Project Manager - Strategic Planning

Job Title

Position Title: Project Manager, Strategic Planning

Location: Fisher Building

Salary: $62,498 - $96,588

Reports to: Senior Director, Strategic Planning

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one day a week)

Position Summary:

The Project Manager, Strategic Planning plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across the central office. Working closely with the Senior Director of Strategic Planning, the Project Manager is a part of an internal consulting team, collaborating with departments across the District to deliver high-impact, project-based solutions that enhance operational performance and promote sustainable improvements in alignment with Blueprint 2027, the District's Strategic Plan.

This role combines operations research, process improvement, and project management to address complex challenges, streamline workflows, and build capacity within central office teams. The ideal candidate brings a systems-thinking approach, exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, and a commitment to fostering collaboration and accountability throughout the organization.

We are looking for talented people who are passionate about transforming the District and making a significant difference in the lives of public school students, parents, principals, teachers, and central office employees.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in education, organizational management, business administration, operations research, or a related field. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

Required Experience:

• Project Management experience with process improvement initiatives

• Familiarity with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, R, Python) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) or willingness to learn how to efficiently use analysis tools.

• Strong communication skills to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Experience with change management methodologies and practices

Preferred:

• Experience in K-12 education or public sector setting

• Experience facilitating cross-functional meetings and workshops

• Experience implementing technology solutions to improve operational performance

• Background in operations research or process improvement methodologies

• Essential Functions:

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Strategic Planning, the Project Manager shall:

Project Management & Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to support the implementation of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with district priorities and continuous improvement efforts

• Assist in identifying opportunities for improvement through data analysis and develop targeted improvement plans aligned with district goals

• Define project scope, milestones, and deliverables in collaboration with department leaders

• Manage projects from inception to completion, maintaining documentation and ensuring timely execution

• Track project outcomes against defined success metrics that demonstrate improved operational efficiency and service delivery

• Support the development and refinement of project management tools, templates, and processes to drive consistency and effectiveness across initiatives

Operational Excellence & Data Analysis

• Turn data into data insights by analyzing performance indicators that highlight trends and quantify impacts for decision-makers

• Develop dashboards, reports, and other visualization tools that enhance transparency and support data-driven decision-making

• Work with teams to map current-state processes and design streamlined workflows that reduce redundancies and improve service delivery

• Document and share best practices and lessons learned to promote continuous improvement

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with colleagues across departments to support seamless collaboration and knowledge-sharing

• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional meetings, ensuring alignment on priorities, progress updates, and next steps

• Assist in managing stakeholder communications, including the preparation of reports, presentations, and executive summaries

Additional Responsibilities:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Strategic Planning to support district-wide priorities and initiatives.

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@detroitk12.org or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.