Temporary Project Manager

Overview

The Urban Studio seeks a detail-oriented, collaborative, and execution-focused Project Manager to support the delivery of the Drawn to Water program, a grant-funded community engagement initiative under the EPA Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. This role provides structured coordination, outreach, documentation, and accountability for a defined project period, working closely with the Creative Director to ensure all activities, partners, and deliverables align with contractual obligations and federal reporting requirements.

The Project Manager plays a hands-on role supporting community workshops, partner coordination, volunteer engagement, and field documentation. This is a time-bound position designed to translate the approved Scope of Work in the Drawn to Water consulting agreement into well-executed, well-documented outcomes.

The position is primarily remote, with required availability for in-person support at community workshops and public engagement activities within the project region.

Compensation and Term

This is a part-time independent contractor position. The Project Manager is responsible for managing their own taxes and submitting monthly invoices itemizing hours worked and activities performed.

Compensation ranges from $30 to $35 per hour, commensurate with experience, not to exceed the total contract amount established in the Drawn to Water consulting agreement.

The contract term aligns with the Drawn to Water project period as defined in the consulting agreement. The expected level of effort is approximately 133 hours per month during the contract period (approximately400 total hours). Continuation is contingent upon performance and the availability of grant funding.

Core Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination and Execution

• Coordinate and support implementation of the Drawn to Water program in alignment with the approved Scope of Work and project timeline.
• Manage scheduling and logistics for community workshops, art activities, school-based engagements, and public events.
• Coordinate with artists, educators, community partners, and volunteers to ensure smooth execution of activities.
• Support on-site activities, including material preparation, event setup, facilitation assistance, and participant flow.
• Track project tasks, milestones, and deliverables to ensure timely completion.

2. Outreach, Engagement, and Partner Support

• Support outreach and communication with schools, community organizations, partner agencies, and volunteers.
• Coordinate confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups for workshops and engagement activities.
• Assist in co-creating engagement materials, visuals, and educational resources in collaboration with program staff.
• Facilitate inclusive participation by supporting clear communication, accessible logistics, and responsive coordination.
• Maintain organized records of partner contacts, schedules, and engagement notes.

3. Documentation, Data, and Reporting Support

• Collect and maintain accurate attendance records, sign-in sheets, and participation data for all workshops and events.
• Gather participant feedback, photographs, and field notes to support reporting and storytelling.
• Organize documentation in alignment with federal grant, audit, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Maintain monthly timesheets, activity logs, and brief progress summaries as required by the consulting agreement.
• Support the preparation of summaries and metrics for interim and final project reports.

4. Systems and Compliance Support

• Use established organizational tools and platforms to track activities, contacts, and deliverables.
• Ensure documentation and recordkeeping meet contractual, audit, and funder compliance standards.
• Support adherence to nondiscrimination, accessibility, and federal grant requirements, as applicable.
• Flag risks, delays, or scope concerns early and propose practical solutions.

5. Communication and Accountability

• Participate in scheduled check-ins and planning meetings with the Creative Director.
• Provide concise updates on completed work, upcoming activities, and support needs.
• Coordinate effectively with staff, consultants, and partners to maintain alignment and momentum.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in project management, community engagement, nonprofit programs, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, schedules, and deliverables simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly with documentation and data tracking.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working in both administrative and field-based settings.
• Ability to follow defined scopes of work while adapting to real-world conditions.
• Familiarity with grant-funded or publicly funded projects preferred.

Work Style and Fit

The Urban Studio values clarity, collaboration, and follow-through. The ideal Temporary Project Manager is proactive, reliable, and comfortable operating within defined project parameters while remaining flexible and solutions-oriented. This role is critical to ensuring that commitments made in consulting agreements are translated into well-documented, well-executed outcomes.

Reporting and Communication

Reports directly to the Creative Director. Works in close coordination with program staff and external partners. Provides regular written and verbal progress updates aligned with project reporting needs.

Application Process

Apply at this link: https://forms.clickup.com/9011605755/f/8cj4c7v-4211/3L4TJW6JAJXZM58WB0.

No cover letter is required; answer the questions below with your application.

Temporary Project Manager Applicant Questions

Please answer briefly (2–4 sentences per question).

1. Prioritization and Execution

You are managing a tabling event at a Back-to-School night at a local community center: coordinating with the host organization, confirming high school volunteers, picking up equipment from the storage unit, and setting up iPads and monitors. Describe how you would prioritize these tasks and what tools or systems you would use to ensure everything is completed accurately and on time.

2. Authenticity and Representation

This role requires representing The Urban Studio in community-facing settings while building genuine relationships. What experience do you have working with people of backgrounds different from your own? What does authenticity in representation mean to you?

3. Intentionality in Programming

You are interested in doing a one-hour art and nature workshop at the Boys and Girls Club with youth ages 6 through 12. How would you approach early engagement with the partner and community? If their needs differ from the pre-defined program design, how would you assess and navigate potential adjustments?

6. Use of AI Tools

The Urban Studio encourages the use of AI tools. Did you use any AI tools (such as ChatGPT) in preparing this application? If so, briefly describe how you used them.