The Senior Project Manager, Water Programs oversees projects to mitigate sources of lead in drinking water at child care facilities across Cook County and the state of Illinois. The Senior Project Manager is responsible for leading teams to carry out day-to-day implementation of clean water projects, and leading continuous improvement and growth of the projects. The ideal candidate for this dynamic position is someone experienced in managing public sector grants and/or construction projects, and someone with a strong passion for ensuring children have access to safe drinking water.
The Senior Project Manager, Water Programs reports directly to the Associate Director, Water Programs and will work closely with Elevate’s marketing, customer service, construction, finance, and legal teams. This position is located in Chicago, Illinois and is currently remote.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design and implementation of a Lead Service Line Repair program to help mitigate sources of lead in drinking water at home and center based child care facilities in Illinois.
- Develop and execute the program work plan, including the budget, schedule, and resources.
- Monitor the execution of the program, including managing program metrics, risks, and adjustments to the work plan as needed.
- Ensure project-related data and deliverables, such as invoices, reports and other contractually required deliverables are maintained and submitted on time to meet reporting deadlines.
- Manage communications and program data using Salesforce (Elevate’s CRM database).
- Conduct lessons learned sessions with the appropriate stakeholders, evaluate best practices, and develop new protocols as necessary to promote continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external teams, including Elevate’s water, finance, construction, legal, marketing, and customer service teams.
- Work with Elevate’s communications team on program-related materials, including applications, program education pieces, surveys, and other customer-facing marketing materials.
- Collaborate with Elevate’s lead testing program for child care providers.
- Work with Elevate’s construction team and plumbing contractors to schedule and complete plumbing repair work at child care facilities.
- Stay up to date on drinking water issues and potential mitigation strategies.
- Present on program progress and findings to internal and external stakeholders.
- Support the water team’s mission to provide clean, safe, and affordable water for Illinois residents and throughout the Great Lakes region.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Health, or equivalent experience required
- Five to seven (5-7) years of project management experience required
- Experience in public sector contract or grant management strongly preferred
- Experience working with state, county, or local government preferred
- Knowledge and expertise on lead in drinking water issues highly desired
- Experience designing and launching programs preferred
- Working knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM system preferred
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with detailed reporting requirements
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to help develop and establish team processes and routines preferred
- Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Demonstrated professional maturity and capacity to maintain confidentiality requirements of Elevate and various funders
