Special Projects Manager #W5445 (Division of Benefit Programs)
About The Position
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Benefit Programs is currently seeking a Special Projects Manager. This position supports the Director by planning, leading and executing numerous, simultaneous projects that may be held within the Division, may span other Divisions across the Human Services Portfolio, or intersect with other VDSS portfolios and divisions, as well as with local and community partners. This position is responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing a variety of Division-wide initiatives and projects that enhance benefit program delivery in the Commonwealth and enhance Division and Department outcomes and goals. This position is embedded in the daily movement of the Director’s priorities—managing projects, monitoring progress, following up on action items, preparing meeting materials, organizing information, and surfacing issues that need leadership attention. Operating with strong organizational skills and a high level of independence, the Special Projects Manager serves as a central coordination hub, helping the Director prioritize workload and manage projects.
Requirements
- Significant experience in project management, including the management of multifaceted projects and proficiency in project management tools.
- Considerable experience providing executive level support, including handling confidential information and high-priority projects and tasks.
- Considerable experience developing presentations and reports for executive review.
- Demonstrated experience leading project teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously, with proven organizational skills to coordinate resources, set priorities, and achieve project objectives efficiently.
- A general understanding of the structure of Virginia’s social services system.
- Comprehensive understanding of project management principles, including scope definition, timeline development, and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong knowledge of change management and implementation science.
- Knowledge of continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods and data driven decision making.
- Knowledge of human service programs, particularly Benefit Programs.
- Knowledge of the state supervised locally administered human services delivery system.
- Familiarity with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Asana, and Excel.
- Skill in translating a strategic vision into a defined project concept, identifying resources, stakeholders, and implementation processes.
- Skill in aligning project and team goals with organizational priorities.
- Skill in setting, managing, and maintaining stakeholder expectations.
- Skill in communicating project goals, objectives, and expectations clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Skill in creating documentation that accurately reflects project requirements, processes, and outcomes.
- Skill in providing constructive feedback and guidance to support workflow improvements and CQI efforts.
- Skill in using data to monitor progress, support decision making, and drive continuous improvement.
- Skill in assigning, monitoring, and managing individual and team tasks to ensure timely, high quality deliverables.
- Ability to motivate and inspire others by communicating a clear project vision and organizational goals.
- Ability to promote cooperation, enthusiasm, trust, and open exchange of ideas to foster innovative solutions.
- Ability to work collaboratively across divisions and build strong partnerships that support project success.
- Ability to think critically, anticipate needs, and maintain a broad perspective beyond individual tasks or stakeholders.
- Ability to adapt quickly in fast paced environments and deploy resources effectively.
- Ability to lead cross functional teams and support change initiatives.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and emergent issues simultaneously.
- Ability to engage diverse audiences and foster stakeholder buy in through clear communication and collaboration.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with project management/planning with artificial intelligence (AI) at a state level.
- Proficiency with AI development.
Responsibilities
- Planning, leading and executing numerous, simultaneous projects.
- Planning, executing, and overseeing a variety of Division-wide initiatives and projects that enhance benefit program delivery.
- Managing projects, monitoring progress, following up on action items, preparing meeting materials, organizing information, and surfacing issues that need leadership attention.
- Serving as a central coordination hub, helping the Director prioritize workload and manage projects.
Benefits
- Health and life insurance benefits
- Pre-tax spending accounts
- State funded Short and Long Term Disability
- Paid holidays
- Vacation
- Tuition assistance
- Free wellness programs
- State retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
