Here’s To Our Summer
The year was 2020 and we were preparing for the most epic summer for our kids and families. I was assigned as project manager for the entire summer program, designed for kids and families that ranged from birth to fifth grade. The program was designed for 300+ families, 500+ kids.
The year: 2020.
My team developed an entire program complete with events, vendor relations, branded resources, and more - and then COVID. It was the pivot of all pivots. We took what we designed, planned, and prepared for, went to the drawing board and redesigned, redistributed, and prepared for an equally epic summer, COVID-style.
Project Manager Role
Project Oversight
The vision of the project was set by organizational leadership but it was my responsibility to interpret and execute that vision. I was given the ultimate project deadline but it was my responsibility to set intermediate deadlines to achieve our goals. I was given an overall budget but designated funding to specific areas according to need and priority.
Inter-Departmental
Collaboration
While this project sat predominantly in one department, it required the collaboration and partnership of multiple departments. I led this communication and collaboration efforts, working with various departments throughout the project.
Brand Oversight
I developed this project’s brand with the design team, overseeing that the content and look aligned with the greater organizational brand and voice. I strategized with the design team on design requirements, aesthetics, and uses. It required open communication and collaborative thinking.
Flexibility
Project management, in general, requires flexibility and this project was no different except for the fact that it required quick and drastic pivoting. COVID meant that a quick (and constant) change of direction. We had to be agile in our thinking and preparation. I added back-up plans to back-up plans. Deadlines were given more agile buffers and flexibility was built into every element.
Stakeholder Communication
My role as project manager included staying in communication with various stakeholders: organizational leadership, vendors, customers, investors, and cross-functional team members. This communication was specific to the needs and interests of each stakeholder. As a project manager, I value timely, efficient, and thorough communication.
Innovative Thinking
Innovation is quite the buzz-word but it truly was required for this project. We were facing an unprecedented and ever-changing time. We needed innovative thinking and creative solutioning. And that’s what we did. We achieved our initial goals in innovative and creative ways.