Project Manager

Description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an organized and collaborative project manager to support a government agency research center in Tallahassee, Florida. This position is embedded within the client's central office and is responsible for managing a portfolio of applied research projects from initiation through closeout. The project manager will coordinate with internal teams, end-users, and external stakeholders to keep projects on schedule, ensure deliverables meet quality standards, and support the dissemination of results. The role requires a balance of strong project management discipline, clear communication skills, and familiarity with knowledge and technology transfer principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Management

• Manage a portfolio of concurrent applied research projects, tracking scope, schedule, budget, and deliverable status across the full project lifecycle.

• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, and milestone schedules in coordination with research staff, client representatives, and partner organizations.

• Facilitate regular project meetings, prepare agendas, document decisions, and track action items to ensure follow-through.

• Identify and escalate risks, issues, and implementation barriers, and support the development of mitigation strategies.

• Coordinate with end-users and stakeholders to support the planning and execution of pilot and demonstration activities.

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for project stakeholders, maintaining clear and consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle.

• Facilitate collaboration among research teams, client staff, partner organizations, and field personnel.

• Organize and lead stakeholder meetings, workshops, site visits, and coordination calls.

• Prepare and deliver status reports, briefings, and presentations for internal leadership and external audiences.

Knowledge & Technology Transfer Support

• Support the facilitation of knowledge and technology transfer (T2) activities to help research results reach intended end-users and practitioners.

• Assist in coordinating outreach efforts including workshops, webinars, conferences, and agency publications to advance awareness and adoption of research outcomes.

• Contribute to the development of implementation guides, fact sheets, and other materials that translate technical findings into accessible, actionable content.

• Coordinate with communications and program staff to align project outputs with broader dissemination efforts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain organized project files, records, and documentation in accordance with established program standards.

• Collect, compile, and analyze project data to support performance reporting and program dashboards.

• Document project outcomes, lessons learned, and best practices to support institutional knowledge and continuous improvement.

• Contribute to final project deliverables, closeout packages, and performance summaries for client review.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in project management, program coordination, or a closely related role

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities and deadlines

• Experience with stakeholder engagement, meeting facilitation, and technical writing

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to varied audiences

• Proficiency with project management tools, collaboration platforms, and standard office productivity software

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field; PMP or equivalent project management certification a plus

• Experience working with or supporting a government agency, research organization, or public-sector client

• Familiarity with knowledge transfer and research implementation principles and practices

• Experience supporting pilot, demonstration, or field deployment projects

• Knowledge of program performance measurement, reporting frameworks, and data visualization tools

• Ability to develop accessible communication materials that translate technical subject matter for non-technical audiences

ABOUT ARA

ARA is a 100% employee-owned company delivering high-quality research, analysis, and engineering solutions to government and private-sector clients nationwide. ARA is committed to fostering innovation, professional development, and a collaborative work environment. We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful public-sector work.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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