Project Leader

Role Description

We are currently seeking a Project Leader to join our growing consulting team in North America. DA Project Leaders are senior professional services managers, simultaneously leading multiple projects or major workstreams, responsible for shaping the work we do and end-to-end management. They are responsible for maintaining and growing senior relationships, while leading and coaching teams of experienced Delivery Leaders and Associates.

In this role, you’ll work across a range of contexts, working in collaboration with local governments, philanthropies, and nonprofit organizations. Your work will focus on partnering with them to design, shape, and scope impactful initiatives and interventions that ultimately drive resident impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project teams: Organize teams and delegate tasks to ensure efficient project execution, fostering a healthy teaming culture.
• Lead problem solving sessions: Guide colleagues and partners in breaking down issues to identify root causes and develop solutions.
• Design stakeholder reporting: Develop client reports, dashboards, and communication materials, transforming complex challenges and resolutions into clear, concise memos and well-structured presentations.
• Facilitate collaboratives: Lead effective meetings and workshops that drive forward problem solving and consensus.
• Build key relationships: Cultivate trust, influence, and a strong sense of partnership among senior stakeholders.
• Navigate complex engagements: Lead multi-stakeholder engagements in complex environments with curiosity, empathy, and the ability to influence partner teams for collective progress.
• Support practice and domain development: Participate in and lead internal initiatives and contribute to the organization and the growth of our work in Economic Mobility, as well as to advance our subject matter expertise and internal IP within and across our practices.

Core Competencies

• Communication: Ability to lead formative discussions, produce high-quality materials, and tailor messaging effectively.
• Teamwork: Efficient collaboration and delegation, while fostering an inclusive teaming environment.
• Problem solving: Robust and holistic solution development approach, adapting for risks and opportunities even in the face of ambiguity.
• Results orientation: An owner mentality, driving project success and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Building DA: A commitment to growing and developing the firm, including business development, recruiting, IP development, and living our values.

Mindsets

• Adaptable: Able to thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Analytical: Skilled in dissecting and solving complex problems.
• Accountable: Self-sufficient and reliable in a remote work setting.
• Driven: Committed to delivering high-impact work.
• Curious: Eager to learn from clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Collaborative: Team players who value diverse perspectives.
• Inclusive: Embrace all voices and backgrounds to enrich our work.
• Resilient: Stay on track and persevere through challenges.
• Ethical: High level of integrity and professionalism.

Required Skills/Experiences

• Educational background: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g., Public Policy). Requisite years of professional experience and/or apprenticeship pathways will also be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Professional experience: A minimum of 8 years of relevant and full-time work experience in consulting, other professional services, or as a senior manager in government and public sector delivery.
• Team leadership: Proven track record leading/managing a team of early-to-mid career-level contributors in a professional services or project-based context.
• Project management experience: Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and programs.
• Fluency in English: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• GenAI tools: Demonstrated comfort using or learning GenAI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) to support delivery, problem-solving, or internal operations.
• AI application in public sector: Ability to translate AI capabilities into responsible, real-world applications in a public sector or mission-driven context.
• Authorization + location requirements: Must be based in and have work authorization in the United States. Delivery Associates will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Benefits

• Impactful work on transformative projects: Opportunities to engage with senior leaders working on the biggest challenges facing inclusive economic mobility.
• Excellent colleagues: We strive to be as talent-dense and diverse as possible, so we are always learning from each other.
• Growth environment: Everyone’s career pathway is unique - be part of a growing organization committed to continuous improvement.
• Flexibility: Remote working environment with opportunities for global collaboration.
• Healthy compensation: Our colleagues enjoy a comprehensive benefits package for the effort they put in. In North America, this means a market-rate base salary, annual bonus eligibility, private medical insurance (including vision and dental), generous paid leave balances (including 40 days of PTO), and 401(k) employer contributions independent of colleague contributions.
• Travel opportunities: Our teams regularly come together to collaborate with each other, with clients, and in the communities our work is designed to impact.

Our Values

• Passion: It is all about impact.
• Excellence: Delivering to the highest standards.
• Humility: Pride without ego.