About InspireNOLA
InspireNOLA Charter Schools operates a network of eight public charter schools in New Orleans, Louisiana, including Alice M. Harte Charter School, Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, Dwight D. Eisenhower Charter School, McDonogh 42 Charter School, Pierre A. Capdau Charter School, Edna Karr High School, Eleanor McMain Secondary School, and McDonogh 35 Senior High School. Founded in 2013, InspireNOLA is currently the highest performing open-admission charter management organization in New Orleans and is the only network with one A-graded school and two B-graded schools. InspireNOLA currently serves more than 5,600 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. With a focus on providing outstanding instruction and differentiated support to meet the needs of all students, InspireNOLA is achieving outstanding results and is a model for excellence within the education community. The work of our team makes a profound and enduring contribution to the revitalization of New Orleans.
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Position Summary
The Strategic Projects Manager is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of projects which support the strategic priorities of the organization. In this capacity, they will cultivate both internal and external partnerships and plan a variety of events and activities in support of organizational goals. Working with the Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives, they are also responsible for supporting all recruitment efforts. The Strategic Project Manager will report to the Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives.
Position Qualifications & Competencies
• Belief in the mission and values of InspireNOLA;
• Bachelor’s degree (required);
• Minimum of two years of experience planning and coordinating events (required);
• Excellent communication and people skills, with an ability to represent the mission and values of InspireNOLA in conversations;
• Strong project management skills, ability to juggle multiple priorities with meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong planning and execution skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Ability to prioritize in the face of multiple competing demands
• Highly professional when working with a variety of stakeholders
• Ability to work some nights and weekends.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities
Internal Partnerships
• Liaise with school leadership to plan and execute initiatives which support organizational goals
• Meet and coordinate events and plans with high school alumni associations
• Manage and/or support the school parent liaisons
• Work with and attend meetings at each school’s executive PTO board
• Manage the network parent ambassador group and assign them to work multiple events
• Create and manager a pool of volunteers to assist with InspireNOLA initiatives
• Work with school PTO on membership efforts
• Conduct and manage student contests and scholarship contests
• Implement student and staff recruitment plans and related initiatives
• Coordinate canvassers and ground support to spread positive messaging
External Partnerships
• Proactively solicit and build relationships with new external partners, including local and national elected officials, community leaders, and other supporters
• Create and maintain relationships with prospective stakeholders in each community by prospecting, cold calling, networking and appointment setting
• Schedule, implement, and periodically suggest new community-based programs, partnerships, and other engagement initiatives
• Assist with planning, implementing, promoting, and managing community affairs projects and events
• Implement meetings, surveys, and other ways for communicating with and receiving feedback from the community about InspireNOLA and its schools
• Meet with community partners on joint projects and initiatives
• Attend community related meetings on behalf of InspireNOLA
• Assist with planning and making presentations about the organization to external partners and groups
• Assist with the compilation, updating, and organization of external mailing lists
Communications Support
• Assist with developing a comprehensive outreach plan and publicity strategy to promote InspireNOLA to external partners and the community
• Assist with monthly community and parent newsletters
• Assist in creating opportunities for InspireNOLA to be promoted and displayed on TV, print and radio media outlets
• Help to build relationships with advertising vendors (radio, billboards, and online newsletters) to make deals on promoting InspireNOLA
Project Management
• Assist with the development and management of InspireNOLA’s annual event calendar
• Vets proposed events from external partners and makes recommendation to Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives, Chief of Strategy & Advancement and CEO regarding participation
• Prepares monthly reports of key events and activities for distribution to the executive team and board
• Produce detailed proposals for events (e.g. timelines, venues, vendors, staffing, budgets, etc.) which includes procedures for all major events, logistics (prep, day of and follow-up), timelines, staff assignments, and event evaluations
• Solicit and secure sponsorships for events, including ongoing cultivation of partners and sponsors
• Manage event budgets to ensure cost are maintained
• Create procedures for all major event processes
• Coordinate from beginning to end event logistics, including but not limited to:
o Facilities and venues
o Speakers, presenters, panels, etc.
o Signage, displays, materials, etc.
o Marketing and security
o Security
o Refreshments
o Vendors
o Technology, IT, sound system, etc.
• Coordinates contract negotiation with groups, venues, and companies and presents contract options to
Chief of Strategy & Development and CEO for approval
• Maintains all necessary records associated with each events, communicating with the Finance and Operations teams as needed
o Updates checklists, timelines, and project plans to streamline and simplify execution the next time a similar event is conducted
Compensation & Benefits
Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as TRSL, our employer retirement contribution, is included.
InspireNOLA is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. People from all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
