Project Manager, Agriculture Center for Excellence

Walla Walla Community College is a comprehensive institution providing professional-technical, transfer, transitional studies, and extended learning programs at the postsecondary level. 

Position Overview:

The Project Manager is charged with the development and maintenance of collaborative partnerships with the biofuel industry, organized labor, education, and other governmental agencies to create biofuel sector and cluster based strategic workforce planning initiatives.

The Project Manager is responsible for implementation of grant education objectives at the community and technical college level, coordinating the provision of educational and career building resources, facilitating the development of new biofuels/bioenergy course; and initiating a new Sustainable Bioenergy Associated degree program.

The Project Manager is responsible for completing grant deliverables which include implementing a regional project that encompasses the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, northern California, and western Montana.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement subcontracts, monitor contract compliance and accountability in accordance with deliverables and project timelines.
• Prepare reports and ensure reports comply with grant requirements.
• Provide leadership in creating new programs and overseeing curriculum development.
• Ensure appropriate project artifacts are created and stored.
• Assists higher-level staff in the preparation of complex comprehensive plans, summaries, recommendations, progress or special reports.
• Works with project participants, staff, representatives of outside organizations and/or members of the public in defining needs, planning, designing, and developing specialized program activities; monitors and tracks participant eligibility and participation in program activities.
• Assists in developing and establishing procedures and policies to implement new programs and/or activities, as well as formulate new program policies, procedures and standards.
• Conducts research and analyzes data to identify program needs and participant eligibility for program participation.
• Writes and edits publications, reports, pamphlets, or newsletters for internal and external distribution.
• Attends meetings and/or conferences as the program representative; develops and makes public presentations on program related topics.
• Travel required.

Qualifications:

Competencies:

• Able to perform project planning and scheduling.
• Able to effectively communicate with project stakeholders.
• Able to effectively monitor progress against the project plans.
• Able to provide support to the project team.
• Able to anticipate potential conflict and attempt resolution before problems occur; plan, evaluate, and consult with staff and outside entities to identify problems, explore solutions and alternatives, and recommend resolutions designed to meet the goals and objectives of the program.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
• Extensive project management administration, grant development and implementation experience.
• Knowledge of the community and technical college system, DACUM experience a plus.
• Excellence written and verbal communication; as well as presentation skills.
• Computer proficiency (MS Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience with virtual teaming across multiple locations (Elluminate, ITV, etc.).
• Experience in building consensus and balancing interests across a broad array of stakeholders.

Terms of Employment:

This full-time professional position is grant funded through June 30, 2016 and is exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.  In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Walla Walla Community College hires only United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States.  Persons hired must be able to provide acceptable documentation of lawful authorization to work in the United States within three (3) days of employment and official college transcripts.  Candidate may be subject to a criminal history background check as a condition for consideration of employment.

Compensation: Annual compensation is $48,000 to $51,000, dependent on education and experience.  The college has an excellent benefit program including medical, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance; paid vacation leave; sick leave; and retirement plan.  All administrative exempt staff at Walla Walla Community College set aside 1% of their gross salary every pay period for a Voluntary Employee Benefit Association (VEBA) pre-retirement medical expense account that is used to reimburse the exempt employee for out of pocket medical expenses. All exempt employees are required to participate in this program.