Research Project Coordinator (.50 FTE)

University of Kansas•Lawrence, KS

About The Position

The University of Kansas Center on Disabilities (KUCD) is seeking a project coordinator to support personnel preparation grants in low-incidence special education. The coordinator will work directly with KUCD Affiliated Faculty member Jennifer Kurth and collaborate with KUCD colleagues, including people with disabilities, students, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and staff. The role also involves liaising with project advisory board members, including adults with disabilities. The position coordinates training activities across projects, monitors and communicates study progress, and assists with grant management and reporting. Supported projects include PreK–12 training for paraprofessionals without initial licenses seeking low-incidence teaching endorsements (through September 30, 2028) and interdisciplinary training of low-incidence special education teachers and speech-language pathologists (through September 30, 2030). The coordinator may directly supervise professional staff and students supporting project goals. KUCD is a research center within the University of Kansas Life Span Institute. Its grant-funded work includes applied research on assessment and intervention practices, particularly self-determination and transition to employment, and interdisciplinary training in the disability field. Research staff are expected to participate in research projects and disseminate results through print, online resources, and in-person presentations. This is a 0.50 FTE position scheduled Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The ideal candidate is reliable in a fast-paced office, attentive to detail, adept at problem-solving, and experienced in project coordination. A degree in special education—ideally low-incidence special education—speech-language hearing sciences, disability studies, or a related area is desirable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in special education, education, psychology, speech/language hearing, or a related field.
One year of experience in the field of study.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
Three or more years of experience using multiple types of computer software and websites, such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, social media, Qualtrics, Canvas, and Apple iCloud.
A formal degree in a cited discipline area is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with OSEP personnel preparation projects.
Experience teaching students with low-incidence disabilities in PreK–12 general education settings.
Knowledge of or experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Experience with data management, analysis, or storage systems such as Excel or RedCap.
Experience supervising students, research aides, or assistants.
Experience working on more than one project at a time.
Experience working with people with disabilities or their families.
Experience coordinating events, including travel.
Degree in special education, ideally low-incidence special education, speech-language hearing sciences, disability studies, or a related area.
Project specialist or coordinator experience.

Responsibilities

Coordinate development of project protocols to meet goals and deadlines.
Organize project activities, including scholar seminars, data collection and survey distribution, analysis of scholar data, advisory board and project management team meetings, and planning seminars and conference travel.
Update and distribute project sites, including Canvas and Qualtrics, and manage project technology such as iPads.
Coordinate data collection and management activities.
Prepare project update communications and monitor grant resource allocation.
Assist with project reports by writing, proofreading, and laying out documents.
Supervise and support students in personnel preparation programs, including fieldwork supervision and technical assistance with paperwork and project activities.
Enter project data into federal data collection systems and develop and maintain databases for program evaluation, annual tracking, and reporting to funding sources.
Maintain knowledge of IRB requirements and collaborate with the KU IRB office to follow project protocols.
Update websites, surveys, learning management systems, and social media by preparing text, identifying and resizing images, editing video, and attaching documents.
Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, typing meeting notes, copying, and scanning documents.
Support additional project activities as needed.