Project Manager/Community Playspace Build Manager

Who We Are:

KABOOM! is the national nonprofit committed to ensuring that every kid, in every community, has an amazing place to play. Our mission is to end playspace inequity – the reality that playspaces are not available to every child, especially in communities of color. We unite with communities to build kid-designed playspaces that can spark joy and foster a sense of belonging for the kids who are often denied opportunities to thrive.

About the Role:

The Programs Team is seeking an organized, passionate, and community-oriented critical thinker to lead the execution of KABOOM! community-build projects. Each project culminates in a transformative volunteer experience that unites communities to create lasting positive change. This position involves collaborative efforts across teams in preparation for playground projects and reports to the Director of Project Management. The PM will work closely with vendors, professional installation teams, community organizations, funding partners, and a diverse range of community & corporate volunteers to deliver playspace projects on time and within budget.

We’re excited to offer not just a job, but a career path full of opportunities for growth and advancement. You’ll be positioned at the forefront of community engagement, gaining invaluable experience that sets you on a trajectory toward leadership roles within our organization and the broader field.

What You’ll Do:

Community-led Design

• Facilitate an interactive and inclusive community-driven design process where diverse ideas are sought, encouraged, and seamlessly integrated into the playground design.
• Conduct a hands-on site walk to assess the future playground location, take measurements, outline site preparation requirements, and creatively solve logistical challenges.
• Lead an exciting design session for 20-30 kids where they can bring their dream playground to life, along with a dynamic adult meeting where community members share their feedback and priorities for the design.
• Facilitate a collaborative planning session with community members, organization staff, and the funding sponsor to kick off a shared planning phase in preparation for the 3-day build.
• Partner with manufacturing teams to ensure the playspace design aligns with the dreams of the community and kids.

Project Planning

• Lead weekly strategic planning calls to coordinate project execution requirements: volunteers, food, tools, etc.
• Manage construction and logistics to ensure seamless project facilitation and an exceptional volunteer experience.
• Collaborate with vendors to order materials, confirm designs, and schedule deliveries.
• Develop and document a comprehensive installation plan by coordinating with the installation supervisor, community partner, and key project stakeholders.
• Oversee and manage the construction budget effectively.
• Prepare timely closing documentation to wrap up projects smoothly.

Construction Site and Event Leadership

• Lead an energizing 3-day playground installation event from start to finish.
• Coordinate and energize subcontractors, staff, volunteers, and partner staff to install the playground and site amenities. Create detailed plans and demonstrate excellent critical thinking skills to ensure a memorable experience for volunteers and partners.
• Monitor the job site to ensure all materials and tools are readily available. Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient site.
• Conduct on-site volunteer training for small and large groups.
• Collaborate with Installation Supervisors to ensure the playground installation is precise and on schedule. Conduct checklist walkthroughs before leaving the site.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all volunteers and staff on site.
• Leverage volunteers and organization staff to manage logistics, including volunteer registration, meal service, and music.
• Create a lively and organized atmosphere by leading kickoff, midday, and closing announcements.
• If applicable, coordinate the completion of post-build action steps needed for the playground within approved timelines.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain strong relationships with facilities leads on municipal entities and child-serving nonprofits.
• Provide support to the Programs team as needed, including managing vendor relations, developing and refining policies and procedures, maintaining project management supplies, overseeing team training, and other work to meet team needs.
• Collaborate with the community partner and Outreach Manager in developing engaging post-build programming and ensuring long-term site maintenance.

What You’ll Bring:

Required Skills

• Experience in volunteer management and/or event management.
• Minimum of two years in Project or Event Management experience; preferred, but not required, in the fields of Construction or Recreation.
• Ability to facilitate a participatory design process, listening to, uplifting, and guiding community voices to redesign spaces that meet their needs.
• Innovative thinking and ability to proactively solve challenges and achieve desired outcomes.
• Confidence in navigating and leading others through uncertainty, shifting timelines, or changing circumstances.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility to travel up to 60% of the year within the U.S., with occasional travel to Canada.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.

Preferred Skills

• Ability to communicate in a language other than English, particularly Spanish

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Strong project coordination skills across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities effectively.
• Experience working with vendors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Ability to operate in dynamic, cross-functional environments.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Comfort working in active outdoor build environments with extended hours, variable weather, and frequent movement throughout the day.
• Ability to support safe on-site execution, including coordination of basic hand tools, materials, and build-day logistics in accordance with safety practices.
• Ability to support on-site setup and execution, including assisting with project materials and equipment, such as toolboxes, pelican cases, supplies, and signage, in coordination with vendors and build partners.
• Ability to manage travel demands associated with high-energy, multi-day events, including early departures, long days, and schedule adjustments.

Other Position Details

• This position is full-time
• Location: Bethesda, Maryland (Hybrid)
• Salary: $65,000

Equal Opportunity Statement

Building an inclusive, high-performing team that is diverse across lines of personal identity is integral to our success and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. This means we do not discriminate against any job applicant or employee because of their race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment.

We actively strive and evolve to develop and maintain fully inclusive workspaces. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.

Note: The physical demands described here are representative of those associated with this position and may be necessary to perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employee agreement between the employer and the employee: this description is subject to change by the employer as the needs and requirements of the position change.

What We Offer:

At KABOOM!, we believe in supporting your well-being, financial security, and professional growth. Our total rewards package includes:

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
• Annual bonus eligibility based on team and individual performance
• Student Loan Assistance Program
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance, wellness resources, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays
• Opportunities for professional development