Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) seeks a Project Manager, Media Projects & Communications to drive day-to-day implementation of its new Arizona Media Institute initiative, designed to support and enhance local media statewide. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the successful launch and ongoing operations of the Institute while contributing to CFA’s broader marketing and communications strategy. 

The Project Manager will be responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of activities outlined in the Institute’s action plan, including obtaining stakeholder input, coordinating programming, and developing resources. In addition, they will collaborate and integrate efforts across CFA’s Marketing & Communications team, contributing to initiatives and campaigns that align with the organization’s mission to bring Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state. 

This position reports to the Manager, Marketing & Communications, and works closely with the Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications, who leads the Arizona Media Institute. 

Essential Duties 

Collaborate with leadership to advance projects, ensuring all aspects of implementation are developed and finalized with review and approval. 

Arizona Media Institute Management 

• Drive the execution of the Institute’s action plan, ensuring alignment with timelines, objectives, and funding requirements. 

• Proactively monitor and manage project progress, milestones, deliverables, and critical paths. 

• Manage the development and successful launch of a web-based resources hub, coordinating with web contractors, content contributors, and decision-makers to ensure timely delivery. 

• Support the formation and coordination of the Institute’s Advisory Council, including research, communications, and meeting coordination with a distinguished group of leaders informing the Institute’s activities. 

Collaboration and Strategic Integration 

• Heavily contribute to aligning Arizona Media Institute efforts with CFA’s broader marketing and communications initiatives, working closely with the team to enhance organizational resources and reach. 

Minimum Qualifications  

Bachelor's degree and 5 years related experience; 1 of which are in project management, or any equivalent combination of experience and /or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. 

Desired Qualifications 

• Proven project management skills with a successful track record in managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in communications and/or marketing. 

• Experience working with media professionals or in journalism, with a strong understanding of the media landscape and industry dynamics. 

• Proven ability to write and develop communications and content materials for diverse audiences. 

• Experience in being a self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively. 

• Demonstrated experience in organizing, presenting, and facilitating meetings, convenings, and events. 

• Proficiency in leveraging technology for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event planning and execution. Experience addressing technical difficulties and troubleshooting to solve problems. 

• Demonstrated experience in horizontally leading cross-team projects in a collaborative, creative, and deadline-driven environment. 

• Evidence of effective written and verbal skills. 

• Evidence of having a track record as an implementer who thrives on effectively managing multiple streams of work concurrently.  

• Familiarity with marketing and communications content and measurement tools, CRM platforms, and project management software. 

• Experience in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) and Salesforce (or other CRM applications), Asana (or other project management software). 

• Experience contributing to a welcoming, inclusive and equitable workplace.  

Working Environment 

• Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. 

• Hybrid in-person/remote work schedules available. 

• On-site event facilitation/support is performed at meeting spaces across the Phoenix metro area and across the state. 

• Required to stand for varying lengths of time. 

• Occasional bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 20 pounds. 

• In-state travel at 10% to facilitate/support regional program/events; involving operation of a motor vehicle, must have access to an automobile, have and maintain a valid Arizona driver’s license. 

Department Statement 

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for our state. CFA listens to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, shares trusted data about how Arizona is doing, brings critical issues to public attention, and works with communities and leaders to solve public problems. CFA works across the full spectrum of important issue areas and has deep and ongoing work in education, workforce, and civic participation, recognizing how central these are to a bright and prosperous future for our state. A self-defined “do tank,” CFA is data-based, action-oriented, and committed to advancing prosperity, quality of life, and opportunity for all Arizonans. For more information about CFA and our current efforts, please visit www.arizonafuture.org. 

Center for the Future of Arizona is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by public and private donors and organizations from across Arizona and throughout the country. CFA was named a finalist for the 2024 Best Places to Work, and is committed to providing a positive space and place for teams to thrive.