Managing Director, Center for Black Digital Research

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Black Digital Research (CBDR)/#DigBlk, in the College of the Liberal Arts, is seeking a Managing Director (Research Project Manager) to work collaboratively with students, colleagues, and partners to research, develop, and implement digital scholarship and publishing projects. The CBDR Managing Director provides leadership for the Center’s operations, strategic initiatives, research projects, partnerships, and digital platforms. This role also supervises and provides project management expertise to CBDR committees and manages CBDR project web platforms. One such web platform will require close collaboration with the Colored Conventions Project team on the development of a new WordPress site integrated with the University Library’s repository and an online database. As a member of the Center's Executive Team, the Managing Director leads efforts to sustain and expand projects and partnerships and implement new national initiatives.

Requirements

• Effective written and verbal communication skills across a variety of audiences
• Inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within large, multidisciplinary, inter-institutional teams
• Master's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in administrative support, event management, or financial/budget tracking
• Familiarity with nineteenth-century African American subject areas (e.g., African American studies, Africana studies, American studies, History, English, or other areas with an emphasis on African American content)
• Project management experience and commitment to a collaborative ethos and horizontal management
• Familiarity with digital technologies, archives, and public humanities/history
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace
• Experience working in academic, research, or public-facing environments

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff members, students, and volunteers, including hiring, development, and performance management
• Drive implementation of the Center’s strategic goals and manage deliverables associated with partnerships and collaborations
• Oversee and advise staff and students on research projects from initiation to conclusion, including research design, data collection and management plans, methodology, and budget management
• Design project workflow processes and infrastructure; delegate, prioritize, and review research tasks to achieve project goals and improve results
• Oversee data collection, management, and reporting methods; interpret and present findings to Center directors, external organizations, sponsors, and the larger research community
• Author, review, and revise procedures for research projects, data collection, and distribution; direct procedural standardization
• Research, evaluate, and advise Center directors on research methodologies, emerging digital trends, novel solutions, new technologies, and other resources
• Communicate with external collaborators and partners to direct and facilitate multi-site and collaborative research and publications
• Provide guidance and oversight of compliance with university research policies; keep abreast of compliance regulations and changes
• Help plan and administer the Center’s grants and project budgets; serve as a liaison to central financial offices, including research accounting, payroll, and department financial officers
• Direct the creation of financial and statistical reports for Principal Investigators and the Center director; help analyze information and recommend spending activity
• Author papers, manuscripts, publications, and internet content to share updates on the Center’s research, workshops, and meetings
• Collaborate with other Penn State units, departments, or Center leadership to develop strategic partnerships, advance the mission of research initiatives and projects, and develop long-term plans for resource allocation
• Work with students, colleagues, and partners to research, develop, and implement digital scholarship and publishing projects in the Center

Benefits

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager