Job Description:
About Brown
Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.
Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.
About the Department
The Office of Research Strategy and Development provides research leadership and guidance by building research capacity and enabling federal funding for research at Brown as articulated in the Operational Plan for Growing the Research Enterprise at Brown, and the work outlined by the major research units to pursue the plan. The group accomplishes this by working with the Vice President for Research and other Brown leaders to develop and support the university’s research priorities; strengthening internal and external research networks, processes, skills and knowledge to continuously grow capacity for research excellence at Brown; and by increasing external research funding to enable world class research at Brown.
About the Opportunity
The Project Manager is responsible for successfully developing and submitting the administrative components of complex proposals for priority funding agencies as a member of the Office of Research Strategy and Development in efforts to advance Brown’s strategic plan to grow its research enterprise.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Strategy Development, ORSD, the Project Manager will advise, consult and guide the project management of the administrative processes for mid-large scale, complex research projects across the university. Under the guidance of and in collaboration with the strategic lead on a proposal (an ORSD staff member), the incumbent will work closely with faculty and staff stakeholders in defining the scope, schedule, charter and budget for projects. They will also be expected to work with teams to identify and organize priorities and establish processes and contribute to the ongoing operations as well as develop and document processes and procedures. The incumbent will be expected to approach the work proactively and in an independent manner.
Responsibilities
Project/Proposal Planning and Initiation
- Collaborate with stakeholders to projects that meet the requirements to be included in the scope of the position's efforts. Determine which projects/proposals are in line with areas designated for growth through the strategic efforts of the Provost and VPR.
- Collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in the definition of project scope and objectives
- Support center proposals, instrumentation proposals, and interdisciplinary strategic proposals that are aligned with the Brown University’s research priorities
- Onboard teams: ensure faculty and their staff have the information needed to participate in ORSD-lead projects
- Articulate large-scale, complex projects into detailed project documentation (charters), identifying structured phases and sprints to prioritize speed, improvements and enhancements
Project/Proposal Management
- Formally manage changes to the project scope, schedule and budget
- Formally identify and manage project risk, reporting and escalating issues to project lead and/or Senior Director Research Strategy and Development as needed
- Monitor and track progress of projects, reporting on performance using appropriate tools and techniques
- Manage project resources, make adjustments and improvements to project delivery to address constraints
- Manage document sharing processes
- Provide concise status reports on active projects to ORSD team and key stakeholders
- Coach, guide, and motivate others to move a project forward and deliver a positive outcome.
- Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time and within scope; provide lessons learned and recommend improvements to ORSD leadership
Training and Resource Development
- Support the Office of Research Strategy and Development in developing and refining project management methodology, tools, practices, and training materials.
- Research tools, practices, and methods for successful project management, and advise the Senior Director Research Strategy and Development and senior leadership on University-level strategies and resources for project management.
- Establish project management templates specific to Brown
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Required: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 3-5 years’ experience leading complex project management, preferably in an academic/ research environment
- Demonstrated knowledge of or experience working with federal funding agencies is required; an understanding of the mission-driven federal agencies preferred.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
- Proven working experience in a variety of project management concepts, practices and procedures in an education or start up environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to make effective presentations
- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills
- Strong planning skills applied using Smartsheets and other relevant software
- Ability to work independently, coordinating and prioritizing multiple projects
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
Job Competencies
- Expertise in project management
- Knowledge of federal and private research funding organizations and proposal requirements
- Microsoft and Google suite tools
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Must have the ability to quickly establish and maintain a solid working relationship with a variety of customers and constituents, including senior administration and faculty.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write and deliver clear and effective reports and presentations to various audiences, both internal and external
- Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. Proven ability to independently and effectively manage and resolve issues, under a variety of circumstances and urgency, with insight, diplomacy and sensitivity, as well as coordinate and direct a multi-disciplined team.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications, Google Suite applications, and/or project management software.
- Initiative and judgment to independently problem solve.
- Ability to work with little supervision and also serve as a strong team member.
- Ability to research, analyze, and summarize findings.
- Possess an ability to support and promote a diverse and inclusive campus community.
Cover letter and resume required with application.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.
Recruiting Start Date:
2024-01-30
Job Posting Title:
Research Strategy & Development Project Manager
Department:
Office of Research Strategy and Development
Grade:
Grade 10
Worker Type:
Employee
Worker Sub-Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
37.5
Position Work Location:
Hybrid Eligible
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
EEO Statement:
Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.
As an EEO/AA employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.
