Research Project Manager

Position Summary RENCI is seeking an experienced Research Project Manager to report to its Research Project Management Office. The position will be responsible for contributing to the management of one or more highly complex research and team science coordination projects funded by NIH, NSF, or other federal and state government organizations and/or leading collaborative efforts between RENCI and UNC campus units. Incumbent will aid in the development of project management strategy, supporting business cases, and detailed project plans. This role will manage project execution to ensure adherence to leadership priorities, timelines, budgets, and expected outcomes while guaranteeing the quality of project deliverables. Incumbent will manage day-to-day operations for assigned projects in collaboration with RENCI leadership, including scheduling and meeting facilitation, taking notes, capturing and tracking action items, communicating with applicable teams, engaging staff to drive outcomes, and fostering strong teamwork among internal and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities Project Planning and Management: Utilize project task tracking tools and methods to oversee one or more projects lifecycle. Recognize opportunities for internal improvement and develop plans for implementing updated or new processes and methods to facilitate project outcomes. Supporting Deliverable Execution: Schedule and run effective, efficient meetings. Work closely and confidently with research project staff to track and ensure successful completion of prioritized project deliverables. Help propose, initiate and develop activities to meet project goals (e.g., workstream or tiger team formation, webinars, office hours, educational resources). Risk Management: Help identify and put plans in place to address potential project risks and challenges. Ensure broad awareness of project risks and recommend risk mitigation measures to minimize impact to project operations and outcomes. Reporting, Tracking, and Standard Operating Procedures: Maintain and update project tracking tools, prepare complete reports in accordance with sponsor requirements and project scope. Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintain project documentation, and update or develop new SOPs as needed. Internal/External Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain a variety of positive and constructive working relationships. Understand internal workings of the department relative to external expectations of clients and stakeholders. Assist with the research, development, and execution of proposals, including internal and external communications and client engagement. Constructively engage research project staff to facilitate project outcomes. Edit and analyze scientific and technical informational materials or content. Write according to correct English usage and appropriate style guide or accepted industry standards. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0‑2 years’ experience; or a combination of related education and experience in substitution. Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Ability to independently draft project plans, milestones, deliverables and timelines. Ability to lead complex project initiatives, develop and implement program strategies, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Proven ability to lead and participate in technical conversations. Ability to use and incorporate various hardware and software packages in support of project outcomes. Familiarity with a range of project management tools, particularly online tools including Atlassian (Jira, Confluence), GitHub, and Monday.com. Understanding of Agile metrics (tasks, backlog tracking, burndown metrics, velocity, user stories, etc.) to analyze and improve sprint planning. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience Three years’ experience in project management and/or program coordination and organization. CSM or equivalent certification. Experience with federally funded projects. Experience using project management skills and tools in an academic setting and/or a background in education. Experience with software development teams. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill