The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment.

General Summary:

The Project Manager, funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of key projects related to the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative (SRNC). This role involves close collaboration with internal teams and external partners to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables.

The Project Manager will develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, while providing regular updates to stakeholders and driving team performance to meet project goals. Ensure all project deliverables align with Safer’s quality standards, comply with funder guidelines, and meet external stakeholder expectations.

Integrate project management best practices, focusing on program implementation, fiscal sustainability, operational development, and high-quality performance outcomes.

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence-Based Innovation

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Interface

• Work closely with the AVP of Community Reentry to define project scope, goals, resource requirements, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Assist with mapping and organizing operational policies and procedures related to the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative.
• Facilitate inter-departmental collaboration to accomplish project goals.
• Collaborate with the AVP of Community Reentry and Directors to review key performance indicators (KPIs) and identify solutions to project barriers.
• Escalate risks and barriers to AVP of Community Reentry when necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Collaborate with SRNC members to develop project timelines, implementation milestones, stakeholder engagement strategies, and risk assessments.
• Collaborate with various areas of the organization to align and streamline processes related to SRNC operations.
• Coordinate meetings with external stakeholders to ensure the successful achievement of project objectives.
• Guide cross-functional team members, assisting them in solving problems related to project implementation.

Tracking, Document and Reporting

• Create and manage project work plans using project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Planner) to ensure all parties remain on track with project requirements, deadlines, and schedules.
• Monitor and track all project performance, analyzing progress and communicating milestones and status updates.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage project risks, implementing risk reduction measures as needed.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Supports the Associate Vice President in stakeholder meetings and prepare presentations and detailed documentation.
• Measure project performance utilizing appropriate project management tools.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated and proactive with demonstrated creative and critical thinking capabilities; ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Strong programmatic and operational experience: Ability to conceive intricate operational processes and take from concept to reality.
• Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging).

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social services, psychology, business, organizational development, or a related field is required.
• This candidate will have at least 2+ years of professional experience developing and implementing project timelines for start-ups.
• At least five years of experience managing complex and diverse projects; working knowledge of project management standards (i.e., PMBOK) is required
• Experience coaching teams for optimal performance toward successfully achieving a common goal.

Licenses and or Certifications: