Director, Project Management Office

Director, Project Management Office (PMO)

Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our rapidly growing MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.

+ About MxD

MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.

MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited PTO programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides. MxD embodies a strong startup culture with its creative and collaborative working environment, fostering curiosity and innovation. Diversity is key and integral to MxD culture, as different backgrounds, thoughts, and ideas are critical to success.

+ Position Overview

MxD is seeking an experienced Director for the Project Management Office (PMO). The Director, Project Management Office (PMO), is responsible for leading and supervising the PMO team to execute all MxD projects (R&D, cyber, government and non-government funded projects), including the management and accountability of project timelines, scope and milestones from scoping through project closeout. This position will report to the VP, Projects and Engineering.

The ideal candidate will be someone who understands the complexities of working on projects with public and private partners. This individual will be able to identify creative solutions to problems facing our project partners and is adept at navigating the requirements of Government contracts. This candidate should have a strong background and understanding of manufacturing and technical project management and should be able to get results through others.

+ Position Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Lead PMO team which includes responsibility for R&D, cybersecurity, and other projects
• Define and own the vision, strategy, and measures of success for MxD’s program management process and project outcomes
• Provide consistent and concise verbal and written communications to executive level stakeholders including project management performance reporting, milestone reporting, status reporting, issue and risk management, and quality reporting on a regular basis
• Lead and manage the performance of managers in the PMO

Best Practices:

• Establish accountability measures for project timelines, scope, and milestones for a variety of projects (internal and external)
• Develop and ensure implementation of PMO process and policies
• Champion strong project governance and execution assurance processes
• Ensure the allocation of resources for the management of project timelines, scope, and milestones for a variety of projects (internal and external)

Risk Management:

• Serve as a point of escalation between stakeholders of the program/project to ensure execution of program deliverables, timelines, priorities, and resolution of issues
• Interface with MxD Government Program Manager and other Government personnel to communicate project portfolio status across and risks to project planning, contracting, execution, and closeout
• Identify project, program, and portfolio priorities, deal with challenges, and communicate project risks and opportunities

+ Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. A bachelor's in engineering or another technical area is preferred. MBA or Masters in Engineering degree preferred
• PMP certification highly preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in technical project management from ideation to execution and deployment
• Demonstrated people management experience is required
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, along with excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to interface with internal and external executive-level staff
• Demonstrated ability leading, collaborating and developing cross-functional and diverse teams
• Experience working in a federal government contracting environment is required
• Must be local to the Chicagoland area and willing and able to be onsite at 2 days a week and as well as on an as-needed basis.
• Hands-on, team-oriented, and committed to the advancement of manufacturing technologies in the U.S.
• Ability for some travel (10%)
• Ability and desire to work in a highly dynamic environment.
• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting and submitting your resume with a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role and MxD. Tip: Meeting the qualifications is important, but a great cover letter will set you apart

Work with Us

• MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don’t mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
• Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
• MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options. MxD partners with ABM transportation to provide a free shuttle from various public transit stops in and around the Downtown Chicago area to MxD. Also, MxD provides free parking for employees.

Flexible Work Policy

• MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

• MxD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse environment in our workplace, our communities, and within the tech industry. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.