Project Manager I

Position Summary 

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.  

We’re seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead high-impact initiatives and public/private partnerships within the Westside TIF District, focused on inclusive growth. Project themes include economic development, public realm enhancements, and development related infrastructure upgrades. This role will manage complex projects from planning through closeout—defining scope, working with a breadth of partners and stakeholders, tracking budgets and timelines, mitigating risks, and ensuring quality outcomes in alignment with community priorities. Acting as a central point of contact for Portland’s downtown core, the PM will facilitate clear communication, oversee resource allocation, solve problems in real time, and deliver detailed progress reporting. Your work will help revitalize Portland’s westside, driving equitable development and lasting community impact.

Position is open until filled. For first consideration, please apply by June 13th, 2025.

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.
• Prepare 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 recommendation and leds 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.

Scope

• Operates under minimal supervision. Establishes own approaches and procedures to work. Receives general or little instruction on new assignments. Work is subject to final review.
• Makes decisions for many aspects of work that requires technical expertise, initiative, and good judgement. Makes recommendations for complex and politically sensitive decisions that require oversight.
• Decisions and errors in work can have a significant legal, financial, political, or operational impact to the agency.
• Work involves a high level of complexity due to tight timelines, the need to prioritize multiple assignments, relationship management with a variety of external stakeholders that require negotiation, bridge-building, and compromise, the need to navigate political dynamics, the agency’s history of gentrification, and the inherent nature of creating and implementing projects and programs grounded in racial equity.
• Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, will oversee the work of consultants, vendors, temporary workers, and/or student staff.

Competencies

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration

• Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, and discretion.
• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.
• Teamwork: Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively. Works to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
• Communication: Effective use of both verbal and oral communication. Ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences. Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.
• Advancing Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity and actively seeks out opportunities to do so. Ability to learn, understand, and apply the principles and practices of equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning

• Knowledge: Advanced technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: film, media, and entertainment industry, cluster strategies, inclusive economic development approaches, or business development. General knowledge and understanding of the business practices and trends of the film, video, media, music, and entertainment industry. Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in program development. Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and database systems. Basic understanding of public administration.
• Technical Abilities: Advanced project/program management skills overseeing complex initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.
• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.
• Problem Solving: Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and monitor complex projects, initiatives, and outsourced contracts independently. Ability to strategize, develop, implement, and evaluate policies, and procedures. Ability to manage a budget with multiple funding streams.
• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

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 workday 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.