Managing Global Aid Projects (PM at USAID)

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Wear Your Cape to Work, we dive into the world of international development project management with Lucas King of DAI, a leading USAID contractor.  Lucas shares what it’s like managing global development projects where the stakes are high, but the rewards are even higher.  And then throw in giant pivots of uncertainty from the recent DOGE cuts to USAID project budgets...you need a real superhero to keep the plates spinning.

We explore how project management in the international development sector differs from corporate environments — from navigating donor requirements and political shifts to empowering local communities and building sustainable impact. Lucas’s project management "superpowers" shine through: his ability to stay calm under pressure, bridge gaps between diverse stakeholders, and build trust across cultures.

If you’re curious about careers in global project management, managing USAID-funded initiatives, or what it takes to thrive in the dynamic world of development work, this episode offers a real-world look inside.

00:00 – Introduction and kickoff

00:35 – Meet Lucas King: Journey to international project management at DAI

01:30 – How Lucas launched his career managing development projects around the world

03:10 – How project management for international development differs from corporate PM work

05:05 – Core skills for success: adaptability, relationship-building, navigating uncertainty

07:00 – Lucas’s project management "superpowers":

• Remaining calm in high-stakes environments
• Translating between field teams, technical experts, and donors
• Building collaboration across countries and cultures

09:15 – Inside USAID project management: Managing funding, compliance, and mission-driven goals

12:00 – How politics, local dynamics, and sustainability impact project delivery

14:20 – Advice for project managers considering careers in global development

16:00 – Final reflections: Why working in international development is both challenging and deeply rewarding

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