Special Projects Manager - Friends of The Underline : Job Details

Job Title: Special Projects Manager

Location: Miami, FL

Organization: Friends of The Underline

About The Underline

The Underline is a bold initiative to reclaim 10 miles of land beneath the Miami Metrorail and transform it into a beautiful, active green space that becomes a magnet for residents and visitors alike. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a movement for a safer, more resilient, and connected community.

The first phase of the project – Brickell Backyard – opened in early 2021 and has already attracted nearly 2 million visitors. Phase 2 opened earlier this year and expands The Underline's community reach and impact to 2.6 miles. The entire 10-mile park will be opened by 2026.

Friends of The Underline (FUL), a nonprofit corporation, is driving the fundraising to build and sustain what will become a place that is uniquely Miami. We are searching for a strategic, innovative, and results-oriented Special Projects Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels at implementing projects from start to finish.

Position Summary:

The Special Projects Manager is responsible for overseeing and executing initiatives that span The Underline's diverse departments, including park operations, technology, events, and public art. This role requires a results-driven professional adept at managing relationships with public and private stakeholders, navigating challenging permitting processes, and coordinating contracts, third-party services, and material procurement to deliver projects efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Drive the end-to-end execution of special projects, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, timelines, and budgets.
• Fulfillment and Execution: Implement and deliver new projects into actionable plans and oversee their successful implementation, ensuring deliverables meet partner and donor expectations.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as a primary liaison between public agencies, private partners, and internal teams to streamline project execution and stakeholder communication.
• Partnership Development: Source, cultivate, and develop new partnerships and opportunities to pilot new products and projects for The Underline.
• Contract Sourcing and Management: Identify, vet, and negotiate contracts with third-party service providers to deliver high-quality services and materials.
• Procurement: Oversee the sourcing and purchasing of equipment, materials, and supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.
• Permit Acquisition: Navigate complex permitting processes with local, state, and federal entities to facilitate project approvals and compliance.
• Departmental Integration: Work across departments to implement initiatives that enhance park operations, events, facilities management, and technology infrastructure.
• Budgeting and Problem-Solving: Develop and manage budgets, ensuring projects are completed quickly and challenges are addressed proactively, utilizing technical knowledge and stakeholder relationships to overcome obstacles effectively.
• Support the Chief Innovation Officer in the research, vetting, and delivery of emerging and cutting-edge technologies on The Underline.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, Computer Science, Product Development, Urban Planning, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in related fields of project management, including public infrastructure, product development, business development, engineering, parks, or urban redevelopment.
• Proven success in sourcing contracts, managing vendors, and handling procurement processes.
• Strong multitasking and organizational skills with the ability to manage diverse initiatives.
• Enthusiastic team player with vision and passion for The Underline's impact in Miami-Dade County and beyond.
• Entrepreneur who can hustle to complete projects, deliver on goals, and meet deadlines
• Strong communicator who takes pride in distilling complex concepts into simple, approachable language.
• Strategic planner capable of translating an ambitious mission into process and deliverables
• Creative and solutions-based to overcome obstacles and challenges.
• Curious, and excited to learn about the areas of our work that you're not already familiar with.

Preferred Skills:

Ability to implement projects on schedule and within budget.

Deep understanding of product development lifecycle.

Proficiency with project management software and tools.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Passion for public interest technology and Internet-of-Things (IoT) including infrastructure, security, advanced cloud solutions data collection, and management.

Technical background with a deep understanding of agile methodologies.

Experience in obtaining permits, navigating red tape, and working with local government. Familiarity with Miami-Dade County and municipal permitting processes and regulations is highly advantageous.

Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable to support engagement with Miami's diverse community

Why Join Us?

The Underline offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of Miami and grow professionally with this transformative project. Join a passionate team and make a lasting impact through innovative fundraising and development strategies.

Location: Brickell HQ office with some remote work flexibility.

Salary range is commensurate with experience.

Please submit your resume and cover letter.