Overview
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, global development company that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro Washington, D.C. area), Creative has programs in more than 30 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Founded in 1977, Creative is a minority-owned, mission-driven organization that has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the kind of team and culture that we are building, seeking staff that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other’s growth. Our success depends on all our employees’ points of view, and the principle that inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.
Position Summary:
The Project Director provides high level oversight and has accountability for up to 2 projects (number may vary depending on size and complexity of projects), with an anticipated LOE of 50-60% on project management. Core job duties are focused on adherence to quality assurance standards and risk assessment, supervising backstops and COPs, and coordinating with division and company leadership. The Project Director provides operational and contributing support to business development efforts, including providing guidance on partner selection, key personnel recruitment and selection, and cost strategy. The Project Director may serve as Technical Lead Writer as assigned on proposal efforts. BD LOE is anticipated to be 25-30%. The Project Director may serve as Acting COP in the COP’s absence or serve in other key roles as needed in the field. The Project Director is expected to travel to the field to provide oversight and support at least once per year per project.
PLACEHOLDER: can include specific information on the project/division
Reporting & Supervision:
The Project Director reports to a Practice Area Director. The Project Director may have a dotted line reporting to other Practice Area Directors if overseeing projects across multiple practices. The Project Director supervises 1-5 Project Managers and Program Associates, Chiefs of Party, and other field staff as appropriate.
Responsibilities
- Managing complex or high-risk programs requiring significant client interaction
- Liaising with clients on complex matters, including writing complex and succinct client communications
- Communicating internally within the company on project updates
- Mentoring, coaching, and supervising junior staff members
- Serving as SME or STTA in the field for assigned projects and other projects across the company as needed
- Serving in Acting roles in field and as Practice Area Director as needed
- Serving as a leader on new business initiatives, including capture and proposal design/development
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of relevant work experience. Previous experience successfully managing USG funded programs or portfolio of projects valued at least $15-20 million/year
- Advanced proficiency in French is required.
- Proven experience managing client relationships with USAID and USAID/OTI.
- Excellent financial management skills
- Experience integrating cross-cutting concepts in project implementation
- Demonstrated overseas experience working on a client-funded project
- Demonstrated knowledge of client priorities, preferences, and regulations
- Demonstrated expertise in MS Office, with excellent Excel skills
- Willingness to travel up to 8 weeks per year
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated experience in proposal writing and design
- Previous experience managing, coaching, and strengthening the capacity of US and international staff
Desired Skills and Qualifications:
- MBA or similar degree in relevant field
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EEOC Statement: Creative is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, Ameri-Corps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to [email protected]. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision: Creative will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation. #LI-IB
Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
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