Project Manager | Family Defense Project (Contract Position)

Position Description

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) is seeking a Project Manager to contract with our Family Defense Project. The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Family Defense Moonshot Project that serves underserved and vulnerable families with Texas Department of Family and Protective (DFPS) involvement. This role includes managing a complex, multi-partner project, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, tracking performance metrics, and coordinating internal teams and external stakeholders. The Project Manager will play a key role in aligning program delivery with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Program & Project Management

Plan, implement, and support legal services programs from initiation through completion, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.

Coordinate and direct the activities of cross-functional project teams; monitor progress to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget.

Develop project charters, work plans, timelines, and risk mitigation strategies.

Use project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project) to track progress and document decisions.

Facilitate changing management processes and ensure proper documentation of changes in scope, resources, or deliverables.

Plan and coordinate multi-organization in person continuing legal education convenings for organization and partners.

Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration

Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams, partner organizations, and funders.

Schedule and lead project-related meetings; maintain clear and timely communication regarding project progress, milestones, risks, and updates.

Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including legal aid partners, funders, advocacy groups, and community organizations.

Represent the organization at conferences, coalitions, and stakeholder convenings as needed.

Program Evaluation & Compliance

Develop evaluation tools and performance indicators to measure impact and track program goals.

Monitor compliance with grant requirements and funding regulations.

Prepare detailed reports for funders, board members, and executive leadership, summarizing progress, outcomes, and challenges.

Identify and implement continuous improvement strategies based on evaluation findings.

Administrative Oversight & Organizational Alignment

Contribute to strategic planning efforts and ensure programs align with organizational priorities.

Support budget development and monitor program expenditures to ensure responsible use of funds.

Support fundraising efforts by providing program data and content for grant proposals or reports.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

High emotional intelligence and ability to collaborate across teams with diverse perspectives.

Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision-making.

Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice.

Work Environment

Occasional travel for site visits, trainings, or partner meetings may be required.