University Program Manager III

Aston Carter•Seattle, WA

11d•Remote

About The Position

The Project/Program Manager III plays a pivotal role in coordinating and executing research investment programs across the Entertainment org. This position involves working with external partners, such as universities, standard bodies, and industry collaborators, to establish unified processes and guidelines. The role requires organizing regular reviews with high-level scientists and leadership, and making strategic recommendations to align research investments with business outcomes. Additionally, the manager drives the publishing and conference engagement for the org.

Requirements

PhD required.
5+ years of experience, ideally closer to 10.
Significant university-side experience (e.g., Grants Manager, Principal Investigator, Dean).
Deep understanding of sponsored research vs. gift funding, grant structures, and payment systems.
Contract negotiation experience (minimum 3 years), especially in university research contracts.
Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership and ROI awareness.
Ability to manage large, fast-scaling scientific organizations without direct reports.
Strong executive presence and communication skills, especially translating technical science into business or creative language.

Nice To Haves

Patent experience and financial management skills are advantageous.
Experience with payment and procurement systems (e.g., Coupa).
Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with internal documentation tools (e.g., Quip).

Responsibilities

Drive strategy coordination and execution of research investment programs.
Establish common processes, guidelines, and goals across multiple teams and geographies.
Host regular reviews with high-level scientists and leadership to monitor progress.
Prepare business reviews and status updates for high-level leaders.
Manage research collaboration pipelines, publication coordination, and participation in external standards organizations.
Identify efficiency opportunities and drive strategic hiring initiatives.
Facilitate cross-organizational discussions on program direction, priorities, and conflicts.
Present research reports and manage publications.
Organize and execute large events at studios and headquarters.
Manage university partnerships and external research collaborations.
Negotiate research terms and overhead rates, draft contracts, and manage a multi-million-dollar external research budget.
Oversee project setup and execution, ensuring clear deliverables and effective renewals.
Support internal science and research operations, aligning research priorities and ensuring visibility.
Own the publication process, ensuring timely publication and managing IP, patents, and publishing risks.