Director, Project Management Office

Easterseals Southern California is a longstanding organization committed to transforming lives by championing inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. With a rich history spanning over a century, Easterseals Southern California has been a pillar in delivering essential services such as early childhood programs, autism services, employment support, and independent living assistance. Serving more than 29,000 individuals annually, the establishment fosters an environment of advocacy and education, breaking down barriers to create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. As a nonprofit leader in the social service sector, Easterseals Southern California makes a profound impact in the community, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

The current employment opportunity is for a leadership role within the Project Management Office (PMO) at Easterseals Southern California. This salaried position starts at $116,000 per year and involves overseeing project managers, solution consultants, and test analysts to ensure successful project execution consistent with the organization's strategic plans. The role is designed to standardize project execution, provide guidance on project management methodologies, and manage a diverse portfolio of projects across the organization. The successful candidate will manage daily operations within the PMO, oversee ESSC Finance, and lead staff effectively.

Key responsibilities include managing program managers, project coordinators, and subject matter experts to guarantee projects are completed flawlessly, aligning with organizational goals. The position requires active participation in project governance processes, evaluating requests for technical feasibility, and developing business cases to validate project viability. Additionally, the role encompasses resource scheduling, budget management, and maintaining project dashboards for consistent tracking and reporting. The candidate will also be responsible for training and standardizing tools and practices in the PMO to ensure industry standards and evidence-based practices are met.

This leadership role demands a highly skilled professional with 10-15 years of experience in portfolio, program, and project management, including at least seven years in supervisory positions. The ideal candidate is proficient in demand management, strategic planning, and is certified in project management methodologies such as PMP, PGMP, or CSM. Additional preferred qualifications include process improvement certifications like Lean Six Sigma or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt. The individual must also demonstrate exceptional administrative, leadership, and communication skills, capable of managing multiple fast-paced projects, motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and engaging stakeholders effectively.

In this dynamic role, the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly, maintain confidentiality, and abide by regulatory standards including HIPAA is crucial. The candidate must be adept at using project management tools such as MS Office, Smartsheet, and JIRA, and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Flexibility to work after hours or weekends, maintain a valid driver's license with insurance and registration, and pass drug and physical evaluations are also part of the employment requirements.

Easterseals Southern California offers a rewarding career path for individuals passionate about making a difference through effective project leadership and organizational excellence. Joining the team means contributing to a mission-driven organization that values innovation, inclusion, and positive outcomes for individuals with disabilities. This position not only involves driving successful project deliveries but also plays a crucial role in enhancing the organization’s capacity to deliver impactful programs and services across Southern California.