Research Project Manager

UNC-Chapel Hill•Chapel Hill, NC

22h

About The Position

RENCI is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to report to its Research Project Management Office. The position will be responsible for contributing to the management of one or more highly complex research and team science coordination projects funded by NIH, NSF, or other federal and state government organizations and/or leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units. Incumbent will aid in the development of project management strategy, supporting business cases, and detailed project plans. This role will manage project execution to ensure adherence to leadership priorities, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes while guaranteeing the quality of project deliverables. Incumbent will manage day-to-day operations for assigned projects in collaboration with RENCI leadership. Responsibilities include scheduling and meeting facilitation; taking notes; capturing and tracking action items; communicating with applicable teams; engaging staff to drive outcomes; and fostering strong teamwork among internal and external stakeholders. This position will create and maintain project tracking tools, track project deliverables, and maintain project documents and artifacts. The incumbent will also identify, monitor, and address project risks and escalate issues as appropriate. Financial and administrative responsibilities include supporting budget development and monitoring, setting and tracking budgets as assigned, reporting budget or effort changes, assisting with contracts and managing subawardee deliverables when needed, and aiding in the preparation and writing of funder reports and other sponsor communications. Incumbent should be a highly motivated, detail-oriented strategic thinker, a collaborative team player, and a demonstrated problem solver with a proven ability to make sound decisions independently and in partnership with leadership.

Requirements

Ability to independently draft project plans, milestones, deliverables and timelines.
Ability to lead complex project initiatives, develop and implement program strategies, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Proven ability to lead and participate in technical conversations.
Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes.
Familiarity with a range of project management tools, particularly online tools including Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), GitHub and Monday.com.
Understanding of Agile metrics (tasks, backlog tracking, burndown metrics, velocity, user stories etc.) to analyze and improve sprint planning

Nice To Haves

Three years’ experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization
CSM or equivalent certification
Experience with federally funded projects
Experience using project management skills and tools in an academic setting and/or a background in education
Experience with software development teams

Responsibilities

Utilize project task tracking tools and methods to oversee one or more projects lifecycle.
Recognize opportunities for internal improvement and develop plans for implementing updated or new processes and methods to facilitate project outcomes.
Schedule and run effective, efficient meetings.
Work closely and confidently with research project staff to track and ensure successful completion of prioritized project deliverables.
Help propose, initiate and develop activities to meet project goals (e.g. workstream or tiger team formation, webinars, office hours, educational resources).
Help identify and put plans in place to address potential project risks and challenges.
Ensure broad awareness of project risks and recommend risk mitigation measures to minimize impact to project operations and outcomes.
Maintain and update project tracking tools.
Provide content for or prepare complete reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and project scope.
Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), and maintain project documentation.
Update and develop new SOPs as needed.
Establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships.
Understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders.
Assist with the research, development, and execution of proposals including internal and external communications (written and oral) and client engagement.
Constructively engage research project staff to facilitate project outcomes.
Edit and analyze scientific and technical informational materials or content.
Write according to correct English usage and appropriate style guide or accepted industry standards.