Program Project Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Virginia.

📋 Description

• Deliver strategic project and program assistance for high-priority tasks, including OKR initiatives and Conservation Portfolio Management priorities.

• Aid senior leaders and client teams in defining purpose, structuring ambiguous tasks, aligning stakeholders, establishing governance and decision pathways, and converting strategy into actionable plans.

• Outline outcomes, success metrics, scope, roles, decision rights, risks, dependencies, workstreams, budgets, metrics, schedules, and escalation points.

• Integrate change management activities into project plans and facilitate the adoption of new behaviors.

• Act as a strategic project management resource and mentor.

• Develop, configure, and enhance systems, tools, dashboards, and business processes to promote transparency and decision-making support.

• Coordinate execution across various functions and identify risks, dependencies, and obstacles.

• Establish governance rhythms, sponsor decision points, and incorporate go/no-go decisions into project plans.

• Assist with risk management, issue resolution, conflict management, decision facilitation, and complex problem-solving.

• Utilize organizationally approved program, project, and change management methodologies and processes.

• Offer project management guidance, coaching, training, and expertise to staff and project managers.

• Advise client teams on adherence to organizational commitments, policies, procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements.

• Oversee project budgets and aid in budget development.

• Mentor client teams managing multiple complex projects, including project teams, deadlines, and accountability.

• Create and implement the organization's project management excellence initiative.

• Coordinate cross-functional, cross-divisional, cross-geographical, and cross-organizational teams.

• Occasionally travel and work long, flexible hours, including outside normal business hours to support teams in different time zones.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and 7 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination.

• 5 years of project management experience or 3 years serving as a project lead.

• Completed coursework or training in project management principles.

• Direct experience in managing and tracking multiple projects and executing complex processes.

• Experience leading project teams and collaborating with cross-functional staff.

• Experience in managing scheduling and logistical aspects of medium to large projects.

• Proficient in project management techniques and tools.

• Experience working within a highly matrixed, decentralized, and collaborative organization.

• Proven ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines.

• Experience training staff on effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders.

• Strong analytical thinking and excellent English writing abilities.

• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including negotiation, influence, and persuasion without direct authority.

• Experience in translating ambiguous objectives into tangible outcomes, decision points, work plans, governance structures, and delivery pathways.

• Experience facilitating alignment among senior leaders, sponsors, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders.

• Ability to identify and manage system-level risks, dependencies, trade-offs, escalation needs, and organizational implications.

• Experience linking project or program execution to strategic outcomes, benefits realization, change adoption, portfolio visibility, or enterprise priorities.

• Capability to use project management software like Smartsheet or the ability to quickly learn new software.

• Desired: Credentialed certification in Highly Effective Teams (HET), PMP, or a comparable program.

• Desired: Experience applying Change Management best practices or collaborating with a Change Manager.

• Desired: Familiarity with Organizational Change Management practices, models, and deliverables.

• Desired: Change Management certification, designation, or formal education/training.

• Proficiency in a language other than English, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Chinese, is highly preferred.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.

• Experience in the NGO sector.

• Ability to quickly gain understanding of the client’s global or Business Unit strategy.

• Familiarity with business, governmental, and/or environmental policies and practices relevant to the area of focus.

• Experience supervising interns and/or volunteers.

• Capability to develop and promote innovative ideas and approaches.

• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.

• Successful track record in implementing strategic program goals.

• Must fulfill The Nature Conservancy’s background screening requirements.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health care benefits.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.

• Parental leave.

• Accrued paid time off.

• Life insurance.

• Disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program.

• Additional life and work well-being benefits.

• Flexible work environment that supports employee health and well-being.

• Opportunities for career development.

• Flexible work schedules.