Strategic Policy Project Manager

Why do you need to choose between doing important work and having a fulfilling life? At Ardent, we have both. Ardent employees are committed to solving our customers’ most difficult problems—and we are committed to the well-being, personal goals, and professional development of our employee. We are “All In.” We put forth our strongest effort possible to get the mission accomplished and we do it together. We respect the skills and experience you bring to the Ardent team. And we provide a rewarding environment to help you succeed. 

We offer highly competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and an exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth. A collective service mindset underpins our work, and a shared camaraderie to serve clients, colleagues and our communities set us apart. Our full commitment to being "All In" for our employees and our clients is not just our approach, it is our standard. If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, choose Ardent and make a difference with us. 

Ardent is seeking a Strategic Policy Project Manager to join our team!

While this is role is primarily remote, it will require on-site client presence in Washington, DC.

Position Description:

Ardent is seeking a Strategic Policy Project Manager Project Manager. This Project Manager will be responsible for providing planning input (i.e. schedules, estimates, risks, status, assumptions, etc.) and producing weekly and monthly management reports.  The successful candidate will participate in highly visible meetings with senior executives and political appointments at he highest levels of government, and executive debrief sessions. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

• The Project Manager shall be responsible for managing risks, cost, schedule, and contract scope
• Ensure proper performance of tasks necessary to ensure the most efficient and effective execution of the contract
• Utilize expert communication skills needed to direct the skilled consulting resources and report on deliverable progress, issues, and problem areas, as well as write and review executive memos.
• Provide navigation to the team through a fast-paced environment and provide leadership and mentoring to employees; knowing when to lean into recommendations for the overall benefit of the team and client
• Build strong relationships within our client base and be able to establish open lines of communication. The Program Manager is ultimately responsible for the integrity of all work performed and all deliverables received
• Responsible to work with the client in defining their business drivers and how the program objectives deliver benefits for business success
• Responsible to plan and execute the funding provided by the client in order to support program requirements
• Provide leadership and direction to personnel performing tasks in association with the overall program
• Provide professional communications and interactions with task and functional leaders, subcontractors, and support personnel
• Program Manager will have financial responsibilities to meet profitability goals established by the company
• Report potential risks / issues to senior division leadership and provide recommendations for best resolution/solution

Requirements: 

• Bachelor or master’s degree in a policy field
• Experience in public policy 
• PMP strongly preferred
• Ability to prioritize requirements and meet deadlines
• Ability to learn and work in a fast-paced environment
• At least 9 years of experience, minimum of five years managing policy/consulting projects / staff of 10 people or more
• Strong Project Management skills and expert leadership skills
• Effective Verbal and Written Communications Skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google suite of products
• Attention to detail

Preferred Skills

• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) 
• Deep understanding and experience consulting or working for/with the Federal government
• Ability to prioritize requirements and meet deadlines
• Ability to learn and work in a fast-paced environment

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be U.S. Citizens willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process.

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.