Homeoffice Project Director – Education Technical Assistance Center bei Manhattan Strategy Group
Manhattan Strategy Group · Washington, Vereinigte Staaten Von Amerika · Remote
- Senior
Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a leading management consulting firm, is seeking a Project Director for an upcoming opportunity to serve as the lead for the U.S. Department of Education’s Place-Based Technical Assistance (PBTA) contract supporting Promise Neighborhoods (PN) and Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grantees. This position is responsible for overall management, strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and successful execution of all contract requirements. The Project Director ensures the delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance (TTA), data support, and field-building activities to help grantees achieve measurable results for children, families, and communities.
MSG specializes in delivering innovative solutions in program management, training and technical assistance, research and evaluation, marketing and communications, and IT and digital services to a range of federal clients, including extensive experience with the U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. Join MSG and be part of a collaborative, growth-oriented firm that values excellence and impact.
Location: Remote with periodic travel to Washington, DC and national grantee events
Key Responsibilities
Contract and Program Leadership
- Serve as the primary point of contact with the Department of Education, including the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (CO).
- Lead kickoff meetings, quarterly partner meetings, and biweekly check-ins with ED staff to ensure strong communication, alignment, and accountability
- Oversee all tasks and deliverables under the performance work statement (PWS), including individualized TA, leadership development training, communities of practice, project directors’ conferences, and data analysis/reporting.
Technical Assistance Oversight
- Direct the development and implementation of individualized TTA plans for PN and FSCS grantees, tailored to grant type and grantee capacity.
- Guide the delivery of group trainings, communities of practice, and national field-building TA activities.
- Ensure alignment with the PN Developmental Pathway and FSCS capacity-building frameworks.
Data and Performance Management
- Oversee the design and operation of the grantee data system, dashboard, and reporting tools.
- Supervise data analysis and production of cross-cohort reports.
- Promote data-informed decision-making, results-based accountability, and compliance with federal reporting and security requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and sustain strong relationships with grantees, federal partners, subcontractors, and national organizations.
- Coordinate with IES evaluators and other TA providers to avoid duplication and maximize impact.
- Engage past grantees in alumni networks and national field-building activities.
Team and Subcontractor Management
- Lead a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts, subcontractors, and consultants.
- Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability across the project team.
- Provide coaching, supervision, and professional development to staff.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with federal policies, including FISMA, Section 508, and ED IT/cybersecurity standards
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources to deliver all outputs within scope and cost.
- Develop and oversee a risk management plan to proactively identify and resolve issues.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in education, public policy, public administration, or related field (Doctorate preferred).
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in managing large-scale federal or state education projects.
- Proven expertise in training, technical assistance, and capacity-building for complex, multi-stakeholder education or community initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of place-based strategies, Promise Neighborhoods, community schools, or similar cradle-to-career initiatives.
- Demonstrated success leading data-driven decision-making, performance accountability, and program evaluation efforts.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders.
- Experience managing subcontractors and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of and experience with federal contracting requirements, deliverable management, and compliance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working directly with PN and/or FSCS grantees.
- Familiarity with Results-Based Accountability (RBA) frameworks.
- Knowledge of federal reporting systems, performance measurement, and data analysis.
- Prior experience planning and facilitating large-scale conferences and communities of practice.
- Demonstrated ability to secure and sustain partnerships across federal, state, local, and nonprofit sectors.
Key Competencies
- Strategic Leadership – Ability to shape long-term vision and translate it into action.
- Operational Excellence – Skilled in managing timelines, deliverables, and compliance.
- Collaboration & Partnership – Builds trust and fosters collaboration among stakeholders.
- Results Orientation – Drives performance using data, evidence, and accountability frameworks.
Travel: Up to 15%, including annual conferences, site visits, and federal meetings.
Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.
