NOW HIRING: Program Manager

 Program Manager 

Community Improvement Projects 

 Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) is seeking an experienced professional to implement neighborhood-scale capital improvements and planning processes. The Program Manager will help LANI partner with community members and City and County offices and agencies to conceive, fund, design, and build public spaces that meet local needs and reflect local pride and character, including parks and open spaces, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, business corridors, transit hubs, and safe, vibrant sidewalk environments  

LANI was formed as a non-profit in 1994 to advance inclusive, equitable, neighborhood-driven community development primarily in disadvantaged or under-resourced areas. Our model combines expert project management with deep community outreach that empowers local stakeholders and generates substantive communal decision-making. The goal of LANI’s projects is to make disadvantaged neighborhoods better places to work, learn, and live. 

LANI Mission 

LANI revitalizes neighborhoods by engaging people and building vibrant public spaces. 

Job Summary 

Join our small, collaborative team to oversee the planning and implementation of neighborhood improvement projects. This includes, but is not limited to, facilitating community outreach and consensus planning, overseeing the design and construction of public improvement projects, and managing contracts and budgets. 

Will train qualified candidate who brings project management, budget management, and/or community engagement experience from another field. 

Diversity at LANI 

LANI is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and/or other historically underrepresented groups.  

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, or any legally protected status. 

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. LANI may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in working with us, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set when considering the role. 

Qualifications 

To perform effectively in this position, the candidate will have: 

• Demonstrated project and budget management experience, preferably in construction, planning, and/or public works projects 

• Exceptional organizational skills; detail-oriented and able to work independently to complete projects on a deadline 

• Comfort speaking in front of a group, making presentations, and facilitating group discussions 

• Superior problem-solving skills demonstrating diplomacy and tact 

• Ability to develop and maintain a goal-oriented, positive attitude and be an effective team player 

• Commitment to team objectives and LANI's philosophies, and Interest and knowledge of the communities of Los Angeles 

• Strong written communication skills, including editing for content and grammar 

• Computer skills, including preparation of spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software 

• Flexibility to attend periodic early morning, evening, and weekend meetings, programs, and special events, as needed 

• Ability to interact equally well with colleagues, elected officials, funders, corporate partners, community members, and the public 

• Current California driver’s license and insurance 

• Spanish proficiency is strongly preferred 

  Detailed Job Description 

Community Outreach: 

• Create customized community outreach plans for each project 

• Engage local communities in projects via meetings, workshops, or special events, hosted either by LANI, partner community-based organizations, or public agencies 

• Create content for community engagement materials, including surveys, flyers, mailings, posters, etc. 

• Build databases of community stakeholders for individual projects and recruit stakeholders to project Steering Committees 

• Guide Steering Committees through project planning processes, including consultant selection and developing project budgets, and through construction implementation, including the change order process 

• Facilitate productive Steering Committee meetings, including securing meeting rooms and providing agenda and minutes 

• Form and facilitate project Technical Advisory Committees made up of relevant professionals and public agency representatives, which meet in parallel with project Steering Committees 

• Facilitate Steering Committee interaction with City or County departments as needed 

• Other miscellaneous support as necessary

  Construction Implementation: 

• Follow requisite procurement guidelines and LANI community engagement process for selection of consultants/contractors, including but not limited to consensus planners, project managers, architects, engineers, construction managers, and construction contractors 

• Work closely with construction manager to oversee all construction activities, including but not limited to invoice approval, procurement processes, contracts, permitting, purchase orders, change orders and budgets 

• Assist in securing help/support from City departments, County departments, City Council Offices and other elected officials, as needed 

• Issue purchase orders for non-construction items, or for funds without construction management oversight, following appropriate procurement procedures 

• Maintain construction files, contractor files, and consultant files 

  Funder Contract Management: 

• Assist in developing funding contracts for awarded projects 

• Write amendments to contracts when required 

• Maintain funding contract files 

• Submit periodic reports and fund requests (draws) for various funding sources 

• Submit close-out reports 

• Assist communities in developing project budgets in compliance with funding requirements 

• Monitor project budgets to assure that construction and design expenditures and activities do not go beyond fund allocations or outside the scopes of work 

  Service/Vendor Contract Management: 

• Maintain communication with all service providers, vendors, and subconsultants to ensure timely meeting of project goals, adherence to budget, and overall project quality 

• Develop or assist in development of service contracts for LANI consultants/contractors, including, but not limited to planners, designers, architects, engineers, construction managers, and construction contractors 

• Maintain service contract files 

• Develop or assist with development of contract amendments and change orders 

  Other:

• Contribute to LANI program development and planning as needed. 

• Participation in LANI Community Forum and other special events as needed. 

• Requisite writing, meeting attendance, communications and interactions with LANI board members and staff, community members, elected officials, municipal officials, LANI consultants and contractors, and the public, as required, to carry out the responsibilities of the Program Manager position. 

Work Environment 

• Hybrid: 3 days/week at home, 2 days/week in Downtown LA office (1 block from Metro light rail station) 

• Collaborative and supportive team and leadership 

• Opportunities for professional development 

Reporting Authority 

The Program Manager reports directly to the Director of Programs and works in cooperation with the other LANI staff. 

Compensation 

• $65,000-$75,000 annual salary range, depending on experience 

• Generous benefits package 

• 11 paid holidays and paid office closure final week of December