Project Manager & Senior Policy Lead 2025P-0042
6 Months+, Part-Time
Cheltenham, MD, Hybrid
Posted 1 month ago
Protect our Homeland, Ascend with Us!
Ascension LLC is seeking a Project Manager / Senior Policy Lead to oversee contract operations for the City of Gaithersburg Council Legislative Services (CLS) Master Contract. This role serves as the primary interface between Ascension and the Mayor & City Council, ensuring the successful delivery of research, analysis, and strategic advisory services. The Project Manager will coordinate task orders, supervise research and analytical staff, and ensure that all deliverables meet City standards for clarity, accuracy, and responsiveness.
Project Manager / Senior Policy Lead Day-to-Day Activities:
- Serve as the principal point of contact with the City’s contracting and Council staff.
- Oversee all task order scoping, planning, and execution under the master contract.
- Lead and review policy research, data analysis, and financial modeling deliverables.
- Coordinate stakeholder meetings, Council briefings, and communication materials.
- Develop project schedules, progress reports, and risk mitigation plans.
- Ensure on-time, quality-controlled submission of all task order deliverables.
- Mentor and manage project analysts and technical specialists.
Job Features
| Job Category | Data Analysis and Analytics |
| MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS | Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business, or a related field. | Minimum 7 years of experience managing public-sector research, analysis, or advisory contracts. |
| REQUIRED SKILLS | Demonstrated success in project management and client coordination in a government or consulting setting. | Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience presenting to senior officials. |
| TECHNICAL SKILLS | Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and project tracking tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project). |
| DESIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS | Master’s degree (MPA, MBA, or related field). | PMP or CAPM certification preferred. | Experience managing task-order contracts or similar multi-assignment engagements. | Background in municipal policy, governance, or program management. |
| SUITABILITY/SECURITY RQMTS | U.S. Citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the U.S. | Subject to standard background check for municipal contracting |