Job Requirements Position Overview The Project Manager supports the Executive Director of Operations in coordinating projects and initiatives related to incentive program administration, contract compliance, operational improvement, and systems development. This position manages assigned projects from planning through completion, ensuring that objectives, timelines, deliverables, and organizational standards are met. The Project Manager works closely with program administration and compliance teams to promote consistency, improve processes, reduce operational risk, and support a business-friendly environment. The position also coordinates with internal divisions, external partners, and other stakeholders to facilitate the successful transition of announced economic development projects into program administration and ongoing compliance. This role requires a highly organized, results-oriented professional who can manage multiple priorities, communicate effectively, analyze operational information, and coordinate cross-functional teams in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The Project Manager advances LED's vision of positioning Louisiana to win by supporting efficient operations and responsive service delivery. Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Project Planning and Management Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans that identify objectives, responsibilities, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and resource requirements. Manage assigned operational and incentive-related projects from initiation through completion. Monitor project progress, identify potential delays or barriers, and recommend appropriate corrective action. Facilitate project meetings, document decisions, assign action items, and monitor follow-up activities. Ensure projects are completed timely, accurately, and in accordance with established requirements. Provide regular project status updates to the Executive Director of Operations and other appropriate leadership. - Incentive Program Administration and Compliance Support Coordinate with program administration and compliance teams to support the effective management of incentive programs and related contracts. Assist with the transition of announced economic development projects from business development teams to operations and compliance. Track project commitments, contractual requirements, reporting deadlines, approvals, and other required deliverables. Review project documentation for completeness, consistency, and adherence to established policies and procedures. Assist in resolving administrative or compliance issues that may affect project implementation or performance. Maintain organized project records and documentation in accordance with agency requirements. - Process Improvement and Systems Development Review existing operational processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and service delivery. Assist in developing and documenting policies, procedures, workflows, templates, and operational standards. Support the design, testing, implementation, and improvement of technology solutions used for project tracking, incentive administration, and compliance monitoring. Coordinate user feedback, system requirements, testing results, and issue resolution with internal teams, vendors, and other stakeholders. Promote standardized practices that reduce administrative burden and operational risk. - Stakeholder Coordination and Communication Serve as a liaison among operations, compliance, business development, legal, finance, information technology, and other functional areas. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to clarify responsibilities, resolve issues, and maintain project momentum. Communicate project requirements, decisions, deadlines, and status updates clearly and timely. Support collaborative relationships that promote a responsive and business-friendly environment. Prepare meeting materials, presentations, correspondence, and other project-related communications. - Reporting, Performance Measures, and Analytics Develop and maintain project dashboards, status reports, schedules, and performance measures. Collect, review, and analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, delays, and opportunities for improvement. Prepare reports and recommendations for the Executive Director of Operations and executive leadership. Monitor established performance indicators and assist teams in meeting operational goals. Use data-driven insights to support project decisions, resource planning, and continuous improvement. - Risk Management and Quality Assurance Identify project risks and develop strategies to prevent or minimize operational disruptions. Monitor project activities for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and reporting requirements. Conduct quality reviews of project documentation, deliverables, and processes. Escalate significant concerns, delays, or compliance issues to the Executive Director of Operations. Assist in implementing corrective actions and monitoring their effectiveness. - Administrative and Organizational Support Assist the Executive Director of Operations with special projects and priority initiatives. Participate in strategic planning, operational meetings, and agency-wide initiatives as assigned. Maintain current knowledge of LED programs, policies, procedures, and economic development practices. Perform other duties necessary to support the goals of the Office of Operations and Compliance and LED. Work Experience Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of project management principles, methods, and best practices. Ability to organize and manage multiple complex projects, priorities, and deadlines. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-support skills. Ability to interpret policies, procedures, contracts, and program requirements. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to develop clear project plans, reports, presentations, and process documentation. Ability to work collaboratively with executive leadership, internal teams, external partners, and program participants. Ability to identify operational risks and recommend practical solutions. Proficiency in project management, data analysis, reporting, and collaboration technologies. High level of professional judgment, accountability, discretion, and personal ethics. Ability to adapt to evolving business needs and work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, Public Administration, Economic Development, or a related field. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in project management, program administration, operations, compliance, economic development, or a related area. Demonstrated experience managing projects involving multiple teams, stakeholders, deadlines, and deliverables. Experience with process improvement, performance measurement, or systems implementation is preferred. Experience in economic development, government programs, incentive administration, or contract compliance is preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or a comparable credential is preferred.