Project Manager | Family Defense Project (Contract Position)

Fully Remote • TRLA-REMOTE - Mercedes, TX 78570

Overview

Salary Range

$65,500.00 - $106,400.00 Salary

Job Description

Position Summary

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is seeking a Project Manager to contract with our Family Defense Project. The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Family Defense Moonshot Project that serves underserved and vulnerable families with Texas Department of Family and Protective (DFPS) involvement. This role includes managing a complex, multi-partner project, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, tracking performance metrics, and coordinating internal teams and external stakeholders. The Project Manager will play a key role in aligning program delivery with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

• Plan, implement, and support legal services programs from initiation through completion, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Coordinate and direct the activities of cross-functional project teams; monitor progress to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget.
• Develop project charters, work plans, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Use project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project) to track progress and document decisions.
• Facilitate changing management processes and ensure proper documentation of changes in scope, resources, or deliverables.
• Plan and coordinate multi-organization in person continuing legal education convenings for organization and partners.

Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, partner organizations, and funders.
• Schedule and lead project-related meetings; maintain clear and timely communication regarding project progress, milestones, risks, and updates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including legal aid partners, funders, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
• Represent the organization at conferences, coalitions, and stakeholder convenings as needed.

Program Evaluation & Compliance

• Develop evaluation tools and performance indicators to measure impact and track program goals.
• Monitor compliance with grant requirements and funding regulations.
• Prepare detailed reports for funders, board members, and executive leadership, summarizing progress, outcomes, and challenges.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement strategies based on evaluation findings.

Administrative Oversight & Organizational Alignment

• Contribute to strategic planning efforts and ensure programs align with organizational priorities.
• Support budget development and monitor program expenditures to ensure responsible use of funds.
• Support fundraising efforts by providing program data and content for grant proposals or reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to collaborate across teams with diverse perspectives.
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision-making.
• Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.

Work Environment

• Occasional travel for site visits, trainings, or partner meetings may be required.

Qualifications & Preferences

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, legal studies, or a related field. Master’s degree or JD preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in project or program management.
• Experience working in or with legal services, nonprofit, public interest, or government agencies preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in project management systems (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and grant documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Project Management (PMP, CAPM, or similar).
• Familiarity with legal service delivery models, access to justice frameworks, or public interest law.
• Experience with grant management, including reporting, compliance, and performance tracking.
• Training or certification in process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Kaizen).
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly in Spanish, a plus.

Contract position

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.