Special Projects Advisor, Black Wealth Data Center

Black Wealth Data Center (BWDC) is seeking a talented, highly organized, and collaborative Special Projects Advisor (SPA) responsible for managing key initiatives and executing high-priority projects and key administrative functions. This role will work across departments, ensuring seamless project execution, strong internal systems, and effective stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the SPA serves as a key member of the leadership team and the executive office. This individual will participate in senior-level discussions and decision-making, presenting relevant information and research findings, and tracking and following up on deliberations, decisions, and action plans as appropriate. They will also draft policies, reports, correspondence, and other materials in a timely and expeditious manner.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent and practical communication abilities, and the ability to design and refine systems that enhance organizational effectiveness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Advisement & Strategic Initiatives

Ensure that the agenda and priorities of the ED’s office are understood, supported and advanced by BWDC staff by conducting briefings or meetings, providing clarification, direction or the necessary coordination, and/or carrying out key or vital initiatives on behalf of the ED.
Represent the ED in close consultation and collaboration with BWDC leadership teams and departments, as well as stakeholders, including the funder, JHU, and partners.
Act as a key advisor to the ED; identify and brief the ED on key issues requiring a detailed understanding and broader context of programs, initiatives, goals and objectives beyond day-to-day operational issues.
Ensure matters requiring the ED’s attention are developed, researched and evaluated thoroughly before presentation.
Review correspondence, communications, reports and presentations submitted to the ED; obtaining additional information and/or recommend appropriate changes to facilitate effective engagement.
Exercise independent discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for resolving issues and problems of material importance.
Collaborate with the leadership team to design, plan, and execute events, meetings, and conferences that advance organizational priorities and strengthen stakeholder engagement
Develop formal presentations for stock take meetings, conferences, field based convenings, and other events as needed.
Develop a strategic approach to client engagement, prioritizing target users, leveraging impactful forums, and measuring results.

Project Management & Execution

Manage the scope of complex, multi-phase projects, including goals, timelines, budgets, and objectives.
Develop and execute project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies, monitoring and reporting on progress and outcomes.
Responsible for managing clear tracking and accountability mechanisms.
Continuously improve systems for tracking and measuring work, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Implement structured workflows to ensure seamless coordination across departments.
Serve as a key representative for the ED with internal/external stakeholders, including the Greenwood Initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies (GWI).
Develop the agenda and strategic priorities for operating routines, including executive leadership meetings.

Reporting & Documentation

Conduct routine reporting and analysis on project status, including progress updates, key metrics, and any roadblocks to senior leadership.
Analyze project data to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary adjustments.
Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including post-project reviews, lessons learned, and implement strategic changes to future project plans.

Decision Support & Analysis

Analyze BWDC’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), providing insights to support decision-making for the ED and executive team.
Synthesize insights from multiple data sources to inform strategic priorities and project adjustments.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree in Finance, Business or related field.
Five years of related experience, with at least three years managing staff.
Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with philanthropic organizations, nonprofits, or mission-driven institutions.
Perceptive and politically savvy with a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and discretion
Ability to think and plan strategically and possess a leadership style that works in collaboration with a variety of constituencies, building effective and enjoyable working relationships
Strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and strategy development.
Knowledge of partnership dynamics between academic institutions, nonprofits, and funders.
Strong background in process creation, systems management, and documentation.
Experience working closely with executive leadership, with an ability to anticipate needs and drive high-priority initiatives.
Experience managing multi-sector stakeholder partnerships with private industry, philanthropy, or academic collaborations is a plus.
Familiarity with project management tools and workflow automation platforms.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Demonstrate emotional intelligence and the ability to use diplomacy and sensitivity in working with a diverse and broad range of constituents and relate effectively to individuals throughout all levels of the organization and its external stakeholders.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including outstanding listening, communication, persuasion, and presentation abilities, with a demonstrated focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
Understanding of and commitment to the mission of the organization.
Exceptional relationship management and ability to collaborate effectively across stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports, presentations, and documentation.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to tackling challenges.
Understanding of tracking and measuring impact, with experience analyzing organizational performance data.

Classified Title: Sr. Program Manager
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Special Projects Advisor, Black Wealth Data Center
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG
Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually ($150,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Hybrid/District of Columbia
Department name: Black Wealth Data Center - BWDC
Personnel area: School of Government & Policy

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University requires all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

Apply now »