The Accelerator is seeking graduate students who have expertise, experience, and/or strong interest in the nonprofit sector to serve as Graduate Student Nonprofit Project Managers (NPM) in our nonprofit capacity-building program.  NPM will work directly with the leadership of nonprofit organizations under the supervision of Accelerator staff.  

The primary responsibility of NPM is to contribute to organizations’ growth, through coordination of capacity building resources, research on best and evidence-base practices, and deliverable development. Specifically, NPM will work closely with organizational leadership on project objectives. NPM will also contribute directly to the progress of organizations’ development. Project areas may include—but are not limited to—needs assessment, landscape research, program design & evaluation, strategic planning, board development, leadership development, volunteer engagement, communication & technology, and fund development.

The structure and priority of NPMs’ work will be determined by Accelerator staff supervisor and the organizations’ leadership, with consideration of NPMs’ current and emerging skills and abilities. 

Responsibilities of Graduate Student Project Managers include:

• Collaborate with organizational leadership to develop and document project scope, requirements, and timelines based on organizational needs
• Track project progress and update organizational leadership and Accelerator staff on project challenges
• Conduct research and research reviews to inform project design and deliverables 
• Complete various tasks to assist with the implementation of the project

Qualifications of Graduate Student Project Managers include:

•  Active candidacy in a University of Chicago graduate degree program with a strong academic record
• Commitment to and passion for developing strong, effective and impactful nonprofit and community-based organizations that support local leaders and visionaries to make critical contributions within their own neighborhoods
• Strong project management skills, including prioritization, multitasking, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational and research skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with persons of different ages, backgrounds, and experience levels
•  Flexibility and comfort working with small organizations 

Federal Work Study strongly preferred. Interested students should email a cover letter and resume to Molly Bartels at mbartels@uchicago.edu.