Project Manager: Expanding Paths to Employment

Position: Project Manager: Expanding Paths to Employment

Project: Expanding Paths to Employment: Arrest and Criminal Records Clearing, Licensure, and Employment Support Initiative

Location: 1825 I (Eye) Street, Suite 800, NW, Washington, DC 20006

Department: Executive Office

Employment Status: Termed - 1 year with additional years based on continued funding

Schedule: Hybrid. Minimum of 2 days per week in office consistent with LSC’s Hybrid Work Policy.

ABOUT LSC: Established by Congress in 1974, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is the country’s single largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans. LSC currently funds roughly 129 independent nonprofit legal aid organizations operating in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. LSC’s mission is to promote equal access to justice and provide grants for high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.

JOB FUNCTION: The Project Manager is a member of LSC’s Executive Office and is responsible for managing and implementing Expanding Paths to Employment, LSC’s 12-month privately funded Arrest and Criminal Records Clearing, Licensure, and Employment Support initiative. The Project Manager will coordinate project activities, manage timelines and deliverables, conduct and synthesize research, support stakeholder engagement, and draft key written products. The position will coordinate development of the 50-State Opportunity Map, support an external Advisory Council, and help develop a strategic framework and future portfolio of pilot initiatives that expand access to education, occupational licensing, and employment for individuals with arrest and criminal records. The Project Manager reports to the Chief of Staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management and Coordination

• • Manage day-to-day implementation of the planning initiative and maintain project plans, timelines, deliverables, and internal accountability.
  • Coordinate project activities across relevant LSC offices, including the Executive Office, Office of Data Governance and Analysis, Office of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Grants Management, Communications, and web staff.
  • Monitor project progress, identify risks or delays, and recommend corrective action as needed.
  • Support internal planning and coordination related to project strategy, state selection, and future pilot concepts.
  • Maintain organized project records, files, calendars, and related documentation.
  • Coordinate logistics for project meetings, consultations, and related activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Executive Office and the initiative.

Research, Assessment, and Analysis

• • Lead the assessment of existing record-clearing and related initiatives across LSC’s grant recipient network, including work supported through Basic Field funding, Pro Bono Innovation Fund, Technology Innovation Grants, Rural Summer Legal Corps, and non-LSC sources.
  • Review prior projects, available results, and relevant literature to identify implementation lessons, effective practices, and areas for future investment.
  • Support the design and administration of surveys and other information-gathering tools related to grant recipient activities, outcomes, partnerships, and lessons learned.
  • Assist in developing and applying a multifactor state readiness and opportunity framework that considers policy environment, grant recipient capacity, existing networks, and employer and community engagement.
  • Synthesize findings into clear written and verbal recommendations for internal and external audiences.

Stakeholder and Advisory Group Support

• • Coordinate engagement with external advisors, grant recipients, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, employers, philanthropic partners, researchers, government agencies, individuals with lived experience, and other national stakeholders.
  • Schedule meetings, prepare agendas and background materials, document key decisions and next steps, and ensure timely follow-up.
  • Coordinate all aspects of the Expanding Paths to Employment Advisory Council, including meeting planning, preparation of materials, documentation of recommendations, and follow-up.
  • Support engagement with priority states and partner organizations to inform analysis and future pilot design.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with advisory council members and external partners throughout the planning initiative.

Written Deliverables and Communications Support

• • Draft, edit, and coordinate major project deliverables, including memoranda, briefings, funder updates, presentations, a white paper, and a strategic framework.
  • Prepare summaries, talking points, and presentation materials for senior leadership and external audiences.
  • Coordinate with communications and web staff, and as needed external vendors or consultants, on materials related to the initiative and development of the 50-state opportunity map.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

General:

• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to produce professional, clear, well-written work product that requires minimal editing.
  • Ability to reach different audiences. Ability to influence, motivate, challenge, and inspire confidence among others.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with individuals at all levels of an organization chart.
  • Ability to work well with persons from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles. Ability to manage conflicts.
  • Highly organized and attentive to detail; able to meet and beat competing priorities with tight deadlines.
  • High degree of flexibility and capacity for self-management.
  • Intellectually curious. Able to master unfamiliar subjects quickly and thoroughly.
  • Able to understand trends that affect LSC, its grantees, and their clients.
  • Unimpeachable integrity and adherence to the highest standards of personal ethics and professionalism.
  • Excellent judgment and ability to articulate well-informed and objective recommendations.
  • Demonstrated ability to use modern research, collaboration, and productivity technologies, including AI-assisted drafting and analysis tools, is desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders and facilitate collaboration among organizations with different missions and perspectives.

Technical/Specialized Training, Skills, and Experience:

• • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, public administration, social science, law, or related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience in project management, research, policy, nonprofit programs, philanthropy, legal services, government, or a related field. 6-8 years preferred.
  • Demonstrated project management experience.
  • Familiarity with civil legal services, workforce development, reentry, occupational licensing, or related subjects preferred.

Salary and Benefits: 

This position has a salary range of $111,300–$144,100. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience, and organizational needs.

This is a one-year term position funded through a private grant. Continued employment beyond the initial term is contingent upon the availability of additional funding and organizational need.

Employees in this position are eligible for LSC benefits consistent with the terms of employment.

Application Procedure: 

Apply at https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/join-our-team. A cover letter and résumé must be included. To have your application considered, please answer all application questions and provide all requested information.

Note: If you need an accommodation during the application process,

please notify OHR at jobapplicant@lsc.gov.   

LSC is an equal opportunity employer.

Hybrid. Minimum of 2 days per week in office consistent with LSC’s Hybrid Work Policy.