Project Planning Consultant

Overview: The Solidago Foundation is seeking an experienced Project Planning Consultant to facilitate a short-term project planning process for a major capstone initiative for the foundation and its associated c4 foundation, the See Forward Fund. The consultant will work with our team and together develop practical, complimentary project plans, timelines, and project budgets for each organization.  They will also train our staff to use Microsoft Planner Premium (formerly Project for the Web/Premium Planner) so we can maintain and update the project plan independently. We are looking for someone who is: Essential Qualifications: An experienced project planning consultant with strong general project management skills. A skilled facilitator and communicator who can guide a collaborative planning process. Proficient in Microsoft Planner Premium and able to train staff in its effective use. Familiar with developing project plans that include timelines, milestones, dependencies, deliverables, roles, and responsibilities. Desired Qualifications: Inspired by our mission and supportive of social justice values. Experienced working with nonprofit organizations. Ideally someone who is local enough to be available for some in-person meetings without long distance travel, but that's not mandatory. Project Timeframe: The consultant should be available to work for the weeks between August 17 and September 10. Scope of Work: Lead and facilitate our capstone project planning process using Microsoft Planner Premium. Review our existing planning materials and guide us in identifying and developing the key components of the project plan, rather than reviewing all background documentation. Help us determine what information is needed to complete the plansand guide us in gathering and organizing that information. Address multiple variables, including the timing and amount of funding, external scheduling constraints, and thoseof our staff and project consultants. Build the project plan collaboratively with our team in Microsoft Planner Premium. Train key staff members to maintain and update the completed project plan independently. Develop a realistic project plan that includes: Deliverables Milestones Dependencies and predecessor tasks    Key decision points Tasks and timelines Roles, scope, and responsibilities for staff and project consultants Ensure that the project timeline aligns with financial constraints and can be readily translated into a project budget, or includes a budget-ready framework. Deliverables: By the conclusion of the engagement, we expect to have: Comprehensive project plans in Microsoft Planner Premium. A realistic implementation timeline with milestones and dependencies. Plan that are aligned with budget development. Key staff trained to maintain and update the project plans going forward.