Senior Project Consultant, Employability Initiatives

QA Commons is seeking a high-initiative, creative, and intellectually rigorous Senior Project Consultant to help lead our expanding portfolio of employability and work-readiness initiatives. Ideal candidates are independent consultants or project-based professionals excited to contribute to national work at the intersection of education, workforce, and economic mobility. About QA Commons QA Commons is a national nonprofit focused on strengthening how learners develop the Essential Employability Qualities (EEQs) — communication, critical thinking, initiative, teamwork, adaptability, and professional judgment. We help institutions build stronger pathways from education to employment through program assessments, employability badges, research, tools, and large-scale improvement projects. What We’re Looking For We value people who can take an idea and run with it—who bring structure to new or evolving projects, offer thoughtful solutions, and make sound decisions even when all the details aren't laid out yet. We’re especially interested in candidates with the initiative and intellectual depth to turn ideas into tangible outcomes. We’re not just looking for someone familiar with the language of “skills” and “competencies.” We need someone who can create real deliverables, analyze systems deeply, and draw clear connections between how education is designed and the outcomes people actually experience in the workplace. This role is especially well suited for someone who: • Is currently consulting or doing project-based work with flexibility • Thrives in small, high-trust, high-autonomy environments • Enjoys designing, building, analyzing, and problem-solving • Is motivated by helping learners succeed in a changing workforce Key Responsibilities • Responsibilities will vary based on grant cycles, but may include: • Managing multi-institution employability projects from concept through implementation • Turning qualitative and quantitative data into insights, recommendations, or tools • Designing project plans, templates, rubrics, and frameworks • Drafting reports, briefs, literature reviews, or research syntheses • Supporting development and rollout of employability badges, surveys, or assessments • Leading partner communications and maintaining forward momentum with minimal oversight • Identifying gaps, risks, or next steps and proposing solutions independently Required Qualifications • A strong grasp of workplace success factors (motivation, initiative, adaptability, communication, problem-solving) • Proven ability to independently manage complex projects • Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and writing skills • Ability to turn messy, ambiguous problems into clear deliverables • Creativity and intellectual curiosity • Excellent communication and professional judgment Bonus (not required) One or more of the following areas of expertise would be helpful: • Background in sociology, psychology, or organizational behavior • Experience in at least two of the following: • Higher education • Corporate environments • Workforce development • HR or talent strategy • Experience with employability frameworks or skills taxonomies • Comfort with surveys, data analysis, or qualitative research Compensation This role is structured as 1099 independent contractor work and does not include benefits. Compensation is either: • Hourly, paid at the consultant’s established professional rate ($125 – $175 per hour range, with the possibility of adjusting higher or lower); or • Project-based, paid as a lump-sum amount tied to the scope of work for a specific project or grant. Compensation structure will be determined case-by-case based on project needs, available funding, and the consultant’s experience. Work Environment • Remote • Flexible hours • Project-based compensation (determined by grant funding) • Occasional travel may be available for select projects • Opportunities to grow as QA Commons expands To Apply Please complete the short form provided in the link below, which requests: • Brief statements about why you’re interested in employability and the work of QA Commons and you approach to doing your best work • A few targeted questions about your experience • A resume (to be uploaded) • A link to a LinkedIn profile APPLY HERE: Selected candidates will be invited to a conversation about the role and may be asked to share a work sample (a report, analysis, framework, tool, or other deliverable they personally created). We will be reviewing submissions through January 9 and scheduling conversations shortly thereafter. Apply tot his job