Senior Project Manager

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Mayor’s Office of Policy Planning and Delivery (OPPD) is a diverse and nimble team charged with planning and coordinating the implementation of policy initiatives that support Mayor Parker’s top priorities, as determined by the Mayor and her cabinet. OPPD’s approach and core responsibilities are organized into two areas of work – direct OPPD support for projects and institutionalizing a citywide approach to policy change. The former makes up the majority of the OPPD portfolio and is comprised of several levels of engagement: (1) high-dose and intensive delivery support for high-priority Mayoral initiatives; (2) lighter-touch strategic support for change management efforts; and (3) initial problem-structuring, research support, and advising for new policy initiatives.

Initial projects within this portfolio include:

• Working with the Commerce Department to drive a new “PHL Open for Business” initiative to streamline the various regulatory steps.
• Supporting a new service improvement process focused on city services provided to residents in collaboration with various City operating departments.

OPPD’s long-term charge is to institutionalize a lasting approach to how City personnel contemplate, plan for, and execute policy change – the underlying principle being that whether a given program or service can deliver the desired outcome is essential. 

Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy Directors or the Director, the Senior Project Manager’s work portfolio will involve balancing multiple projects with intensive research, planning, and implementation components. In many cases, the Senior Project Manager will need to research, analyze, and develop a project plan in conjunction with OPPD staff and other departmental or external stakeholders. The topical areas, resources, timelines, and other conditions may vary substantially across projects, requiring the Project Manager to be nimble and focused on forging constructive paths to advance a given project.

In addition to research, planning, and project implementation, the Senior Project Manager will need to collaborate closely with City colleagues and external partners, necessitating strong, trusting relationships and objective, reasoned project feedback and direction. You will demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication skills, facilitating clear and effective coordination among diverse teams and stakeholders.  

The ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, anticipate potential challenges, and proactively develop strategic solutions will be critical. This role demands a high level of adaptability and resilience, rapid learning and adjusting from past experiences and lessons.

The role is responsible for ensuring that projects remain aligned with organizational goals and deliver optimal outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Support the overall OPPD workflow including the prioritization of projects, establishment of project structures, and planning and facilitation of project working sessions.
• Develop and lead complex project plans in coordination with OPPD staff and across City departments that involve significant budgetary, legal, personnel, and other factors.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and communicate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Monitor project progress and performance, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards and client expectations.
• Prepare and present regular project status