Special Projects Manager- HBCU Promise+

Job Description:

The Program Manager for the HBCU Promise+ Center of Excellence will lead and coordinate strategic, grant-funded initiatives that support the preservation, sustainability, and long-term legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Reporting to the Vice President of Community Engagement and working closely with Executive Staff and Special Projects leadership, this term-limited role (at least 36 months) will manage the implementation and operational success of the HBCU Legacy Program.

The Program Manager will oversee complex, cross-functional projects that require advanced planning, stakeholder engagement, event execution, program tracking, and operational coordination. The role will support the successful delivery of four (4) place-based HBCU cohort convenings, recurring meetings with HBCU executives and expert consultants, and ongoing collaboration with internal and external partners throughout the two-year program lifecycle.

This position provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative, mission-driven work at the intersection of higher education, community development, economic justice, and institutional preservation. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytically strong, relationship-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

What you'll do:

Program Management & Cross-Team Project Coordination

Support and manage strategic program initiatives and operational priorities related to the HBCU Promise+ Center of Excellence and HBCU Legacy Program. Responsibilities include:

• Facilitate effective project operations across departments by translating leadership priorities into actionable work plans, timelines, and deliverables.

• Manage multiple concurrent projects and ensure deadlines, communications, and follow-up activities are completed successfully.

• Coordinate marketing calendars and support external communications related to HBCU Promise+ initiatives.

• Manage consulting vendor relationships and provide operational oversight for subcontracted services and partner engagements.

• Track program budgets, grant expenditures, and funding-related activities to ensure alignment with program objectives and reporting requirements.

• Support fundraising coordination efforts, including communication tracking, outreach scheduling, and donor engagement logistics.

• Track, analyze, and report on program metrics, outcomes, and impact measures to support strategic decision-making and program evaluation.

• Prepare materials, reports, and presentations for Self-Help Boards of Directors, program funders, and executive leadership.

• Support cross-functional collaboration across Self-Help lines of service to advance program priorities and organizational initiatives.

Event Management

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of HBCU Legacy Program convenings and related meetings. Responsibilities include:

• Manage logistics and preparation for executive-level cohort convenings, workshops, and strategic meetings.

• Coordinate scheduling, document management, vendor engagement, and event deliverables to ensure seamless execution.

• Serve as primary liaison with Destination Management Companies and external vendors to oversee onsite event operations and participant experiences.

• Coordinate with internal and external marketing teams to support event materials, communications, branding, and content capture for future program storytelling and outreach.

• Oversee consultant coordination, accounts payable processes, and logistical support related to convenings and technical assistance activities.

• Prepare briefing materials and coordinate follow-up actions for leadership and stakeholders before and after events.

• Coordinate staff engagement across multiple Self-Help departments to ensure integrated and mission-aligned event participation.

• Travel as needed to support onsite meetings, convenings, site visits, and event planning activities, including venue assessments and logistics coordination.

Program Research, Data Gathering, and Analysis

Provide analytical and research support to inform program strategy and impact. Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research, reporting, and analysis related to higher education, community development, real estate, student lending, sustainability initiatives, and other strategic focus areas connected to the HBCU Legacy Program.

• Collect, organize, and analyze program data, including cohort outcomes, industry trends, and market insights.

• Support the development and maintenance of dashboards, reporting tools, and data visualizations to communicate program impact and operational performance.

• Assist in developing recommendations and insights that support strategic planning, program growth, and operational effectiveness.

OTHER

• Support interdepartmental communication and engagement with internal teams and external stakeholders, including HBCU leadership, board members, mission partners, elected officials, consultants, regulators, and media representatives.

• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned in support of HBCU Promise+, Community Engagement, Executive Staff, or broader organizational priorities.

• Maintain flexibility to support evolving organizational and programmatic needs in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree and at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience in program management, operations, event planning, community development, business management, higher education, consulting, or mission-driven nonprofit work.

• Master's degree in public policy, business administration, higher education administration, or a related field preferred.

• Strong project management, organizational, and operational coordination skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Strong analytical aptitude with experience collecting, interpreting, and reporting data to support strategic initiatives and program outcomes.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required; experience with data visualization, dashboard tools, Power BI, mapping, or reporting systems preferred.

• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Highly resourceful self-starter with strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently in a collaborative environment.

• Ability and willingness to work beyond normal business hours and travel as needed to support program and organizational priorities.

• Strong commitment to Self-Help's mission of creating economic opportunities for traditionally underserved communities.

• Ability to demonstrate Self-Help's Core Values:

o Mission Before Self

o Service With Excellence

o Embracing & Promoting Change

o Results Not Credit

o Diversity as a Strength

o Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact

Self-Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Company Disclaimer:

Self-Help is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, religion, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression (including transgender status), age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, class or family status.