Project Specialist

Summary

Plans, implements, tracks, monitors, and reports large-scale divisionwide projects funded through grants and/or the operating budget; leads a project development and implementation team develops and provides communications, presentations, and reports for leadership and the Board; advises senior staff and school administrators on methods of support for cross departmental efforts; leads multiple project teams simultaneously; and will perform other duties as assigned within the Office of Communications, including technical support for the FCPS website, strategic communications planning and implementation, and editorial support for FCPS news stories and digital content. Provides strategic oversight, governance, and management of the FCPS website, including vendor management, sprint planning and implementation, adherence to web governance standards, and leading the implementation of modernization efforts. Monitors and corrects brand integrity, whether created in-house or through vendor/contractor services.

Qualifications

Required

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in education, business administration, or related field.
• Four (4) years of experience in project management.
  • Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience.
• Experience leading enterprise system modernization, technology implementation, organizational change management, or digital transformation initiatives for complex organizations.
• Experience managing or supporting enterprise websites, content management systems (CMS), digital governance, or web accessibility initiatives.
• Knowledge of project management principles, practices, methods, current trends, materials, and software.
• Knowledge of statistical, research, data analysis, and business process procedures and techniques.
• Knowledge of grants and funding concepts and sources.
• Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the activities of a school system.
• Quantitative and analytic skills and aptitude.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and oversee project work/activities with multiple deliverables
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high degree of initiative and judgment.
• Ability to manage large projects.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical implementation requirements while collaborating with technical teams and external vendors.
• Attention to detail and skilled in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with all levels of department staff.
• Proficiency in the use of technology and data compilation, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Preferred

• Master's degree in business management, project management, change management, or strategic communications.
• Project Management Professional Certification.
• Prosci Change Management Certification/License
• Lean Six Sigma Certification

Major Duties/Essential Functions

1. Leads in the development and implementation of divisionwide project plans, in close coordination with division and program office leadership.
2. Provides integrated project management support, including developing project scope; defining requirements and roles; assessing risk and developing risk mitigation strategies; securing appropriate resources; and implementing, tracking, and monitoring budgets and vendor/subcontractors.
3. Maintains and ensures project plans and timelines, including deliverables, due dates, and milestones.
4. Creates and maintains project documentation, including pertinent design documents, process flows, reports, and project descriptions.
5. Collects and analyzes data and prepares information, strategic communication, and project management reports for internal and external stakeholders.
6. Maintains records for grant-funded projects and services for audit purposes.
7. Coordinates cross-departmental efforts, including developing and delivering regular communications to senior staff and school administrators.
8. Facilitates project meetings by establishing agendas, documenting decisions, tracking action items, and ensuring project accountability.
9. Consults with program office and/or finance staff to ensure project expenditures align with project requirements, budget forecasts, and division priorities.
10. Maintain understanding and applies industry best practices and new standards in project management.
11. Promotes adherence to established division standards, quality expectations, and governance requirements for project deliverables and department specific work-products developed by internal staff and external vendors.
12. Supports the development and implementation of strategic communications plans emphasizing systems change and change management communications.
13. Adheres to policies and funding guidelines in areas of responsibility.
14. Stays abreast with and ensures staff is informed of the latest research trends and developments on assigned projects.
15. May serve on committees to support the strategic direction of the Division.
16. Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.