Senior Project Manager
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeHybrid
location_on913, 10th Street Northeast, Near Northeast, Ward 6, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, United States
About the Organization
The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. As the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice, CDF builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. We serve the largest, most diverse generation in America: 74 million children and youth under 18, and 30 million young adults under 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF partners with policymakers, aligned organizations, and funders to inform public policy through the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing.
About the Role
The Senior Project Manager is fully dedicated to the planning, execution, and management of Public Affairs projects across public policy and communications. This role is critical to CDF's function as a co-anchor of the ECOSYS Southern States Fund. While the position does not lead governance design or initiative-wide evaluation, the Senior Project Manager exercises independent judgment to ensure CDF's scope of work is executed effectively, on schedule, and in alignment with organizational priorities.
Reporting to the National Director of Public Affairs, you will provide operational leadership across internal teams and external partners. Your day-to-day involves managing complex timelines, systems, and workflows while coordinating with Grants, Finance, Leadership Development, and State Offices. You will serve as a primary point of contact for partner logistics, ensuring consistent communication, timely onboarding, and the resolution of operational issues. The role also encompasses the coordination of technical assistance, the management of regranting implementation, and the operational execution of convenings and field-building activities.
Hiring Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume at www.childrensdefense.org/jobs.
Equal Opportunity
CDF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Work location
Work model: Hybrid
913, 10th Street Northeast, Near Northeast, Ward 6, Washington, District of Columbia, 20002, United States
Washington, District of Columbia
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleManage day-to-day project operations including workplans, timelines, deliverables, and documentation
- check_circleDesign and maintain internal systems to track commitments, regranting timelines, and reporting requirements
- check_circleMaintain communication with Southern States Fund partners and support partner onboarding processes
- check_circleCoordinate with messaging partners to support development of ECOSYS aligned narrative and policy materials
- check_circleCoordinate internal workflows with Grants, Finance, Leadership Development, and Public Affairs teams
- check_circleManage CDF's internal regranting implementation including process design, compliance, and partner communication
- check_circleCoordinate internal planning and operational execution of Public Affairs convenings and field-building events
- check_circleSupport technical assistance coordination by matching partner needs to providers and tracking engagement pacing
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree required
- verifiedMinimum of five years of progressively responsible project management, program implementation and/or operations leadership experience
- verifiedPMP or similar project management certification preferred
Nice to Have
PMP or similar project management certification. Experience supporting convenings, field-building, or multi-stakeholder collaborative initiatives. Experience with racial equity, child well-being, community organizing, or policy-adjacent work.
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