Senior Program and Project Lead

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) seeks a highly skilled and motivated Senior Program and Project Lead to join the Programs department. This role plays a critical part in strengthening the execution, accountability, and impact of WACIF’s advisory services and signature programs.

The Senior Program and Project Lead is responsible for monitoring program performance, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, supporting the achievement of grant objectives established by the Chief Program Officer (CPO), and overseeing cross departmental project execution. Key responsibilities include partnering with Program Directors and Managers to advance programmatic goals, monitoring program budgets in collaboration with Finance, and driving continuous improvement across program operations.

This is a senior-level role that provides cross-functional leadership, operational oversight, and strategic coordination across the Programs department.

• Monitor advisory services programs to ensure compliance with grant requirements and objectives outlined in grant agreements.
• Regularly review program activities, documentation, and progress reports to ensure adherence to established guidelines and performance metrics.
• Collaborate with program managers and directors to identify areas for improvement and provide necessary support to achieve program goals.

• In conjunction with supporting the CPO, monitor program budgets and financial resources related to advisory services and signature programs.
• Work closely with program managers and directors to ensure proper allocation and utilization of funds.
• Notify and share financial targets and goals with program managers and directors outlined in grant and sponsorship agreements.
• Partners with Finance to track grant-related expenses, proactively address variances, and support timely financial reconciliation.
• Ensures all program expenses are submitted, processed, and fully paid prior to grant closeout, in compliance with funder and organizational requirements.

• Monitor and coordinate projects across internal departments, ensuring adherence to project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Design project boards using the  project management tool to track project progress, tasks, and milestones.
• Collaborate with department heads and project teams to identify and address any obstacles or bottlenecks that may impact project progress.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders using  to promote efficient project execution.
• Proactively identify risks, interdependencies, and operational gaps, and recommend corrective actions to leadership.

• In collaboration with the Program Managers and Directors, regularly assess program efficiency, identify areas for improvement, and recommend process enhancements to streamline operations.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and indicators to measure program effectiveness.
• Utilize the  tool to monitor and track the success of program improvements and process changes.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of program activities, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management and board meetings, providing insights on program performance and progress.
• Ensure compliance with all reporting requirements as outlined in grant agreements and funding guidelines.

• Set meeting agendas for program staff meetings and quarterly meetings, ensuring that key topics, updates, and discussions are addressed.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to gather necessary information and materials for meetings.
• Monitor and track deadlines for board reporting and grant reporting, ensuring timely submission of required documents and reports.

• Support the CPO, Program leaders, and other team members on various projects, events, and assignments.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Project Management) and/or master’s degree is preferred. Equivalent work experience with at least five years of experience.
• 5 years of proven experience in project or program management, preferably within the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and influence cross functional teams.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to drive accountability and results.
• Strong understanding of grant management, including monitoring grant requirements and objectives.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to assess program efficiency and…