Project Manager I -Programs- OSB Liaison

Position Summary

Prosper Portland seeks an experienced and organized Project Manager I to join the Office of Small Business team as a small business and community liaison. The person will support the Office of Small Business in their efforts to build strong relationships, develop partnerships, and help realize equitable prosperity for small businesses in the City of Portland. The liaisons will also serve as navigators for city resources and community connections. As a member of the Office of Small Business team, you will also contribute to the development and implementation of other economic development initiatives to support Prosper Portland’s mission in building an equitable economy.

The Project Manager I – Programs classification plans, coordinates, and manages projects, programs, and initiatives for the agency, with a focus on program development and administration, by working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build and sustain and equitable economy for all Portlanders.

Essential Functions and Major Responsibilities

• Provides guidance to the agency on grant, technical assistance, or other capacity building program development, guidelines, processes, and administration for the agency.
• Oversees and manages the creation and implementation of direct grant or grant contract-related programs, processes, and resulting projects and initiatives.
• Guides potential community-based organizations, community partners, or direct grant recipients through the proposal process, and onboarding if approved.
• Oversees and manages the data collection, generation of metrics and outcomes, analysis, and reporting for programs. Utilizes data to inform strategy and program evaluation and refinement.
• Serves as the program liaison to business, neighborhood, and community stakeholders. Develops relationships, solicits input, answers questions, provides guidance, and makes connections to broaden and strengthen the program.
• Leads community outreach and engagement to proactively establish and build authentic relationships with neighborhood stakeholders and to facilitate engagement and community input in agency programs. 
• Coordinates and partners with regional and statewide economic development agencies. Oversees and manages the strategic vision and programming for targeted or identified projects, policy, and programming in collaboration with agency, public, private, and community partners.
• Scopes, prepares, implements, and manages goals, procedures, timelines, budgets, and tools for projects, programs, and initiatives that advance community-based grant programs. 
• Evaluates and implements equitable and inclusive strategies and means into projects.  

Additional Responsibilities & Functions

• Leads project teams comprised of Prosper Portland staff, public agencies, businesses, and real estate developers, property owners, and other organizations; manages and monitors project workflow, and leads/participates in project meetings.  
• Communicates project and program information to a variety of stakeholders to facilitate agency collaboration, stakeholder involvement, report on project progress, and respond to media inquiries.
• Prepares internal and external project-related documents and reports. 
• Convenes and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders; sets up, leads, and/or supports project advisory committees and focus groups. 
• Plans, represents, and/or participates in various meetings, hearings, and events on behalf of agency.  
• Develops and makes presentations to Board of Commissioners, City Council, community associations, and other stakeholders.  
• Incorporates input from Prosper Portland legal, financial, procurement, or other staff to implement assigned projects; apprises supervisor, team, and other parties of project status. 
• Develops and implements marketing and outreach strategy in coordination with Communications and Involvement Team, maintains content for website, social media, newsletters, and distribution lists.  
• Manages grant or technical assistance contract development and administration, including managing solicitation, scope, disbursement, compliance, and reporting. 
• Analyzes research, tracks, and participates in the creation of best practices and trends related to areas of responsibility.
• Responds to business requests by answering questions, providing guidance, and connecting them to technical assistance and other resources.  
• Leads and/or supports efforts to secure new funding resources including managing the process to submit applications for new program related resources, and the creation and/or amendment of tax increment finance districts. 
• Works collaboratively across the agency to manage and support on-going implementation of agency-wide institutionalization of Equity Policy objectives. Serves as a liaison on special initiatives including coordination on citywide projects and policies.
• Coordinates the timely delivery of Board reports, resolutions, and other documentation; trains staff on board documentation best practices; and develops and implements Board process improvements. 
• Provides guidance to the agency on grant administration, technical assistance contracts and grants, and guidelines for the agency.
• Leads approval processes required for grant program extensions or exemptions on behalf of businesses as required including Committee for Accountability of Finances and Equity (CAFÉ), Prosper Portland Board, and related internal approvals. 
• Assesses breadth of potential tenant or business needs and provides direct technical support. Collaborates with staff and partners to provide additional and integrated technical assistance to potential tenants or businesses.    
• Guides clients and grant recipients through the proposal process and if approved, including through the tenant improvement process as appropriate.  
• Monitors, tracks, and responds to legislative and policy initiatives to support widely shared prosperity. 
• Plans and leads presentations, promotions, and trainings related to Prosper Portland initiatives. 
• Collaborates across the agency to align efforts in support of building an equitable economy.?
• Makes recommendations and leads and/or participates in program, process, and policy improvements; coordinates or assists with their implementation.
• Crafts scopes of work and manages related professional services, contracts, and agreements. Participates on selection committee. 
• Supports team and agency with initiatives, special projects, participation on committees, and other relevant duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, may oversee the work of consultants, vendors, and student staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Six years of experience in economic development, community economic development, community development, business development, or equivalent experience.  An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree will substitute for up to one year of experience.

Specific Qualifications

Specific experience related to the work of team or specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities may be required for certain positions.  

Physical Requirements

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for most of the work day with the ability to frequently move throughout the office and occasionally travel to external meetings and events. Position continuously uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact frequently with internal and external stakeholders, often regarding complex concepts and issues.

Working Conditions

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in an office environment; however, additional hours may be needed to meet deadlines.  Attendance at outside meetings is likely necessary to conduct specialized outreach and relationship building activities, and may require travel outside the metro area. In addition, position requires travel to job sites during the workday and occasionally during an extended workday.