Project Manager - Neighborly Software at City of Detroit, MI

About the Department

This is an exciting time at the City of Detroit, as we continue to invest in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. We are seeking a Project Manager to support and improve program administration and internal processes for the Housing and Revitalization Department via implementation of a new software system (Neighborly Software).

The Project Manager – Neighborly Software is a mid-level position within the Operations Team of the City’s Housing and Revitalization Department (HRD).  The Housing and Revitalization Department is a 270+ person department, that funds/administers various housing and community development programs—including affordable housing development, home repair grants, homelessness services, public service grants, and more.  The Operations Team supports the general architecture of the department through data and analytics, systems management, process improvement, and other one-off projects.  The Operations Team is responsible for working with employees across all divisions within HRD and across departments and functions at the City of Detroit.

The Project Manager – Neighborly Software will be responsible for carrying out the remainder of implementation for Neighborly Software for 20+ programs across the department (approximately 50% implemented).   This will include vendor and contract management, design/configuration for remaining programs, maintenance for implemented programs, training/continuing education, and establishment of dashboards and reporting.  The Project Manager – Neighborly Software will report to the Senior Operations Project Manager.

This is a rare opportunity for professionals with operations, project implementation, and data and analytical skills to make a transformational social impact on the lives of Detroit residents through effective implementation of this software. 

Hybrid role – 2-3 days a week in the office.

Position Duties

• Serve as primary contact with Neighborly software; establish positive working relationship; set priorities; escalate issues
• Manage licenses/users and permission levels
• Work with HRD teams to complete design/configuration for their programs (applications, administrative workflow, etc.) – facilitate weekly meetings; obtain needs from the team; translate needs to Neighborly; manage timing and next steps
• Provide input for process efficiencies
• Conduct user and quality testing
• Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Secure feedback from implemented programs; identify product updates/edits and ensure SOPs are updated accordingly
• Work with teams to develop custom dashboards and reporting within the system
• Train, coach and mentor staff on Neighborly functionality generally and the specifics of their program build
• Manage budget – process invoices; project future expenditures
• Provide updates to HRD leadership on progress of implementation

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge & Attributes:

• Project Management – knowledge of project management fundamentals; experience managing projects of significant size that cut across multiple departments or functions; proven ability to deliver projects on time and within scope
• Communication – effective verbal and written communication skills at all levels of an organization, including proactive communication; ability to communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Change Management – demonstrated performance as a change agent; ability to navigate resistance and competing priorities; ability to obtain and maintain the buy-in of stakeholders
• Initiative – self-motivated, takes initiative, and eager to learn
• Passion for Coaching and Mentoring – ability to distill complex concepts into accessible examples and applications; patient and able to develop relationship with students
• Customer Advocacy – understanding of customer needs; willingness to go the extra mile
• Program Specialties – specific experiences in areas such as local government, housing, community development, budget/finance, contract and procurement, or product development preferred

Qualifications/Certifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in project management, leading continuous improvement efforts and/or delivering results in an operations capacity
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Information Technology, Economics, Public Policy or related field
• Experience training, coaching and/or mentoring staff-level employees
• PMP certification, Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification or MBA preferred

Other Qualifications

Application Instructions:
Please submit a cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications will not be considered.