Project Manager

ABOUT COBALT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Cobalt Management Services is a mission-driven professional services firm specializing in fiscal sponsorship, back-office support, and operational infrastructure for nonprofits, social enterprises, and philanthropic initiatives. Founded in 2021, Cobalt today supports 550+ sponsored projects operating across 49 states and 27 countries. Our Communications & Compliance (C&C) department is the operational backbone of Cobalt's fiscal sponsorship program—ensuring that every sponsored project operates in alignment with regulatory requirements, organizational policies, and best practices in nonprofit management.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Project Manager serves as the primary point of contact for Cobalt's fiscally sponsored projects, building trusted relationships with project advisors while ensuring every project operates in full compliance with applicable regulations, fiscal sponsor policies, and grant requirements. This role sits at the intersection of compliance oversight, client relationship management, and administrative coordination. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, people-first professional who can manage a high volume of projects simultaneously, communicate clearly with a diverse range of project leaders, and proactively identify and resolve issues before they escalated. This is a meaningful role for someone who is passionate about the nonprofit and philanthropic sector and wants to play a hands‑on role in helping mission-driven organizations operate with integrity and effectiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance & Risk Management Ensure all fiscally sponsored projects assigned adhere to Cobalt's policies, procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Oversee the timely submission and review of required project documentation, including event budgets, contracts, insurance applications, and other compliance materials. Conduct regular audits and reviews of project activities to verify alignment with fiscal sponsorship agreements and regulatory requirements. Serve as the liaison between fiscally sponsored projects and the grants management team to ensure all grant documentation is accurate, complete, and properly maintained. Manage the contractor engagement process for 1099 contractors paid from fiscally sponsored project accounts, including contract creation and compliance review. Support project terminations from end to end: securing termination agreements, coordinating final grant allocations, and ensuring all required documentation is filed. Client Communication & Relationship Management Serve as the primary point of contact (POC) for assigned fiscally sponsored projects, providing responsive and professional support to project advisors. Act as the liaison between Cobalt's fiscal sponsorship team and sponsored project leaders, facilitating information flow and resolving issues promptly. Respond to project advisor inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner—setting clear expectations and following through consistently. Facilitate regular check‑ins and progress meetings with project leaders to monitor project health, address questions, and surface emerging needs. Assist in the preparation and distribution of regular updates, newsletters, and communications to keep project advisors informed of policy changes, deadlines, and organizational developments. Communications Management Implement effective communication strategies to ensure consistent, clear, and timely information flow between Cobalt and its sponsored projects, in alignment with direction from the Director and Senior Director of C&C. Coordinate and facilitate training sessions, workshops, and webinars for project advisors on compliance requirements, reporting processes, and organizational tools. Assist in drafting communications templates, policy summaries, and advisor-facing resources that promote clarity and self‑service among sponsored projects. Administrative Support & Records Management Maintain accurate, current, and well‑organized records of all sponsored projects, including contracts, agreements, contacts, and correspondence. Support projects with limited documentation preparation where appropriate, such as invoice templates and correspondence letters, within established guidelines. Assist with the development and maintenance of internal tracking systems, dashboards, and workflows to support the C&C team's operations. Conflict Resolution & Issue Management Assist in identifying, documenting, and resolving conflicts or issues arising between Cobalt and its sponsored projects. Escalate complex or sensitive matters to the Director or Senior Director of C&C, providing clear summaries and recommended courses of action. Maintain a professional, solutions-oriented approach when navigating challenging conversations or situations with project advisors. Performance Monitoring & Reporting Monitor and report on the performance and outcomes of sponsored projects, tracking key milestones, deliverables, and compliance status. Provide regular updates to senior management on the status of sponsored projects, including notable achievements and significant issues. Assist in developing and implementing performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of sponsored projects and the quality of Cobalt's support. Contribute to internal reporting and dashboard development to support C&C leadership decision‑making.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required 2–4 years of experience in project management, compliance, client services, grants administration, or a related field. Nonprofit or fiscal sponsorship experience strongly preferred. Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, compliance requirements, or grant management practices. Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage a high volume of concurrent projects, deadlines, and client relationships. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; able to convey complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences. Proactive, detail-oriented, and reliable—someone who follows through, meets deadlines, and surfaces issues early. Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, growing organization where processes continue to evolve. Preferred Prior experience in a fiscal sponsorship organization, foundation, or nonprofit support intermediary. Familiarity with grant compliance, contract management, or regulatory reporting requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations. Experience using CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and project management or document management tools. Experience facilitating training sessions, webinars, or workshops for external stakeholders.

COMPENSATION

Starting salary: $65,000 annually.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Cobalt Management Services is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the whole person—professionally, personally, and financially. Full-time employees enjoy a generous PTO policy along with 15 paid company holidays annually. Additional benefits include competitive health coverage and a 401(k) with company match.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOCATION

This is a hybrid position based out of Cobalt's Towson, Maryland office. Candidates local to or within commuting distance of the Baltimore/Towson area are preferred, as the role may involve periodic in-person collaboration with the Cobalt/PPF team. Fully remote candidates will also be considered for the right fit. Employees are expected to be self‑directed, responsive, and committed to delivering excellent service to the sponsored projects and communities Cobalt supports. This position reports to the Director of Communications & Compliance. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cobalt Management Services, LLC