Executive Fellow - Project Management Office Optimization

New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is working to improve internal operations, enhance project efficiency, and optimize resource allocation for better project execution. The FUSE Executive Fellow will work to optimize processes, tools, and methodologies for DEP’s newly designed Project Management Office (PMO) to support long-term implementation success. Within the PMO, the Executive Fellow will lead the initiation, exploration, and potential implementation of vital new strategic projects, in addition to identifying future roadmap project activity. Ultimately, this work will help DEP improve operational efficiency, advance environmental justice, and deliver more equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

Fellowship Dates: April 28, 2025 – April 24, 2026

Salary: Executive Fellows are FUSE employees and receive an annual base salary of $80,000. Fellows can also access various health, dental, and vision insurance benefits. Compensation for this year of public service is not intended to represent market-rate compensation for the experienced professionals in our program.

ABOUT THE FUSE EXECUTIVE FELLOWSHIP

FUSE is a national nonprofit working to expand social and economic opportunities, particularly for communities that have been limited by a history of systemic and institutionalized racism. FUSE partners with local governments and communities to more effectively address pressing challenges by placing experienced professionals within city and county agencies. These FUSE Executive Fellows lead strategic projects designed to advance racial equity and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 250 projects in 40 governments across 20 states, impacting the lives of 25 million people.

PROJECT CONTEXT

New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for managing the city’s water supply, stormwater systems, and pollution control infrastructure to create a more climate resilient future. As threats from climate change continue to increase and the department grows in response, DEP is seeking to advance its efforts to improve its internal operations, enhance project efficiency, and better allocate resources.

The PMO

In 2024, DEP worked with FUSE to design a new Project Management Office (PMO) with the goal of improving operational efficiency within business operations functions, such as Procurement, Information Technology, Budget and Human Resources. The 2024 FUSE Executive Fellow laid the groundwork by establishing the PMO’s structure, defining its processes, and setting up initial tools and templates for project management. Now that the PMO structure is in place, it needs to be tested and refined to ensure its efficiency prior to full-scale implementation.

New York City will partner with FUSE to refine and optimize the newly established PMO within the DEP and lead key strategic projects, using the new PMO framework. The FUSE Executive Fellow will:

• Conduct a listening tour to understand the bureaus of DEP in terms of process and opportunities for improvement.
• Identify inefficiencies and pain points; develop strategic recommendations to streamline these processes.
• Review and recommend strategic project roadmap activity, based on listening tour conversations and review of the newly created Process Library.
• Conduct pilot projects to ground truth program design efficiencies.
• Create an implementation plan for long-term improvements.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Beginning in April 2025, the FUSE Executive Fellow will work with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to refine and optimize its newly established PMO. The Executive Fellow will engage with various stakeholders across DEP’s divisions to assess and improve current project execution and expense management practices, ensuring public funds are used effectively to advance environmental justice and equity.

PMO Optimization

Using the information gathered, the Executive Fellow will assess how effectively the PMO framework handles project execution and identify key pain points and areas for improvement. They will provide detailed recommendations for refining PMO tools and processes, addressing both short-term wins and long-term improvements.

Strategic Project Implementation

The Executive Fellow will conduct a comprehensive listening tour involving key stakeholders to gather insights into existing pain points and inefficiencies. Based on the findings, the Fellow will develop recommendations for key projects, which will be implemented subject to complexity and time restraints.

If successful, the Fellow will create an operational plan for (1) the PMO’s ongoing refinement and optimization, and (2) identification of key roadmap projects, initiating any projects with strategic priority using the PMO methodology.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

• Strategic Recommendations for PMO Optimization – Developed a comprehensive set of recommendations to refine, optimize, and expand the PMO.
• Strategic Project Roadmap – Identification of future roadmap projects that support climate resilience and social justice goals.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – Created SOPs for key strategic projects ensuring consistent application of improved workflows.
• Pilot Project Implementation – Launch and manage key strategic pilot projects using real-world feedback to refine processes.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Implementation Plan – Developed KPIs to measure PMO success and an operational plan for ongoing refinement.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

• Executive Sponsor – Rohit Aggarwala, Commissioner, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
• Project Supervisor – Nerissa Moray, Chief Financial Officer, NYC Department of Environmental Protection

QUALIFICATIONS

• Synthesizes complex information into clear and concise recommendations.
• Develops and implements strategic and operational project management plans.
• Generates innovative, data-driven solutions to complex challenges.
• Communicates effectively and fosters collaboration across multiple constituencies.

FUSE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.