person feels encouraged to contribute to our processes, decisions, planning, and culture.

HOW DO I APPLY

To apply for this opportunity, send your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.