University of Utah

Department 02667 - Wilkes Ctr -Climate Sci & Plcy Job Summary

We seek an experienced project manager to help provide comprehensive support for the University of Utah team contributing to the National Science Foundation Futures Engine in the Southwest that includes Utah, Arizona, and Nevada (see https://futuresengine.asu.edu/). The NSF Futures Engine, led by Arizona State University, aims to elevate the Southwest as a regional hub of economic development catalyzed by sustainability innovation. The Futures Engine builds an ecosystem in the American Southwest that advances the development and deployment of transformative technologies—creating economic opportunities, strengthening U.S. competitiveness, and addressing regional challenges in energy, water, and air systems.

The Project Manager will work with Engine leadership at the University of Utah and also engage closely with project leaders and personnel at Arizona State University and other partner organizations to align University of Utah activities with the overall Engine.

• Under minimal supervision, responsible for planning, organizing, and supporting University of Utah project leadership in all aspects pertaining to the grant including preparing reports
• Supervision of Engine Program Coordinator
• Support with financial management and operations (e.g., purchasing, coordination with those utilizing grant funds across campus, support with grant reporting)
• Serve as a point of contact between the Engine and the broader University and state community
• Special events may occur outside of traditional business hours and may include possible travel throughout the region (UT, NV, AZ)
• Hybrid is an option; expectation is for at least half time in office
• This is a grant-funded position with an initial appointment period of 7 months with the potential for renewal.

Responsibilities

• Identify critical resource expertise requirements and targets appropriate internal and/or external sources to ensure optimal outcome(s).
• Communicate Engine objectives to leadership team and identify strategic alignment with existing activities and programs.
• Facilitates cooperative and collaborative community and institutional relationships.
• Plan, develop, implement, and manage a project team from concept through complete task definitions and work requirement identification and assignments.
• Work closely and collaboratively with key stakeholders to implement project activities and ensure aspirational outcomes.
• Establish and continually monitor/manage project expectations with team; assign tasks and identify issues for resolution to ensure optimal team effectiveness.
• Prepare and maintain all project status reports and schedules; tracks milestones/deliverables, critical paths and dependencies; re‐set expectations as needed in consideration of project progress/outcomes.
• Oversee and facilitate the planning and implementation of events – meetings, workshops, site visits, etc.
• Develop, prepare, maintain, and forecast multiple complex project level budgets.
• Manage project risks through collaboration with the project team and application of established risk management practices including the use of a risk register and qualitative/quantitative risk analysis.
• Work collaboratively with Principal Investigator(s) to engage leadership and other research related staff to define and identify all required project infrastructure needed for successful launch and ongoing project operations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Four to six years of progressively more responsible management experience. Background knowledge of hiring department’s area of specialization in order to analyze, plan and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes in order to effectively monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure the smooth operation of department. Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required. Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Prior experience on a collaborative federal grant
• Familiarity with University of Utah regulations and processes such as reimbursements, travel, purchasing, consultant agreements
• There is a preference for knowledge of University of Utah structures, policies, and programs associated with NSF Futures Engine activities, experience in sustainability innovation, and/or experience managing a large and interdisciplinary NSF (or other federal) award.
• Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented students and patients.

All qualified individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at: https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/

Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu

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