Special Projects Manager
8 days ago
Los Angeles
Job Description Position Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time, Limited Term (grant-funded until April 2026) Organizational Overview Build Hope, Inc. (BHI), originally established as Kids Progress Inc. (KPI) in 2002 by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was created to ensure low-income residents living in HACLA’s properties or receiving Section 8 assistance receive the full social, health, educational and work opportunities to which they are entitled. BHI’s mission is to advance economic equity and overall well-being of HACLA’s communities. Since its inception, HACLA has provided in-kind staffing to manage BHI’s operations. Recognizing the need for greater impact and sustainable growth, HACLA has now invested in expanding BHI’s organizational capacity, enabling the nonprofit to build its own dedicated team. This strategic investment aims to provide greater independence, empowering BHI to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the communities it serves. It does this by focusing on four key areas: education, economic mobility, resource resiliency, and service-enriched communities. OPPORTUNITY The Special Projects Manager oversees and manages complex, non-routine, and strategically important programming and projects supporting the expansion and improvement of BHIs Program Department operations, ensuring alignment with overall goals and desired outcomes. This role involves planning, implementing, and evaluating program activities, often with a focus on advancing education, enhancing economic mobility, guaranteeing resource mobility and fostering service-enriched communities. The Special Projects Manager will oversee key initiatives and partnerships, working closely with staff, community partners, and residents. This role requires fluency in both English and Spanish. In close collaboration with the Program Director, the Special Projects Manager supports Special Projects Leadership, driving organizational success by leading a cross-functional team, facilitating communication and ensuring projects stay on track and run smoothly. Through daily program oversight, activities coordination, administrative support, stakeholder relations, staff coordination, and compliance; the Special Projects Manager ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards. Additional duties include scheduling, resource allocation, documentation, risk management and assisting with budgeting. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Key Responsibilities: Project Planning and Execution: * Develop project plans, defining objectives, setting timelines, and managing resources to ensure successful project completion. * Create and maintain project schedules, coordinating meetings, and managing timelines. Staff Supervision and Leadership: * Train, supervise and evaluate staff, including CLC Coordinators, support staff, and other personnel involved in programming. * Lead and motivate teams to adhere to workflows and processes, providing guidance and delegating tasks effectively. Grant Process and Reporting:: * Oversee the entire management of the project grant(s) like CASF, ensuring all requirements are met and guidelines and other stipulations are adhered to. * Coordinate with various departments and individuals to gather necessary grant information, as well as maintain relationships with granter(s), foundations, and other funding agencies.. * Monitor the progress of funded projects, track expenditures, and prepare required reports for both BHI and funding agencies. Process Improvement and Program Evaluation: * Identifying opportunities to improve project processes and workflows. * Monitor program progress, collecting data, and preparing reports to assess the effectiveness of programs analyzing data, and making recommendations for improvement. Implementation and Resource Management: * Oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, managing project resources, and ensuring efficient execution of program activities. * Ensure resources, including materials and personnel, are available and allocated effectively. Compliance and Quality Assurance: * Ensure that projects and programming comply with all relevant regulations, policies, and standards. * Ensure that project deliverables meet and maintain high-quality service delivery. Communication and Stakeholder Management: * Monitor program progress, collecting data, and preparing reports to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. * Facilitate clear and consistent communication between team members, stakeholders including internal teams and external partners and clients, funding sources to address issues or concerns and ensure alignment, providing regular updates on project progress. Reporting and Documentation: * Prepare regular project reports, documenting project activities, and maintaining accurate records. * Manage program documentation, including CLC site calendars, community member records, meeting minutes, and other relevant paperwork. Budget Monitoring: * Develop and monitor project budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring they remain within the allocated budget and cost-effectiveness. Risk Management: * Identify potential risks and assist with developing mitigation strategies. Additional Responsibilities * Implementing initiatives to engage with the community and address specific site needs. * Overseeing the implementation and execution of CLC upgrades or renovations. * Researching and analyzing complex issues. * Developing and implementing strategies to improve programming and operations. * Representing the organization at various engagements. * Coordinating with external agencies and stakeholders. * Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Special Projects Manager candidate will have/be: * Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Public Administration or equivalent previous experience in project administration, grant administration, or program administration and evaluation will be considered. * 2-3 years previous experience as a social worker, grant coordinator, program coordinator, community case worker or educator. * At least 1 year of direct staff supervision. * Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills in both languages (required). * Knowledge of grant funding guidelines and regulations (preferred). * Familiarity with the Los Angeles context, specifically experience in issues affecting public housing and low-income communities, is highly desired. * Demonstrated success cultivating multi-sector partnerships (schools, CBOs, funders, workforce entities). * Strong program-management skills, organizational skills, ability to juggle calendars, events, and competing deadlines. * Data fluency: experience with Excel/Google Sheets, or similar tools for tracking outcomes. * Excellent written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to diverse audiences. * Prior experience with HACLA Recertifications. * Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusivity, with an ability to work effectively in multicultural settings. * Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to transport program staff and/or participants using a personal or company vehicle as needed. To be successful in this role, the Special Projects Manager typically needs: * Ability to identify and resolve issues that arise during the project lifecycle. * Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. * Ability to work independently and as part of a team. * Proficiency in relevant software and tools. * Strong analytical and organizational skills. * Understanding of applicable laws, regulations, and policies related to specific programming and/or funding sources. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS This is a non-exempt position with hours varying based on project needs in the Greater Los Angeles area (field and office-based). While the salary range is $35,000–$50,000/annual, commensurate with experience, the salary and benefits package for the Special Projects Manager is contingent upon grant funding and may offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; and retirement plan contributions. BHI is located within HACLA’s offices at 2600 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. Company DescriptionBuild Hope Inc. (BHI) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). BHI is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of public housing and Section 8 housing through innovative programs, resource distribution, and strategic partnerships that promote education, workforce development, and community well-being. BHI serves individuals and families living in public housing, Section 8 and other residential housing units owned or operated by HACLA and is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty. While BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and functions autonomously. For more information about Build Hope, Inc. please visit Hope Inc. (BHI) is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA). BHI is dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of public housing and Section 8 housing through innovative programs, resource distribution, and strategic partnerships that promote education, workforce development, and community well-being.\r\n\r\nBHI serves individuals and families living in public housing, Section 8 and other residential housing units owned or operated by HACLA and is dedicated to improving life outcomes and addressing intergenerational poverty.\r\n\r\nWhile BHI is affiliated with HACLA, it operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and functions autonomously. \r\n\r\nFor more information about Build Hope, Inc. please visit .