Matthew Lawson

About Matthew Lawson

I am an experienced project and program manager, with a demonstrated history of managing complex international development projects oriented toward the achievement of concrete results and objectives. With over 9 years experience working for non-profits, I have carried out and provided oversight to all parts of the project and program life cycle, including design and planning, financial monitoring, stakeholder communication and relationship building, and team coordination and development, among others. Further, I have a proven track record in developing and writing well-written and structured grant proposals resulting in new funding and measurable change for beneficiaries. I am a proactive individual, committed to excellence, with the simple goal of using my skills for the betterment of society and the world.

Experience

1. Regional Officer, Portfolio Management and Program Development

   International Justice Mission

   Dec 2024 — Present · Arlington, VA, US

   Leadership and Management: Oversee the documented project portfolio for VAWC Latin America, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, while serving as the central point of coordination for project tracking, communication, and accountability; lead special regional projects, support program assessments with data-driven recommendations, align initiatives with broader strategy, and provide oversight for the regional grants strategy and portfolio management in collaboration with key team members.2. Networking and Partnership: Foster strong cross-functional relationships to gain support for ongoing and emerging initiatives, collaborate with inception teams and finance leads on cost estimation and budgeting, engage local stakeholders such as experts, partners, and government actors to inform program design, and contribute to regional advocacy and fundraising strategies by showcasing program success and impact.3. Program and Project Management: Lead centralized tracking and monitoring of projects using dashboards and evaluation systems, ensure that all projects are efficiently planned and executed in alignment with both regional and global priorities, regularly assess and report on progress, guide field offices in adjusting strategies based on emerging opportunities, and support grant and non-grant proposal development with financial and strategic guidance.4. Resource Management and Acquisition: Develop high-quality written content for major donor and grant proposals that reflects the vision and strategy of IJM Latin America, prepare regional representatives to effectively engage with donors through speaking engagements and visits, oversee the creation of relevant and impactful donor communications, and build collaborative relationships with internal activation teams, government agencies, and strategic foundations.

Education

• Western Kentucky University

  Bachelor of Science, International Relations and Affairs, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish

  2011 — 2015