Strategic Initiatives Manager Western Mass Economic Development Council Springfield, MA Job Details Part-time $50 - $55 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Paid time off Flexible schedule Qualifications Teamwork Microsoft Outlook Administrative experience Policy & process development Attention to detail Workforce development Full Job Description Education and Experience

JOB SUMMARY

The Manager of Strategic Initiatives is responsible for coordinating and advancing the Western Massachusetts EDC's priority initiatives, strategic partnerships, and grant-funded projects. This role serves as the operational lead for cross-sector initiatives by coordinating meetings, managing project timelines, facilitating stakeholder engagement, tracking deliverables, and ensuring timely reporting on organizational priorities. Rather than owning the policy itself, this person serves as a project manager to ensure that complex regional initiatives continue moving forward on time and within scope.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. All essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. Employees needing or requesting reasonable accommodation should contact the CEO. Strategic Initiative Management Coordinate implementation of strategic initiatives including Food Science, Quantum, AI, Workforce Development, and future emerging sectors Develop and maintain project work plans and timelines Track milestones, deliverables, and action items Identify potential project risks and recommend solutions Committee & Task Force Coordination Organize and facilitate meetings for initiative task forces and working groups Prepare agendas and meeting materials Record key decisions and action items Coordinate follow-up with partners and stakeholders Ensure accountability for assigned tasks Grant & Reporting Administration Collect information from partners for grant reporting Coordinate required reporting deliverables Maintain documentation supporting grant activities Assist with grant implementation and compliance Support future grant development by identifying opportunities and maintaining project data Stakeholder Engagement Serve as staff liaison for initiative partners Coordinate communications between collaborating organizations Schedule meetings and maintain project calendars Support public convenings and stakeholder events Project Administration Maintain project management systems Track budgets and deliverables (working with finance) Prepare progress updates for leadership and the Board Develop dashboards and status reports

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience At least 5-10 years of experience in program management, strategic planning, or policy development Knowledge of economic and workforce development and policy Proven track record of leading cross-sector collaborations and driving systemic change Knowledge of economic development frameworks, workforce development, or poverty alleviation strategies preferred Skills and Attributes Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail Experience coordinating and facilitating meetings, events, administrative operations. Ability to deal with multiple priorities with minimal supervision. Collaborative, solutions-focused approach Outstanding project design and management skills; ability to be strategic and tactical. Demonstrate curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies, including AI-assisted tools, that enhance administrative coordination, communication, and project operations. Proven ability to meet deadlines. Proficiency in scheduling tools, project management platforms, Outlook, Microsoft, Google Workspace. Compensation & Benefits Part-time position (15-20 hours a week); occasional local travel required. Pending funding, this position has the potential to become full time in 2027 $50-$55 an hour commensurate with experience Work Environment This position operates in a clerical, office setting. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Physical Requirements Moderate physical effort required; frequently seated with freedom of movement. Mobility through the office is required. Normal lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling. Ability to operate a motor vehicle for travel to affiliates, community functions, and training sessions. Visual and auditory activity to interact with staff and/or others regarding accounting and/or other matters. Visual activity requiring close attention to paperwork and use of computer keyboard. The Western Mass Economic Development Council provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religious creed, age, pregnancy or related conditions, ability or disability, mental illness, genetics, military or veteran status or any other protected class under Federal, State, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all facets of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.

Pay:

$50.00 - $55.00 per hour Expected hours: 15.0 - 20.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Paid time off Application Question(s): Do you understand that this is a part-time role? Ability to

Commute:

Springfield, MA 01103 (Required)

Work Location:

In person