Project Manager chez American Student Assistance (ASA)

THE ROLE: Project Manager

American Student Assistance™ (ASA) is national nonprofit that is changing the way kids learn about careers and prepare for their futures through access to career-readiness information and experiences.

ASA fulfills its mission through free digital-first direct experiences, philanthropy, advocacy, thought leadership, groundbreaking research, and impact investing. We believe that exploring career possibilities, as early as middle school, and providing access to education-to-career pathways aligned with one’s passions and goals will result in greater confidence and long-term success for all students.

We are looking for a Project Manager. This role will be for translating strategies into comprehensive project plans for key department and cross-divisional initiatives, for executing plans with fidelity, and for reporting project status to senior leaders.

What You’ll Do:

• Plan & Lead Projects
• Manage a variety of projects including departmental initiatives, cross-divisional efforts, product development/management projects, organizational change initiatives, system/process improvements, and transitions.
• Build project plans, define scope, dependencies, risks, timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Facilitate project meetings with clear agendas, decisions, and next steps.
• Drive Execution & Accountability
• Track deliverables and manage timelines across multiple concurrent initiatives.
• Maintain centralized project documentation (playbooks, briefs, charters, plans, communications, executive reporting).
• Provide weekly reporting on milestones, priorities, risks, issue resolution, and status.
• Execute projects on time, within budget, and with a high standard of quality.
• Communicate & Influence
• Partner with senior and executive leaders, demonstrating professionalism and confidence.
• Collaborate across departments to align stakeholders, build trust, and influence without direct authority.
• Establish and execute communication and change management plans to drive adoption and project success.
• Deliver concise, clear updates on project status, risks, and outcomes.
• Problem-Solve & Improve
• Manage competing priorities with urgency, balancing structured plans with ad hoc requests.
• Navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities with flexibility and resilience.
• Identify risks early and recommend proactive solutions.
• Conduct After Action Reviews (AARs) to assess lessons learned and improve future execution.
• Continuously seek synergies, process improvements, and system enhancements.
• Tools & Systems
• Use Asana (or similar project management platforms) to organize and track projects, ensuring visibility and accountability.
• Leverage MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint), and Google Suite for project management and reporting. Salesforce experience a plus.

About You:

• 5+ years of professional project management experience; experience in K–12 education or the edtech sector a plus.
• Proven track record as a self-starter and problem-solver who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects on time and within budget 
• Communication & Influence
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to engage confidently with all levels of the organization, including executives.
  • Skilled facilitator who can lead project meetings with clarity and ensure decisions and next steps are defined.
  • Strong writing and presentation skills: able to synthesize multiple priorities into concise, impactful communications tailored for different audiences.
  • Outstanding ability to influence across an organization, including without direct authority.
• Project Execution & Organization
  • Adept at building project plans, managing timelines, and tracking deliverables across multiple concurrent initiatives.
  • Strong organizational ability: detail-oriented, process-driven, able to juggle competing priorities while maintaining a sense of urgency.
  • Highly skilled in documentation, maintaining central repositories (playbooks, charters, briefs, SOWs, project plans, stakeholder communications, reporting).
  • Ability to identify risks early, recommend solutions, and adapt plans as priorities shift.
• Collaboration & Leadership
  • Strong people skills; able to quickly establish rapport, motivate teams, and build consensus.
  • Comfortable working independently yet collaborative and team-oriented.
  • Confident working with senior and executive staff; professional and composed in high-level conversations.
• Tools & Technical Aptitude
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
  • Experienced with Asana (or similar project management tools) to organize and track projects, ensuring visibility and accountability.
  • Familiarity with Salesforce preferred.
• Attributes
  • Proactive and resourceful — anticipates needs, solves problems, and drives work forward without micromanagement.
  • Flexible and resilient when navigating ambiguity and shifting priorities.
  • Motivated by ASA’s mission and eager to grow in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000

American Student Assistance is committed to fair and transparent pay. In determining compensation, we consider a variety of job-related factors, including prior experience, certifications and licenses, skills and expertise, geographic location, and internal equity.     

We take a total compensation approach, meaning we look beyond salary alone to support, reward, and recognize the whole individual. Depending on role eligibility, your offer may also include a bonus, 403(b) retirement plan participation, generous paid time off, and comprehensive health and life insurance benefits. As a result, final offer amounts may vary from the salary range listed in the job posting. Join our mission-driven organization to enjoy these perks and benefits as well as investment in your growth, contributions, and future.

Why ASA?

ASA offers a wide range of perks and benefits to Team Members, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare plans, a retirement plan (plus match), weekly lunches, commuter benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

We also heavily prioritize a healthy work/life balance, which is why we offer all full-time Team Members generous PTO options, Summer Fridays (every Friday off between Memorial Day and Labor Day), and a company holiday break between December 25th and January 1st.

ASA works in a Hybrid schedule (2) two days a week in our Boston HQ. We prioritize strategic thinkers, collaborators, and work/life pros who are looking to help make a difference in kid's education and career goals.