Project Manager & Evaluation Specialist

About the Organization

The Policy and Innovation Center (PIC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in collaboration with the San Diego Foundation, the County of San Diego, and The Brookings Institution. The center produces research and policy analysis aimed at tackling the region’s most difficult challenges. Its work focuses on building cross-sector partnerships to advance climate resilience, critical infrastructure, community wealth gaps, and housing affordability.

This role supports PIC’s Behavioral Health team within the Community Health & Wellbeing Department, with a focus on two major initiatives: the ELEVATE Behavioral Health Workforce Fund and the Strategic Behavioral Health Initiative (SBHI).

Role Summary

PIC is looking for an accomplished Project Manager and Evaluation Specialist to help coordinate, monitor, and improve the execution of behavioral health initiatives. Reporting closely with senior leadership, the position will oversee program operations, timeline and deliverable tracking, compliance support, partner coordination, and evaluation activities. The role will also help turn data into practical insights that guide decisions and strengthen outcomes.

This opportunity is well suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who enjoys working across teams and using evidence-based analysis to support behavioral health systems and workforce development.

What You Will Do

• Partner with ELEVATE collaborators to keep program activities aligned with contract terms, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Track milestones and progress to make sure initiatives stay on course and meet target dates.
• Assist with special projects connected to SBHI as needed.
• Work with the ELEVATE operations team to confirm deliverables and outcome documentation are complete for reimbursement processing.
• Review and log invoices from ELEVATE Upskilling subcontractors, along with monthly, summary, and annual financial reports.
• Coordinate with the Senior Director, Behavioral Health team, subcontractors, and outside stakeholders to ensure grant implementation follows funder rules and guidance.
• Monitor contract goals, associated indicators, and deadlines tied to ELEVATE progress.
• Schedule and facilitate recurring check-ins with program staff while encouraging collaboration and trust across internal and external partners.
• Help define outcomes, metrics, and monitoring tools for ELEVATE and SBHI programs.
• Lead and organize regular meetings with the ELEVATE/UCSD Evaluation Team to support information exchange and partner feedback.
• Contribute to the design and ongoing improvement of evaluation frameworks with research and program staff.
• Act as the main connection between program teams and the research/evaluation group, converting findings into practical recommendations for senior leadership.
• Support the development of a full evaluation plan for ELEVATE in partnership with the PIC Research team.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required in public health, public policy, social sciences, health administration, business administration, or a closely related area; a master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in program management, evaluation, or a similar function is required.
• Background in behavioral health, workforce development, or policy environments is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity-centered, cross-sector work and alignment with PIC’s mission.
• Strong ability to manage multiple workstreams, deadlines, and deliverables in complex partnerships.
• Experience creating evaluation frameworks, analyzing data, and converting results into recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to summarize information clearly for different reporting needs.
• Comfort working with internal teams, subcontractors, public agencies, and community organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience using databases and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or REDCap is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and quality-improvement skills.
• Ability to work independently, adapt quickly, and contribute in a fast-moving team setting.
• Knowledge of behavioral health or workforce development is an added advantage.
• English fluency in reading, writing, and speaking is required.

Work Environment

This is a professional hybrid role based in San Diego, California. The environment is fast-paced and involves multiple priorities and stakeholders.

The position requires extended sitting at a desk, computer, or meetings, regular computer use, verbal communication in person and by phone, and the ability to drive as needed.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this salaried, exempt position is $75,000 to $90,000. Final compensation will depend on qualifications, experience, internal equity, skills, and market alignment.

Benefits

• Inclusive, mission-driven culture with strong organizational support.
• Hybrid setup with support for home office needs.
• Employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage at 100%; dependent premiums are covered at 75%.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match and an annual discretionary contribution.
• Earned incentive program.
• Three weeks of paid time off each year, plus one extra paid week in July for all staff.
• Four-week paid sabbatical after every five years of service.
• 13 paid holidays plus 2 paid volunteer days annually.
• Extended Health Care Time accrues at 2.77 hours per pay period, up to a 480-hour maximum, and can be used for sick leave, family care, and parental leave/baby bonding.
• $100 per month reimbursement for cell phone and internet expenses.
• $75 per quarter gym reimbursement.
• Annual service award of a $100 donation to a nonprofit of the employee’s choice.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to list every possible duty or responsibility. The organization may modify duties or assign additional tasks at any time, with or without notice.