Project Manager - Colorado Media Project

Come help us build support for local news as a public good in Colorado!

PROJECT MANAGER

Status: Full-Time with benefits or contract through December 2020, with possible extension

Location: Denver, Colorado

The mission of the Colorado Media Project is to meet the information needs of Coloradans by working to strengthen Colorado’s diverse local news ecosystem. We develop partnerships and programs designed to strengthen local newsroom capacity, increase collaboration, and engage community in the journalism that strengthens our democracy. CMP is a community-led, grant-funded organization operating under fiscal sponsorship of the Rose Community Foundation.

The project manager serves as a central source of administration and coordination for a lean and nimble organization, and plays a pivotal role in the CMP’s interaction with a wide range of constituents. The project manager also provides support for CMP’s two major areas of focus in 2020:

1. Engaging More Coloradans in the Future of Local News and Civic Participation; and

2. Planning and launch of COLab, a shared newsroom to be housed in Rocky Mountain Public Media’s new building in downtown Denver, which will serve as a collaborative hub.

The project manager will implement organizational and development strategy. In its early stages, the project manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, improving, and documenting operational systems, in CMP’s new fiscal home at Rose Community Foundation. The project manager will also manage CMP communications, including website, newsletter, social media presence and other elements, and will be the point person for event and meeting planning.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ATTRIBUTES

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, systems-minded and process-oriented, while also understanding the impact and importance of this work for the communities we serve. A successful candidate will take pride in developing and maintaining policies and practices that are efficient, accurate, effective, equitable, inclusive, transparent, and responsive.

A team player, the project manager will be collaborative, open, and creative in solving problems. They will have strong interpersonal and project management skills. The project manager must be self directed, and comfortable with working independently in a young and growing organization. Journalism experience is not a requirement, but the ideal candidate will have strong written and verbal communications skills, and a belief in local news as a public good that plays an important role in strengthening communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee and manage administrative and operational systems: contracting, communications, vendor relationships, and other needs for day-to-day functioning  of the project.

• Monitor budget and assist with fundraising and income projections.

• Assist CMP executive committee in organizational and fundraising development and strategy.

• Assist CMP and its partners in seeking funding and resources that support the Colorado local news ecosystem, including development and submission of project and funding proposals and grant reports.

• Manage organizational communications, including newsletter, website, social media, as well as development of materials for events, meetings, reports, and other organizational products.

• Create materials for regular meetings and communications with executive committee, local advisory committee, and national advisors.

• Lead event planning, including event management, outreach strategy, and collecting post-event feedback.

SUPERVISOR RELATIONSHIP

• This person reports to the project director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s Degree.

• 5-7 years of professional experience in communications, grants management, and/or other related or relevant work.

• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, follow through, and track multiple projects under deadlines.

• Tech-savvy -- knowledge of various platforms and systems for websites, surveys, and other basic organizational work is a plus, but most importantly must be able to learn new systems quickly.

• Ability to work collaboratively and independently.

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in meetings, in correspondence, and through formal work products.

• Grasps new concepts and masters new skills, systems, and processes quickly.

• Comfortable working with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures.

• An understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles and practices and a commitment to incorporating them into internal and external work.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

The Colorado Media Project is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners. We encourage applicants of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences to apply. CMP also is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This full-time, position’s starting salary range is $60,000 to $70,000, commensurate with sector benchmarks. Through its fiscal sponsor, Rose Community Foundation, CMP offers a competitive benefits package including employer-supported health, dental, vision, and life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, generous paid time off including holidays, and professional development opportunities. Candidates preferring a full-time contract position are also welcome to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to Melissa Davis, Vice President for Informed Communities, at [email protected] with the subject line “Colorado Media Project Manager.” Applications received on or before Wednesday, January 15, 2020, will receive priority review.