Project Associate Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

The National Alliance to End Homelessness (the Alliance) is an influential national nonprofit devoted to finding and advancing solutions to homelessness. We are focused on making an impact and we seek an enthusiastic new member for our Equity and Lived Experience Innovation Team. The Equity and Lived Experience Innovation team works to help communities build equity into systems to end homelessness by advancing solutions that address the specific needs of people that are part of different groups who may be situated further away from opportunities. With a national platform it is our duty to work alongside communities to ensure that those who have experienced homelessness firsthand guide the system changes needed to end it.
If you are committed to helping the nation SOLVE the problem of homelessness, consider joining the Alliance.
What we are looking for:
The Alliance is seeking a motivated Senior Project Associate who is mission-driven, impact-focused, and excited to contribute to meaningful work. This is a newly created position at the Alliance that will play a key leadership role within the team managing and coordinating complex projects that advance the Alliance's strategic priorities. This role is responsible for leading internal and external project coordination, shaping project scope and timelines, supporting internal evaluation efforts, and ensuring high-quality implementation across multiple projects.
The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, project management acumen, and
a collaborative mindset. They should be self-motivated and capable of working independently while valuing teamwork. This position is perfect for someone with nonprofit experience who is looking to grow their knowledge in nonprofit management with a focus on equity and lived experience.
What you will do:
The Senior Project Associate will act as the operational lead for cross-team projects to ensure that equity, inclusion, and lived experience priorities are integrated throughout the organization. This role will operate with a high degree of independence, contribute to strategic decision-making, and support continuous quality improvement across the Alliance.
Key Responsibilities:
Project Leadership and Delivery (25%)
• Plan, coordinate, and execute projects within the Equity and Lived Experience Innovation portfolio; translate high-level goals into actionable workplans, scopes, and timelines; establish annual frameworks and KPIs to track progress; exercise independent judgment to manage competing priorities, resolve challenges, and keep initiatives on schedule.
Lived Experience Coordination and Advocacy (30%)
• Assist the Director of Lived Experience Innovation with implementation of the Lived Experience Engagement Plan (LEEP); assist in growing and maintaining a cohort of advocates with lived experience of homelessness; oversee contract execution, invoicing, and billing for lived experience advisors and conference scholars; audit internal materials to ensure framework alignment.
Collaboration and Engagement (15%)
• Represent the Alliance at meetings and conferences; Lead planning and execution of webinars and contribute to the planning of annual conferences, ensuring active participation of people with lived experience; produce written and multimedia content; identify emerging equity, inclusion, and belonging issues and recommend solutions to the Chief Equity Officer.
Evaluation and Continuous Quality Improvement (30%)
• Develop reports and documentation for internal evaluation to refine organizational processes and policies; guide team members on project coordination tools and support cross-team initiatives; support continuous quality improvement
What a successful candidate will need:
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in project management, program coordination, equity/justice work, or a related field.
• Lived experience of homelessness will be considered alongside professional experience.
• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in homelessness, housing, human services, or related systems strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with continuous quality improvement and program evaluation preferred.
Knowledge and Skills
• Demonstrated experience and ability to recognize and respond to the ways race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity intersect to further promote racial equity and social justice.
• Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to lead complex projects from planning through execution.
• Ability to apply independent judgment and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Data-informed approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Excel) and comfort with project management.
• Commitment to advancing equitable outcomes (fairness, accessibility, inclusion, and representation) and ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including people with lived experience of homelessness.
Please note: Studies have shown that women and Black, indigenous, people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At the Alliance, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace- so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
What we can offer you:
The Alliance is a dynamic and flexible team of professionals working collaboratively to achieve its mission of preventing and ending homelessness nationwide. We provide a supportive work environment where staff are empowered with both the responsibility and opportunity to drive solutions to this pressing national issue. Every team member is valued and encouraged to contribute meaningfully.
In addition, the Alliance offers the following benefits:
• A hybrid work environment.
• Competitive salary.
• Employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan.
• Financial support for professional development and wellness activities.
• Paid vacation, personal, and sick leave, along with a generous holiday schedule.
The Alliance's salary ranges are designed to support growth and advancement within each role. Starting salaries typically fall above the lower end of the posted range but do not exceed the midpoint. Salaries above the midpoint at hire are uncommon. Final salary offers are based on a candidate's relevant experience and demonstrated expertise.
How to Apply:
We accept online applications only. Please visit our Careers page at https://naeh.bamboohr.com/careers.
Please note: No phone calls please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.
The Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of
qualifications, merit and business need.