Projects Manager
The Conway School of Landscape Design (the Conway School), a graduate school awarding a Master of Science in Ecological Design, has an immediate opening for a Projects Manager.
The Conway School, an independent, not-for-profit institution, accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, uses a collaborative decision-making process that engages all employees. We are looking for people who share the school’s mission—to explore, develop, practice, and teach design of the land that is ecologically and socially sustainable—and its commitment to justice, equity, whole-systems thinking, and collaboration. If you care deeply about climate change, social-environmental justice, sustainable agriculture, and community quality of life, and want a workplace that is built on collegiality and mutual respect, please consider applying.
Job Title: Projects Manager
This is a part-time, non-exempt (hourly) position. Schedule is flexible, but generally within Monday through Friday at 24 hours per week. Occasional evening/weekend hours for meetings, special events, or project-related travel. Hours may be expanded (up to 40 hours per week) if the chosen candidate is interested in and able to fill other roles.
Compensation and Benefits: $25.50-$29.00 per hour. Conway School offers the following benefits package:
Paid vacation (starting with 4 weeks)
Paid sick leave (1 week)
Paid personal leave (2 days)
Holidays (14.5 days)
401K with employer match
Health and dental insurance benefits
Flexible Savings Account (FSA)
Location: A combination of on-site work, remote work, and occasional travel to potential project sites. Preference is for the employee’s physical location to be within 25 miles of Northampton, MA.
Summary of Job Responsibilities: The Conway School provides an experience-based education for 18 students. The Projects Manager works with faculty to develop up to 18 small-scale design projects and 15 community projects each academic year. In the fall term, each student completes an individual design project on a small scale. During the winter term, student project teams complete planning projects. In the spring, student teams complete large-scale design projects. The Projects Manager oversees the project development process and coordinates with faculty to select, shape, launch and manage the logistics for student projects.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
Project Recruitment: Cultivate prospective clients for fall, winter, and spring term projects; respond to inquiries; meet with potential clients; conduct site visits. Ensure pre-planning tasks are completed by the incoming clients for winter and spring projects.
Project Follow-up: Conduct follow-up research into past student projects, documenting any implementation. Maintain a database of past student projects. Distribute evaluations to clients for all three terms and report on results.
Contracts: Work with faculty to define project goals and scopes. Share draft contracts with faculty for input. Prepare and complete contracts with winter and spring term clients.
Grant Funding: Assist clients to research grants, when relevant, and prepare grant applications.
Outreach and Networking: Support the process of building and strengthening relations with institutions, organizations, and individuals. Attend conferences and community events to promote the school and seek client partnerships.
Other Administrative Tasks: Administrative tasks related to contract development, file preparation, and organization. Preparation of monthly projects status report.
Engagement: Attend monthly staff meetings and participate in Conway events.
Essential Qualifications & Skills:
Administrative or project management experience; experience with contracts is desirable. A background in environmental or community planning, conservation, ecological restoration, green infrastructure, green energy, watershed protection, or similar fields is preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Engaging and enthusiastic personality.
Responsive and detail oriented. Able to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities. • Dedication to collaborative decision making with ability to forge consensus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Gmail/Google Docs). Strong preference for experience with CRM/HubSpot, Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, and WordPress.
Must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to potential project sites in Massachusetts and the Northeast.
Professional Development: The Projects Manager is expected to maintain professional and technical knowledge through, for example, attending workshops and reading professional publications, and to participate in training programs as needed.
To Apply: Please email a résumé and cover letter to Kara Schnell at hiring@csld.edu with the position title in the subject header. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
EEOC Statement: The Conway School is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital or veteran status in employment, admissions, or educational programs or activities. Applications by members of all socioeconomic status and backgrounds are encouraged.