JOB DESCRIPTION

The Special Projects Manager is a highly organized, proactive team member responsible for coordinating and advancing a variety of mission-aligned projects across the organization. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on juggling multiple priorities, enjoys bringing structure to complex efforts, and can keep projects moving forward in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. Working closely with the Senior Director of Initiatives and other team members, the Special Projects Manager ensures that strategic initiatives, key projects, and development campaigns are well-planned, well-executed, and aligned with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple concurrent projects across strategic initiatives and development campaigns, ensuring timely execution and alignment with organizational goals.
• Support the Senior Director of Initiatives in advancing mission-driven projects within our strategic initiatives portfolio by translating project goals, scope, timelines, and resource needs into actionable plans.
• Lead and coordinate projects to meet goals, timelines, budgets, and quality standards, while maintaining clear communication with team members and stakeholders; manage spreadsheets and tracking tools to organize tasks, data, and information accurately.
• Take initiative to explore early-stage ideas and create summary materials to support informed decision-making.
• Proactively identify risks, monitor progress, and drive continuous improvement to enhance project scalability and long-term impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams, leadership, and external partners to build organizational capacity and ensure successful project outcomes.

Key project examples include:

• Managing the Driving Change: Fair Auto Financing program pilot
• Support the planning and execution of key development campaigns such as Community Committed, NWA Gives, and Year-End Giving.
• Coordinating data collection and reporting alongside the Executive Director to support annual reports, grant applications, and fundraising efforts.
• Identifying and managing contractors for special projects including video production, graphic design, and other strategic communications.

Qualifications

Required:

• Proven experience (3+ years) managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, tracking tools, and project management software (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, Monday.com)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with attention to detail
• Proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and follows through to completion
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including leadership, staff, volunteers, and external partners
• Commitment to the organization’s mission and community-centered values
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered
• Demonstrated commitment to the Circles NWA mission and values
• Experience working respectfully and effectively with people from a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds

Note: This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Circles NWA reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.