Contingent Project Manager – Unlocking Opportunities

Harper College•Palatine, IL

2d•$40 - $50

About The Position

Responsibilities Responsible for providing operational, administrative, and strategic project management support for the three-year Aspen Unlocking Opportunity initiative, which focuses on improving postsecondary and economic outcomes by expanding access to high-transfer, high-demand, and high-wage pathways. This includes coordinating cross-functional activities, tracking progress against goals and milestones, supporting team communication, and ensuring effective execution of project plans. Works closely with internal staff, partners, and stakeholders to maintain alignment, accountability, and momentum throughout the initiative. Independently manages execution, ensures timely project completion with minimal supervision, and ensures Harper College meets all Aspen deadlines. Responsible for supporting Aspen Institute Unlocking Opportunities (AIUO) internal team in the planning, implementation, and completion of initiatives aligned with student success and institutional goals. Develop, manage, and execute project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables; proactively identify risks and delays and implement mitigation strategies. Monitor project progress, performance metrics, and key performance indicators; analyze data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Attend internal and Aspen Institute–led meetings, workshops, and office hours; share key takeaways with internal team and escalate questions as needed. Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying process efficiencies, applying evidence-based practices, and documenting lessons learned. Document project decisions, facilitate meetings as needed, and track follow-up actions to ensure accountability. Maintain accurate and complete project records and documentation in accordance with Aspen Unlocking Opportunities requirements, grant agreements, and Harper standards. Ensure compliance with Aspen Unlocking Opportunities, grant requirements, timelines, and reporting; assist with documentation for audits, site visits, and evaluations. Prepare reports and supporting documentation for internal leadership and external partners. Support proper project closeout, including documentation of outcomes, data findings, lessons learned, and sustainability planning. Leverage project management, collaboration, and office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Planner, Teams, Outlook, Excel, and other Harper College systems) to track progress, facilitate communication, manage documentation, and support data-driven decision-making. Facilitate collaboration and engagement among faculty, staff, and external partners (including employers and advisory boards) across academic, student services, and administrative departments to ensure alignment with project goals and maximize impact. Perform related duties as assigned. Schedule Information: This is a temporary, contingent (part-time) position aligned with the Aspen Unlocking Opportunity initiative. The term of employment begins Spring 2026 and continues through June 2028, with work scheduled according to project milestones and deadlines. Hours Per Week: 10 – 25 hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Hours may vary weekly based on team schedules and availability. Contingent employee hours may not exceed 1,040 per year. Hourly Rate: $40-$50 per hour based on academic and professional experience. About the Team: The Aspen Institute Unlocking Opportunity Core Team is composed of 12 team members from across the College and is led by a Project Lead, Project Assistant and Data Lead. The Project Manager will support this team to finalize student success strategy development and organization in Spring 2026. The Project Manager will then support the strategy teams in fiscal years 26-27 and 27-28 to implement strategies.

Requirements

Associates degree with at least one of the following certifications: Project Management Professional, Agile Certified Practitioner, or Six Sigma.
Minimum two years of direct experience in project management.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and employers to meet deadlines.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication and analytical skills required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree with at least one of the following certifications: Project Management Professional, Agile Certified Practitioner, or Six Sigma.
Preferred background in higher education, workforce development, student initiatives, or grant-funded programs.

Responsibilities

Providing operational, administrative, and strategic project management support for the three-year Aspen Unlocking Opportunity initiative
Coordinating cross-functional activities
Tracking progress against goals and milestones
Supporting team communication
Ensuring effective execution of project plans
Working closely with internal staff, partners, and stakeholders to maintain alignment, accountability, and momentum throughout the initiative
Independently managing execution
Ensuring timely project completion with minimal supervision
Ensuring Harper College meets all Aspen deadlines
Supporting Aspen Institute Unlocking Opportunities (AIUO) internal team in the planning, implementation, and completion of initiatives aligned with student success and institutional goals
Developing, managing, and executing project plans, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables
Proactively identifying risks and delays and implement mitigation strategies
Monitoring project progress, performance metrics, and key performance indicators
Analyzing data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
Attending internal and Aspen Institute–led meetings, workshops, and office hours
Sharing key takeaways with internal team and escalate questions as needed
Supporting continuous improvement efforts by identifying process efficiencies, applying evidence-based practices, and documenting lessons learned
Documenting project decisions, facilitate meetings as needed, and track follow-up actions to ensure accountability
Maintaining accurate and complete project records and documentation in accordance with Aspen Unlocking Opportunities requirements, grant agreements, and Harper standards
Ensuring compliance with Aspen Unlocking Opportunities, grant requirements, timelines, and reporting
Assisting with documentation for audits, site visits, and evaluations
Preparing reports and supporting documentation for internal leadership and external partners
Supporting proper project closeout, including documentation of outcomes, data findings, lessons learned, and sustainability planning
Leveraging project management, collaboration, and office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Planner, Teams, Outlook, Excel, and other Harper College systems) to track progress, facilitate communication, manage documentation, and support data-driven decision-making
Facilitating collaboration and engagement among faculty, staff, and external partners (including employers and advisory boards) across academic, student services, and administrative departments to ensure alignment with project goals and maximize impact
Performing related duties as assigned