Temporary VersaWater Research Operations Coordinator

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Project Description: This position supports a ~$5M initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation through its Convergence Accelerator program, to bring affordable, effective drinking water treatment technology to underserved small communities in the U.S. Known as the VersaWater project, the effort focuses its deployments in Puerto Rico and New York State. The NSF Convergence Accelerator program is designed to move research out of the lab and into real-world use, which aligns closely with Cornell's commitment to ensuring that research delivers positive societal benefit. Led by Cornell, VersaWater brings together a multi-institution consortium, including Syracuse University, the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, and AguaClara Reach, to address one of the hardest problems in the U.S. water sector: making safe, reliable water treatment work for the small systems under 1,000 people that larger solutions have historically left behind.

The team combines technology deployment, hands-on demonstration plants, student engagement, funding and financing assistance, and hands-on training to support long-term, sustainable operation. A central goal is for the consortium to develop a successful, sustainable business model that allows this work, assisting small drinking water treatment systems, to continue well beyond the life of the grant. It's a collaborative, mission-driven effort at the intersection of engineering, community partnership, and public health.

Description of Duties: The Project Coordinator will assist in the day-to-day operations of the VersaWater initiative, working closely with the PI and Lead Project Manager. Responsibilities include:

• Managing sub-awardee budget tracking, invoicing review, and gathering information for monthly and quarterly reporting to NSF
• Assisting with maintaining project deliverable tracking and coordinating Cornell demo plant logistics
• Supporting detailed scoping for the next $2M in funding
• Assisting the PI and Lead PM with other project deliverables related to business development, stakeholder engagement, and water quality testing. This might look like:
  • Reaching out to Cornell staff and faculty to serve on an advisory board
  • Drafting meeting agendas and discussion topics
  • Managing incoming water quality data from a test site and preparing summary reports for the team
• Assisting with event planning. The PI and Lead PM will set the vision and direction for events, and the coordinator will manage logistics

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in science/engineering, business/management, international/global development, or public health.
• Minimum 4 years working experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
  • Proven ability to manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and track progress effectively.
  • Ability to adapt to evolving project needs and maintain focus on achieving long-term goals.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience fostering teamwork, collaboration, and a positive, inclusive work environment – including managing conflict constructively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including community members, donors, and technical experts.
• Comfortable with Microsoft office products and project management software (Microsoft project, Smartsheets, etc)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with the WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector and/or U.S. water industry, including processes, regulatory compliance, and funding requirements for implementing water treatment technologies.
• Familiarity with business plan development and entrepreneurship
• Hands-on involvement in science or engineering projects, with the ability to contribute to detailed design discussions and support technical development.
• Coursework or additional degrees in project or engineering management

Duration of employment:

Temporary - 6 months at 20 hours/week.

Pay = $30-$40/hour

There are no benefits for this position

Location: Ithaca, NY - based is preferred. Hybrid.

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