Project Manager, Industrial Innovation Initiative

Great Plains Institute for Sustainable Development•Minneapolis, MN

9d•$82,000 - $93,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Industrial Innovation Initiative (I3) Project Manager will oversee I3 and serve as the primary point of contact for project partners and stakeholders. The manager will also work closely with other Industrial Innovation and Carbon Management team members to ensure that project goals and outcomes are achieved, and will engage with the IICM team on additional related projects at the direction of the IICM Vice President. The project manager will be expected to work both independently and with colleagues on projects. The successful candidate will be able to complete various work elements from conception to completion in a timely manner and follow detailed or minimal directions. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with project participants from diverse backgrounds, interests, and points of view; exercise good judgment in a variety of situations; maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities; utilize effective methods for time management and prioritization of tasks; and possess the ability to identify and address urgent and important needs in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Hours may be flexible and are typically Monday through Friday during the business day; some nights and weekends may be required. Some travel is also required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or relevant proven skills and experience
Prior experience (2+ years) working on public policy, federal, state, or otherwise
Prior experience working with and/or coordinating individuals in coalitions or other group settings, organizing events, and attending meetings or public events on behalf of an organization
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with very diverse individuals and institutions, including those with different backgrounds and political perspectives, with which you may personally disagree
Experience developing and maintaining professional relationships
High attention to detail and ability to work independently
Excellent time and deadline management, project management, and team relationship skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Commitment to the mission and goals of the Great Plains Institute

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of, or prior experience with climate, energy, and/or environmental issues a plus
Experience with campaign strategy and execution in public policy, political, and/or other contexts a plus

Responsibilities

Provide project management for I3, and collaborate on other work with the IICM team.
Develop and execute a detailed strategy to build out federal infrastructure for effective policy development and advocacy in industrial innovation, including synergies with other projects on GPI’s IICM team.
Develop a nonpartisan, consensus-based federal policy blueprint in 2026, and develop and execute a strategy to socialize the blueprint with the 120th Congress.
Work strategically with the Initiative’s government affairs consultants to support Initiative goals, including regular federal agency and Congressional meetings.
Recruit, develop, and maintain robust relationships with project participants.
Research federal policies and programs related to industrial innovation.
Research responses to requests for information and formal comments from federal agencies, as well as informal requests for information from Congressional offices.
Develop and maintain administrative processes to support project strategy.
Coordinate, prepare agendas, and staff project calls, including team calls, work groups, and plenary meetings.
Develop and publish project-related blog posts, fact sheets, and web content.
Develop and release a monthly program newsletter, including relevant industrial innovation updates for participants.
Compile and draft a detailed annual report to share with stakeholders.
Manage I3-related grants, in coordination with the IICM Senior Program Manager and Senior Coordinator, including preparing narratives and budgets for grant and contract proposals and reports.
Develop and maintain consistent relationships with current and prospective funders.
Participate in weekly IICM staff calls and other program calls, as needed.
Other programmatic assistance, including related to budget, strategy, and other IICM program projects (when needed and as directed).
Maintain relationships with peer organizations and a general level of awareness of what they are working on in the space of industrial innovation.
Maintain relationships with the Initiative’s co-convening organization, World Resources Institute, to ensure collaboration and project success.