Sr. Director Management - International

Job Description

Sr. Director, Project Management - International

Sesame Workshop is seeking an experienced Senior Director of Project Management to manage the implementation of its diverse International Social Impact (ISI) portfolio. We seek a detail-oriented and collaborative individual who will work closely with staff and partners to guide program development and planning, and to manage a variety of mass media, education, outreach, and public awareness initiatives in multiple geographies.

The Senior Director will provide full lifecycle award management and oversight of their assigned portfolio of grants, cooperative agreements or sub-awards to mitigate risk and to ensure compliance with donors' regulations and SW's policies. The Senior Director will serve as an integral member of the ISI team. In consultation with the Senior Vice President of ISI Program Management and Country Offices, the Senior Director will provide strategic, compliant and pro-active guidance and problem-solving to NY-Office and field leadership.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of global projects ($25M-$50M in total contract value); manage procurements for assigned portfolio; provide ongoing guidance to NY Office and field staff on donor regulations, internal procedures and overall daily troubleshooting; conduct training as needed; and work collaboratively within and across teams. The individual also will guide ISI in such areas as procurement, grant management, US and non-US Government donor requirements and/or acquisition (USG contract) regulations and contribute to the development/refinement of related policies, procedures and training. The Senior Director will also review proposal and budget packages prior to submission.

The Senior Director will report to the Senior Vice President, International Social Impact Operations and Country Offices

The position is based in New York City with approximately 10% travel to the field as needed.  Sesame Workshop currently follows a hybrid work model with designated in-office days determined based on the functional nature of the role.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Portfolio Management
• Lead and support cross-functional teams to achieve project outcomes within portfolio:
• Guide and ensure implementation of project activities across education, media production, distribution, and marketing/PR functions
• Set and communicate project goals with teams; develop and manage workplans, timelines, and budget
• Plan and designate project resources; work with finance team to prepare budget, forecasting, and ensure expenditures
• Manage project agreements and contracts, with legal team
• Manage selection and engagement of consultants, implementation partnership, and contractors for project delivery
• Serve as ISI liaison with assigned project and program teams to provide guidance to NY-Office and country office staff on award management and compliance with donor regulations
• Review and clear proposal and cost/financial applications for compliance with donor requirements and SW policies
• Provide oversight on award negotiation with funders/clients
• Review/prepare correspondence to donors on project-related issues
• Manage procurement advice for assigned portfolio, and conduct compliance review of procurements in partnership with legal and compliance team
• Lead award start-up and close-out planning, and audit processes, providing guidance on and interpretation of applicable contractual, financial and regulatory requirements
• Maintain knowledge of issues facing the country offices including the operational environment, compliance challenges and potential risks associated with the implementation of awards
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with award staff of donor agencies
• Maintain agreement-related files and database records for awards in assigned portfolio

General Project Management Best Practice
• Serve as a mentor to ISI Staff on project management best practice; Coordinate with ISI team members to ensure consistent organizational interpretation and guidance on donor/client regulations
• Contribute to the development, tailoring and/or revision of resource materials, including manuals, guides, templates and other tools to assist program staff with award management and compliance with donor regulations and internal policies
• Identify best practices and lessons learned, and based on that learning, develop suggested amendments/revisions to SW's project management methodologies as appropriate
• Review documents on behalf of senior leadership from a compliance and risk management perspective as well as brief leadership on compliance issues in a timely manner
• Minimize risk to organization by proactively identifying potential problems and offer possible solutions and troubleshooting options
• Cultivate positive relationships and collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Perform other duties as assigned by the SVP

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Passion for Sesame Workshop's mission
• 10+ years of experience in complex project management in international development
• 5+ years of experience managing management level positions, functions
• PMP certification, a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work in highly matrixed project team with a sense of urgency
• Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship management skills
• Meticulous attention to detail, as well as outstanding critical thinking and proactive problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to prioritize and follow-through
• Experience with collaborative processes and multi-disciplinary partnership management. Poised and professional communicator who can interact with colleagues of various levels and functions, internally and externally
• International field-based experience a plus
• Advanced degree in relevant discipline a plus
• Ability to travel internationally and work across cultures and time-zones

About Sesame Workshop

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder since 1969. Today Sesame Workshop is a global educational force for change with a mission to reach the world's most vulnerable children. We're in more than 150 countries, serving children through a wide range of media and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, all grounded in rigorous research and individually-tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve.

Department Overview - International Social Impact

Sesame Workshop's International Social Impact department develops and implements Sesame's powerful initiatives to serve children and families around the world. Building upon the familiarity and appeal of the trusted, beloved Sesame Street characters – and their global counterparts – we create and disseminate unique educational resources and tools for families most in need. Sesame's research-driven initiatives reach many children who would otherwise have little or no access to early childhood education, and support all aspects of children's development – including healthy habits; cognitive development in areas such as early literacy and math; mutual respect and understanding; and social-emotional well-being and resilience. We reach and engage children ages 3 – 8 and the important adults in their families and communities using multiple media platforms and innovative strategies – from television and radio to digital media, mobile technologies, classroom materials, teacher/provider training, social media, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rvpqww-3-147-66-178-42 in your application.