Special Projects Advisor, Black Wealth Data Center

Black Wealth Data Center (BWDC) is seeking a talented, highly organized, and collaborative Special Projects Advisor (SPA) responsible for managing key initiatives and executing high-priority projects and key administrative functions. This role will work across departments, ensuring seamless project execution, strong internal systems, and effective stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the SPA serves as a key member of the leadership team and the executive office. This individual will participate in senior-level discussions and decision-making, presenting relevant information and research findings, and tracking and following up on deliberations, decisions, and action plans as appropriate. They will also draft policies, reports, correspondence, and other materials in a timely and expeditious manner.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent and practical communication abilities, and the ability to design and refine systems that enhance organizational effectiveness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Advisement & Strategic Initiatives

• Ensure that the agenda and priorities of the ED’s office are understood, supported and advanced by BWDC staff by conducting briefings or meetings, providing clarification, direction or the necessary coordination, and/or carrying out key or vital initiatives on behalf of the ED.
• Represent the ED in close consultation and collaboration with BWDC leadership teams and departments, as well as stakeholders, including the funder, JHU, and partners.
• Act as a key advisor to the ED; identify and brief the ED on key issues requiring a detailed understanding and broader context of programs, initiatives, goals and objectives beyond day-to-day operational issues.
• Ensure matters requiring the ED’s attention are developed, researched and evaluated thoroughly before presentation.
• Review correspondence, communications, reports and presentations submitted to the ED; obtaining additional information and/or recommend appropriate changes to facilitate effective engagement.
• Exercise independent discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for resolving issues and problems of material importance.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to design, plan, and execute events, meetings, and conferences that advance organizational priorities and strengthen stakeholder engagement
• Develop formal presentations for stock take meetings, conferences, field based convenings, and other events as needed.
• Develop a strategic approach to client engagement, prioritizing target users, leveraging impactful forums, and measuring results.

Project Management & Execution

• Manage the scope of complex, multi-phase projects, including goals, timelines, budgets, and objectives.
• Develop and execute project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies, monitoring and reporting on progress and outcomes.
• Responsible for managing clear tracking and accountability mechanisms.
• Continuously improve systems for tracking and measuring work, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement structured workflows to ensure seamless coordination across departments.
• Serve as a key representative for the ED with internal/external stakeholders, including the Greenwood Initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies (GWI).
• Develop the agenda and strategic priorities for operating routines, including executive leadership meetings.

Reporting & Documentation

• Conduct routine reporting and analysis on project status, including progress updates, key metrics, and any roadblocks to senior leadership.
• Analyze project data to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary adjustments.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including post-project reviews, lessons learned, and implement strategic changes to future project plans.

Decision Support & Analysis

• Analyze BWDC’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), providing insights to support decision-making for the ED and executive team.
• Synthesize insights from multiple data sources to inform strategic priorities and project adjustments.

• Master's Degree in Finance, Business or related field.
• Five years of related experience, with at least three years managing staff.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may su