Project Director

Project Director: UWPNW Community Reinvestment Plan Asset-Building Project

The Project Director is a temporary grant-funded position (through June 30, 2025). Position term will be extended based on successful performance and additional grant funding.

Position Background:

In June 2024, UWPNW was awarded $2.5 million (with a contract from June 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) from the Washington state Department of Commerce to implement the UWPNW Community Reinvestment Plan Asset-Building Project. UWPNW and local United Way organizations in Washington state will engage in activities to deliver Community Reinvestment Account dollars to Black, Latine, and tribal communities in Washington state, prioritizing Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima Counties. The Community Reinvestment Plan (CRP), published in October 2023, outlines investment of $200M of state funds to support grant programs intended to “address racial, economic, and social disparities in Washington communities” intended for “individuals disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession.

Position Description:

The Community Reinvestment Asset-Building Project Director is responsible for overseeing the delivery of Community Reinvestment Account dollars to Black, Latine, and tribal communities across six counties in Washington State. This role involves managing regional coordination, implementing strategic initiatives, and ensuring the success of the Project. The Director will work closely with Project staff (at UWPNW or housed at Local United Ways), community-based By/For organizations, Community Reinvestment Plan-sponsored Local Advisory Teams (LATs), subcontractors, and other stakeholders to promote policies and programs that support the target communities and advance financial stability initiatives. The Director will play a critical role in enhancing the financial stability and wellbeing of marginalized communities through strategic oversight and effective program implementation.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a wealth of knowledge and understanding gained from living, working, and/ or partnering with Black, Latine or Native populations. The Director will also have a balance of project management, communication and relational skills. This team player will be adaptable to change, possess strong attention to detail and ability to work fully remote with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities of UWPNW Community Reinvestment Asset-Building Project Director:

Project Oversight and Management:

• Lead overall project management and ensure the timely delivery of all Project milestones and objectives.
• Oversee the coordination and implementation of Project activities across Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima Counties.
• Guide the work of up to 8 staff housed at Local United Ways engaging in community outreach and leading asset building initiatives in support of the Community Reinvestment Plan objectives.
• Monitor project budgets totaling $2,500,000, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of funds.
• Staff Project Steering Committee comprised of representatives from each participating Local United Way. Committee will meet regularly to guide the overall project, make key decisions, and ensure UWPNW successfully delivers on the Project deliverables.
• Participate in statewide ALICE movement and promote project work across Washington to tell the story of racial and economic injustices. 

Regional Coordination:

• Facilitate collaboration among Project staff (at UWPNW or housed at Local United Ways), community-based By/For organizations, Community Reinvestment Plan-sponsored Local Advisory Teams (LATs), subcontractors, and other stakeholders.
• Identify community leaders and organizations connected to local communities who can develop and execute plans to meet the needs of the community.
• Represent Project and/or UWPNW at regional asset-building convenings.

Community Outreach:

• In partnership with six Community Outreach Specialists (or equivalent) working in each of the prioritized counties, support outreach and technical assistance to support By/For organizations, including those associated with Local Advisory Teams.
• Oversee access to small grants from the Community Outreach Grant Fund pool to By/For organizations for technical assistance, outreach, incentives, or asset-building programming work not provided by community outreach positions.
• Ensure cohort of Community Outreach Specialists have knowledge of other Community Reinvestment Plan resources and programs and are able to share that information with local community groups that may want to access resources or services.
• Facilitate group learning and problem-solving opportunities with the cohort of Community Outreach Specialists.

Asset Building Initiatives:

• Develop and/or support asset-building initiatives aimed at increasing financial assets for Black, Latine, and tribal communities.
• Offer technical assistance and training to support communities in repairing harm to individuals and families impacted by the war on drugs.
• In partnership with United Way of Pierce County (lead), support expansion of projects that promote and advance policies and programs to help Black, Latine, and tribal communities. These projects will provide opportunities for participants to build, maintain, and preserve financial assets.
• In partnership with United Way of King County (lead), support planning and implementation of a statewide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance scheduling system and opportunities to scale VITA services in regions of the state and to populations who don’t currently access the program.  
• Utilize ALICE household data to guide the development of services that help families increase self-sufficiency, build credit, and acquire assets.

Individual Development Accounts (IDAs):

• In partnership with United Way of Pierce County (lead) support the implementation of the IDA project, providing match savings accounts up to $10,000 for participants.
• Ensure participants receive adequate financial education and coaching to manage their finances effectively.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Produce monthly documentation and reports to Commerce on the status of Project development and implementation.
• Ensure Local United Ways and other subcontractors receive reimbursement in a timely manner.
• Ensure transparent communication of progress, challenges, and outcomes to stakeholders and funders.

Qualifications:

• Education Desired: Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Additional experience beyond the three years required below can apply to meet this desired goal.
• Experience: Minimum of three years of experience in project management, community development, or a related field. Experience working with diverse communities, particularly Black, Latine, and tribal populations.

Skills:

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Project Leadership and Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and interact with people from various cultural backgrounds, including a wide range of abilities, genders, ethnicities, and races. This includes both verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with community members, funders, stakeholders, and partner organizations. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Public Speaking and Presentation: Ability to effectively present information to community groups, stakeholders, and funders. Experience in conducting training sessions and workshops is a plus.
• Knowledge of and Passion for Asset Building: Strong commitment to improving community well-being and addressing social inequalities via implementation of asset-building and financial education initiatives.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle unexpected challenges, and work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform program development and decision-making. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to community issues and challenges. Ability to think strategically and implement innovative approaches to community engagement.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, data collection software, and grant management tools. Familiarity with data analysis and reporting.

Competencies:

• Cultural Competence:
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of discrimination in America, particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with community needs and organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate complex project dynamics.

Position Classification/ Compensation

Full time, hourly position (40 hours/ week) with $200/month internet/phone/power stipend, negotiable benefits, retirement plan and generous annual leave including paid vacation/holidays. This position is 100% remote, residing in Washington state is required.