HEDx Project Manager

HEDx Project Manager | Job Posting

Position Summary:

The Project Manager (PM) will be responsible for managing and supporting the Higher Education Democracy Exchange (HEDx), as part of the Campus Compact/AAC&U Higher Education Democracy Initiative (HEDI). This position reports to the Campus Compact President. Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. As the only national higher education association dedicated solely to higher education civic and community engagement, Campus Compact enables higher education institutions to develop students’ citizenship skills and forge effective community partnerships. Our resources support senior administrators, faculty, staff, and students as they pursue community-based teaching, scholarship, and action in the service of positive change.

The Higher Education Democracy Initiative focuses on advancing higher education’s public purpose of supporting democracy through national collaboration, campus action, and increased visibility for pluralism and unity. This initiative is undertaken in collaboration with Campus Compact, the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U), More Perfect, and the Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia. The Ibis Group generously supports this project.

A key component of the initiative is the development of the Higher Education Democracy Exchange (HEDx), a multi-functional platform that can be used to bring together the voices, resources, and innovations that will move us toward that more hopeful future and the tools and resources that will enable measurement of impact. In short, this platform aims to advance democracy by catalyzing civic learning and spur innovation. The HEDx platform will be multi-functional, data-driven, inclusive, dynamic and evolving to meet the needs of an ever-changing field. The four core functional areas of the platform are: Civic Indicator Dashboards, Civic Credential Clearinghouse, Scaling Innovative Practices and Resource Hubs, Civic Experts Networks.

The HEDx Project Manager will work closely with both Compact and AAC&U staff members, engage with external partners, and ensure the successful completion of the HEDx Project. This is a Full-time, exempt, 18-month fixed term position.

Key Responsibilities:

1. HEDx Project Planning and Management: Support project leads, Bobbie Laur, Campus Compact’s President and Dr. Ashley Finley, Vice President of Research and Senior Advisor to the President for the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), and all the HEDx project partners with the planning, execution, and evaluation of the HEDx Project and initiatives. Develop and manage project plans, timelines, administration, and budgets in collaboration with relevant stakeholders,ensuring we are reaching our project goals and expectations of our funders and partners.
   • Key Project Components Include: Platform Design, Platform Development, Platform Beta Testing and Refinement, Public Release, Dissemination
2. Vendor, Consultant, and Advisor Management: Serve as the key point of contact for project vendors, including the platform development partner and other consultants. Oversee the process for selecting the platform development vendor, including supporting the development of an RFP. Manage the scope of work and timelines for the project advisors.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships: Engage with campus leaders, strategic partners, funders, and other stakeholders to gather input, share HEDx project updates, and ensure alignment with their needs and priorities.
4. Meeting/Event Management: In collaboration with event staff, coordinate in-person and virtual meetings/events that advance HEDx project goals. The Project Manager will coordinate agenda/program development, scheduling, event communications, registration, and other key logistics (e.g. registration, space, food, technology, etc.).
5. Research and Analysis: Gather relevant research and data to inform decision-making, assess the effectiveness of each HEDx project component, and identify emerging trends and opportunities in the higher education and civic engagement sectors.
6. Resource Support & Management: In collaboration with the project leads, and consultants, provide any additional support and management to identify opportunities, develop relationships, and engage with current and new partners to ensure Compact has the resources, tools, and support available to successfully complete the HEDx project.
7. Communications & Reporting: Coordinate with communications staff to develop digital and print media designated to engage and inform key stakeholders. Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to communicate project progress, outcomes, and impact to internal and external stakeholders.
8. Evaluation and Assessment: In consultation with project leads, support the development of and implementation of evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of each stage of the project. Collect and analyze data related to project outcomes and impact, and use insights to drive continuous improvement. Lead the writing of interim and final reports for the project’s funder.
9. Budget Management: Working closely with the project leads, and the Campus Compact Director of Finance & Administration, to manage project budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure fiscal responsibility, compliance, and reporting.
10. Organizational Engagement: Active participation in Compact team activities, including regular staff meetings, retreats, and major events. Complete other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organized. We’ll rely on the Project Manager to meet deadlines and deliver consistently high-quality work
• Strong and collaborative with the confidence to take the lead on projects, organize others, and solve problems.
• Thrives working in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable managing multiple priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• A strong writer who feels comfortable communicating directly with Compact members, partners, event attendees, and other audiences; Grant writing and fundraising experience is a plus.
• Proficient in office and related technology; project management software and tools proficiency is preferred.
• Experience with compiling, synthesizing, and reporting summarized research.
• An associate or undergraduate degree; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in project or program management or related positions, preferably in the non-profit or higher education sector.
• A strong understanding of civic engagement, democratic engagement, social responsibility, and community engagement programming and activities within higher education, is ideal.

As an employee of Campus Compact you strive to represent and live Campus Compact’s Shared Values & Commitments in both how you show up for and work with your colleagues as well as Compact’s partners and communities:

• Equity: We prioritize full participation and diversity of thought, experience, and background. We center equity in our actions, processes, and practices to uplift diverse voices and perspectives.
• Growth mindset: We consistently push ourselves and each other to do and be better. We are motivated by growth—embracing new ideas, prioritizing continuous learning, and meeting challenges head-on.
• Accountability: We recognize that long-term change requires individual and shared ownership of personal and organizational actions. We own our mistakes, give each other grace, collaborate openly, and hold ourselves to high standards of integrity.
• Responsiveness: We ensure our offerings, resources, and approaches are flexible, grounded in feedback, and responsive to the challenges of our time.
• Transparency: We are direct and authentic within our team, with our members, and with our partners. We know that building trust starts with consistent, honest, and transparent communication.

Physical requirements:

• This is primarily a sedentary position requiring the ability to sit at a desk and use a computer and phone most of the day.
• Minor bending and lifting periodically (mostly related to assisting with occasional events)

Primary internal and external contacts associated with this position:

• Project Partners
• Compact Staff & Representative
• Non-Profit, Institutional, and other partners
• Funder Representatives

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Compensation & Location

Campus Compact provides a competitive benefits package, including national healthcare coverage, generous paid time off, and an employer retirement contribution. The organization prioritizes employee well-being and professional development and lives out those values through a flexible work environment, an inclusive and caring culture, and dedicated resources to professional development.

The hiring range for this position is an annual salary of $65,000-$75,000. The final salary within this range will be determined based on relevant experience. This is a full-time, exempt, 18-month fixed-term, fully-remote position. With limited travel possible.

To Apply:

Please send a Resume and Cover Letter to HEDxProjectManager@compact.org

Please make sure your cover letter specifically speaks to your:

• Project management experience;
• Experience, passion, and connection to civic engagement, democratic engagement, social responsibility, and/or community engagement programming and activities:
  • especially highlighting any experience within higher education
• And an acknowledgement that you understand that this is a full-time, exempt, 18-month fixed term position.
• *Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with priority given to applicants who apply by

February 7th, 2025.

Campus Compact strives to attract and retain a diverse and talented staff who will contribute to the organization’s goals, mission, and vision. We encourage individuals of all ethnic, racial, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply. Campus Compact is committed to increasing our team’s diversity, consistent with the values of our network. Campus Compact is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals. It does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member), or any other basis prohibited by law.