ESD 113- Project Manager- Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

Project Manager- Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives

Best to Apply By: 11/13/25

Capital Region ESD 113 is committed to closing gaps, growing people, influencing change, and eradicating racism through our service to our region and state. BIPOC as well as culturally and linguistically diverse candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a part time position,4 hours/day, 260 days/year.

Benefits include Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance; FSA/DCAP; Life/AD&D Insurance; LTD Insurance; EAP; Retirement; DCP; Annual Leave, Sick Leave Holiday Pay and Personal Leave.

Please see the job description below for a list of Essential Functions and Job Requirements.

Purpose Statement

The job of Project Manager- Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives is done for the purpose/s of planning, executing, and overseeing projects that advance strategic education initiatives across ESD 113's five-county region. This role coordinates all aspects of LEADER projects from initiation to completion, manages resources and timelines, and builds relationships with partners. The Project Manager serves as the central point of communication, ensures team members and partners align on goals, and addresses issues promptly to maintain project momentum.

Essential Functions

Assists with a variety of activities with the LEADER team and contractors for the purpose of successful, timely, and transparent implementation of the work plan and other emerging LEADER projects.

Collaborates with the Director- Cultural Innovation and Strategic Initiatives to respond to inquiries from a variety of sources for the purpose of providing information, direction, and appropriate referrals.

Conducts project reviews for the purpose of evaluating project effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement.

Develops detailed project plans, tracks performance, and manages changes for the purpose of ensuring project components are clearly defined, maintaining project integrity, and achieving successful completion.

Develops measurement plans, collects and analyzes program data through quantitative and qualitative methods, and prepares grant reports for the purpose of demonstrating measurable impact, ensuring transparency, and meeting funder requirements.

Establishes and maintains relationships with school districts, colleges, and community organizations, ESDs, and Core Team members for the purpose of strengthening collaborative networks, leveraging regional resources, and facilitating unified project execution.

Executes project activities ensuring alignment with organizational goals and timelines for the purpose of achieving project objectives efficiently.

Facilitates community-building activities and opportunities for Core Team connection and collaboration for the purpose of strengthening relationships and shared commitment.

Gathers information through research, interviews, and surveys and prepares programmatic materials for the purpose of building understanding with LEADER partners and meeting grant requirements.

Identifies and manages potential risks throughout the project lifecycle, developing mitigation strategies for the purpose of minimizing their impact on project outcomes.

Implements rubric-based evaluation processes to determine funding eligibility based on need and potential for the purpose of ensuring equitable distribution of educator pathway funds.

Maintains accurate and complete records and documents in compliance with the Washington State Local Government Common Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and Public Schools (K-12) Records Retention Schedule for the purpose of ensuring proper classification, retention, and disposal of all agency documentation in accordance with state regulatory requirements.

Manages the educator pathway funding application process including application development, distribution, and review for the purpose of increasing community representation in the ESD 113 region's education workforce.

Monitors budget activity and funding distribution for the purpose of ensuring accurate allocations, maintaining grant compliance, and ensuring stewardships of resources.

Plans and designs affinity spaces for the purpose of creating environments where participants feel supported and experience belonging.

Serves as the primary point of contact for partners providing regular updates on project status for the purpose of keeping all parties informed and engaged throughout the project lifecycles.

Travels intermittently to ESD 113 sites and school districts across the five-county service region, for the purpose of meeting with clients and fulfilling project requirements.

Works independently under broad organizational guidelines for the purpose of achieving objectives.

Other Functions

Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them to complete their work activities.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: accounting and bookkeeping principles; and pertinent codes, regulations, policies, and laws.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; performing accounting procedures; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and consider a variety of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using a variety of processes. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of types of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: demonstrated ability to plan, implement, monitor, and report project grants and contract; develop, conduct, and evaluate training and technical assistance services; develop and maintain relationships with diverse partners and stakeholder groups; present publicly on behalf of LEADER to state/regional partners; facilitate collaboration among partners with potentially divergent positions and priorities; meet deadlines and schedules; establish priorities; collaborate across many partner groups; maintain flexibility with changing conditions; make quick and accurate decisions; work with multiple projects; deal with frequent interruptions and changing priorities; and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; monitoring budget expenditures. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 70% sitting, 15% walking, and 15% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.

Education and Experience Requirements

Experience: Job related experience within specialized field with increasing levels of responsibility is required.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Required Testing, Certificates and Licenses

Required Testing: None Specified

Certificates and Licenses: Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Continuing Education/Training: Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance
• WA State Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Release

FLSA Status: Exempt

Approval Date: 10/27/2025

Salary Grade: 61

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