Manager, Public Service Leadership Institute

INTRODUCTION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public.  

Building on our over 20 years of experience, we:

• Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex government environment
• Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide 
• Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to advance bold reforms that seek to make our government institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people
• Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service

Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: 

• Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government 
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect 
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results 
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible 

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership is seeking a collaborative and motivated project manager to join our Public Service Leadership Institute (PSLI) team to manage leadership programs, such as the AI Government Leadership Program, Leadership Excellence for Acquisition Professionals, and Foundations in Public Service Leadership. The project manager may also support related efforts, such as alumni engagement, technology platforms, and webinars and workshops.

Our leadership development programs are designed to provide government leaders with the skills they need to plan, design, and implement creative solutions to government's most intractable problems. Our participants gain targeted support to address specific management needs and use the Public Service Leadership Model to assess their performance and progress as leaders. Participants include members of the Senior Executive Service (SES) as well as other junior and senior leaders from across federal, state, and local government.  

This role will oversee the day-to-day execution and delivery of leadership development program cohorts under the support and supervision of a program senior manager or director. Responsibilities include planning and execution, leading teams of executive coaches and program staff who deliver the programs to government leaders, and managing relationships with external stakeholders.

This position is well suited to an individual with a strong project management background, demonstrated experience in delegation and relationship management, excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the day-to-day management of leadership development programs, including setting goals and objectives, establishing project plans, developing and monitoring budgets, tracking deliverables and reporting on task completion, risk management and driving results through program implementation.
• Lead program teams (including junior staff and interns) to deliver programming.
• Collaborate with executive coaches/facilitators, internal content designers and other subject matter experts to ensure program content and design are aligned and up to date with the Partnership's Public Service Leadership Model.
• Build and maintain relationships with staff, coaches, participants, government officials and other experts to ensure the successful design and delivery of the programs.
• Engage other teams across the organization that support the success of our programs, including the AI Center for Government, business development, operations, and communications.
• Facilitate team meetings, planning conversations with coaches and consultants and other aspects of the programs, as needed.
• Ensure programs achieve intended impacts and meet quality and revenue targets.
• Monitor program evaluation results and act upon lessons learned to continuously improve programming.
• Plan and manage events, both in-person and virtual, for government employees and key stakeholders in a collaborative environment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Excellent project management skills, including prioritizing, planning, budgeting and decision-making.
• Strong people management skills, including building teams, delegating effectively and developing others.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and project management software (e.g., Articulate, Moodle, Asana, Session Lab).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to quickly build credibility and trust with stakeholders.
• Ability to build consensus amongst various stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Willing and able to work effectively as part of a team across the larger enterprise, gathering and sharing information and insights, collaborating to solve problems and effectively connecting leadership development work to the broader organization.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment and to organize multiple and varied projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to public service and an interest in the mission of the Partnership.

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work or military experience required.
• Five to seven years of relevant work experience, including demonstrated success leading projects to accomplish results.
• Knowledge of or experience with the federal, state or local government workforce preferred.
• Prior supervisory responsibilities preferred.
• Familiarity with leadership development concepts a plus.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to a senior manager or director. This position will directly and indirectly supervise associates and/or associate managers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.     

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values. 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full-time, exempt position with regular work hours Monday-Friday. Occasional evening or weekend activities may be required. Please note that the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules.

TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Very little out of the area and/or overnight travel will be required.   

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $70,000 - $95,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility. 

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state, and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.