Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL’s mission is purposeful – strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures.

And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation’s most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission.

NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days every six (6) weeks. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office for four days every six (6) weeks for team meetings and professional development.

NCSL’s Denver-based Children and Families Program is looking for an experienced policy professional to manage a comprehensive body of work focused on policies and systems addressing the well-being of children and families. The project manager will lead and execute cross-cutting projects focused on early childhood, child welfare and the prevention of child maltreatment, including connections to economic security, housing and homelessness.

The project manager oversees or directly executes deliverables, manages staff and coordinates closely with colleagues, communicates with funders and serves a nonpartisan policy expert. This position requires relevant policy expertise; exemplary project management and organizational skills, including leading interdisciplinary collaborations across teams; policy research, writing and editing and event planning. You can expect to have frequent contact with legislators, legislative staff, funders and other partner organizations.

This, and all positions at NCSL, are responsible for contributing to a culture of innovation and excellence and ensuring NCSL’s work is completed in an objective, neutral and nonpartisan manner. The project manager will report to an associate director and may supervise one or more team members.

• Plan, organize and manage a portfolio of projects focused on policies and systems addressing early childhood, child welfare and the prevention of child maltreatment, including connections to economic security, housing and homelessness.
• Develop and share subject‑matter expertise with legislators and legislative staff, primarily on matters related to early childhood, child welfare and the prevention of child maltreatment, including connections to economic security, housing and homelessness.
• Plan, manage and/or self‑execute projects, including policy research, writing, educational sessions/meetings, podcasts and technical assistance.
• Create relevant, substantive and engaging educational opportunities for legislators and legislative staff.
• Write skillfully and with minimal need for editing. Review, edit and provide feedback on the substance and quality of the work of other staff.
• Demonstrate a high degree of political acumen, judgment and responsiveness to legislators and legislative staff.
• Maintain productive relationships with legislators and legislative staff, regardless of party affiliation or political ideology.
• Guide and support the work and professional development of other NCSL staff.
• Participate in developing project priorities, goals and budgets.
• Lead or support communication with funding partners.
• Travel domestically for meetings, technical assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Supervise, support and coach interns and potentially up to three staff,…