Black Wealth Data Center (BWDC) is seeking a talented, highly organized, and collaborative Special Projects Advisor (SPA) responsible for managing key initiatives and executing high-priority projects and key administrative functions. This role will work across departments, ensuring seamless project execution, strong internal systems, and effective stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director (ED), the SPA serves as a key member of the leadership team and the executive office. This individual will participate in senior-level discussions and decision-making, presenting relevant information and research findings, and tracking and following up on deliberations, decisions, and action plans as appropriate. They will also draft policies, reports, correspondence, and other materials in a timely and expeditious manner.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong organizational and project management skills, excellent and practical communication abilities, and the ability to design and refine systems that enhance organizational effectiveness.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Advisement & Strategic Initiatives

• Ensure that the agenda and priorities of the ED?s office are understood, supported and advanced by BWDC staff by conducting briefings or meetings, providing clarification, direction or the necessary coordination, and/or carrying out key or vital initiatives on behalf of the ED.
• Represent the ED in close consultation and collaboration with BWDC leadership teams and departments, as well as stakeholders, including the funder, JHU, and partners.
• Act as a key advisor to the ED; identify and brief the ED on key issues requiring a detailed understanding and broader context of programs, initiatives, goals and objectives beyond day-to-day operational issues.
• Ensure matters requiring the ED?s attention are developed, researched and evaluated thoroughly before presentation.
• Review correspondence, communications, reports and presentations submitted to the ED; obtaining additional information and/or recommend appropriate changes to facilitate effective engagement.
• Exercise independent discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for resolving issues and problems of material importance.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to design, plan, and execute events, meetings, and conferences that advance organizational priorities and strengthen stakeholder engagement
• Develop formal presentations for stock take meetings, conferences, field based convenings, and other events as needed.
• Develop a strategic approach to client engagement, prioritizing target users, leveraging impactful forums, and measuring results.

Project Management & Execution

• Manage the scope of complex, multi-phase projects, including goals, timelines, budgets, and objectives.
• Develop and execute project plans, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies, monitoring and reporting on progress and outcomes.
• Responsible for managing clear tracking and accountability mechanisms.
• Continuously improve systems for tracking and measuring work, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement structured workflows to ensure seamless coordination across departments.
• Serve as a key representative for the ED with internal/external stakeholders, including the Greenwood Initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies (GWI).
• Develop the agenda and strategic priorities for operating routines, including executive leadership meetings.

Reporting & Documentation

• Conduct routine reporting and analysis on project status, including progress updates, key metrics, and any roadblocks to senior leadership.
• Analyze project data to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary adjustments.
• Prepare comprehensive project documentation, including post-project reviews, lessons learned, and implement strategic changes to future project plans.

Decision Support & Analysis

• Analyze BWDC?s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), providing insights to support decision-making for the ED and executive team.
• Synthesize insights from multiple data sources to inform strategic priorities and project adjustments.

• Master's Degree in Finance, Business or related field.
• Five years of related experience, with at least three years managing staff.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience working with philanthropic organizations, nonprofits, or mission-driven institutions.
• Perceptive and politically savvy with a high degree of diplomacy, tact, and discretion
• Ability to think and plan strategically and possess a leadership style that works in collaboration with a variety of constituencies, building effective and enjoyable working relationships
• Strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and strategy development.
• Knowledge of partnership dynamics between academic institutions, nonprofits, and funders.
• Strong background in process creation, systems management, and documentation.
• Experience working closely with executive leadership, with an ability to anticipate needs and drive high-priority initiatives.
• Experience managing multi-sector stakeholder partnerships with private industry, philanthropy, or academic collaborations is a plus.
• Familiarity with project management tools and workflow automation platforms.

Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate emotional intelligence and the ability to use diplomacy and sensitivity in working with a diverse and broad range of constituents and relate effectively to individuals throughout all levels of the organization and its external stakeholders.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, including outstanding listening, communication, persuasion, and presentation abilities, with a demonstrated focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of the organization.
• Exceptional relationship management and ability to collaborate effectively across stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional reports, presentations, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to tackling challenges.
• Understanding of tracking and measuring impact, with experience analyzing organizational performance data.

Classified Title: Sr. Program Manager 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Special Projects Advisor, Black Wealth Data Center   
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PG  
Starting Salary Range: $99,800 - $175,000 Annually ($150,000 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Hybrid/District of Columbia  
Department name: Black Wealth Data Center - BWDC   
Personnel area: School of Government & Policy 

About Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) was founded in 1876 as the nation's first research university, dedicated to bringing the benefits of discovery to the world. JHU is the largest private employer in Baltimore and Maryland, making a large economic impact in the city and state. We enroll more than 30,000 full- and part-time students across nine academic divisions, offering in-person and remote learning in over 400 programs. Not only are we located in Baltimore, but we also have a presence in Washington, D.C.

Connections working at Johns Hopkins University