Special Projects Manager

Description

Special Projects Manager

The Special Projects Manager supports the Department of Economic Development by advancing cross-cutting departmental priorities, managing special projects, and responding flexibly to emerging needs that may fall outside the existing team structure. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director, this role serves as a versatile project lead, internal problem solver, and liaison to both internal and external stakeholders.
This position may support policy development, business development efforts, incentive administration, and strategic planning. 

Examples of Duties

Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and adminstering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A High School Diploma or GED is required. A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. Two (2) years of full-time, paid, progressively responsible experience in program administration is required. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.

Supplemental Information

Additional duties:
• Lead or support complex, time-sensitive departmental special projects, policy initiatives, and cross-functional efforts from planning through execution as assigned by the Assistant Director.
• Support catalytic real estate and economic development projects that promote equitable growth across Cleveland.
• Support the administration of small business grants, loan programs, or incentive agreements as needed.
• Assist with business development activities including outreach, data collection, and stakeholder engagement as needed.
• Collaborate with other City departments, external partners, and community stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives.
• Conduct research, draft memos, and prepare presentations to support internal and external decision-making.
• Monitor project milestones and support implementation of systems (e.g., Salesforce) and departmental tools.
• Participate in the development and refinement of department wide KPIs, policies, and incentive programs.
• Contribute to the standing up of new or restructured departments and divisions, including
organizational planning, process development, and change management.
• Assist in identifying and applying for grant opportunities aligned with the department’s goals.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to narrative and financial reporting as needed.

 Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred.  
• Two (2) years of full-time, paid, progressively responsible experience in program administration is required.  
• Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds.  
• A valid State of Ohio Driver's License is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree is related field.
• Four years of practical legal experience at a law firm in a corporate law department or with a municipal, state, or federal government agency 

Preferred Professional Qualifications:
• Understanding contemporary social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges 
• Highly proficient with E-Signature software, Adobe PDF, and Microsoft Office Suite Products (Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook) 
• Excellent organizational, technical, research, data analysis, documentation, narrative writing, verbal communication and presentation skills 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast paced work environment 
• Self-starter 
• Dedicated to maintaining high ethical standards 
• Must understand climate change and integrate environmental and climate justice into strategic planning, approach, and implementation