POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the guidance of Principal Investigators and Program Managers, the Research Project Manager provides project management, team management, budget development, analysis and reporting for multiple related projects. The Research Project Manager will support the Field Research Manager on Atmospheric River Reconnaissance (AR Recon), an annual operational program involving up to 50 investigators per field season from UC San Diego as well as external organizations, national and international, including the academia and government, from students to senior researchers.

The Research Project Manager provides project management services for CW3E projects, including AR Recon, to assure timely and efficient completion of projects. Effectively communicates with program management when projects are not progressing according to timelines. Provides written and oral reports to program management on status of active projects. As needed, works with program management to improve efficiency, organize and support operational and working group meetings, including coordination, facilitation, establishing agendas, and after-meeting follow up. Serves as point of contact for working groups, meeting attendees and/or collaborating institutions, in particular by serving as the operational coordinator for part of each AR Recon season. Assists with editing, revising, and producing professional documents. Organizes conferences, workshops, colloquia and other professional project meetings.

The Research Project Manager applies understanding of scientific research or engineering principles and practices as they work within technical, highly collaborative research teams that foster cross-disciplinary relationships with department leadership, faculty, post-doctoral scholars, graduate students, private industry leaders, consultants, as well as researchers at collaborating universities, institutions, and government agencies. The manager will also be actively involved in the data analysis and answering research questions through peer-review publications as a co-author. The manager will travel to workshops and meetings as needed.

The position requires involvement in the scientific, regulatory, administrative and budgetary goals of the program, excellent communication, project-reporting skills, and strict adherence to timelines and milestones. The Research Project Manager needs to be highly motivated and flexible, with the ability to manage complex work assignments and assume additional responsibilities as conditions warrant.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Academic background in engineering, meteorology, geoscience, environmental science, earth science or water science.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in an operational or administrative role working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

• Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs. Strong working knowledge of personal computers with the ability to effectively use software for word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, email, calendar, and databases. Has experience working with project management software. with features that include: Working knowledge of report/manuscript editing software programs. Knowledge of Linux/Unix operating systems and basic programming.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively and diplomatically at all organizational levels. Ability to write and speak clearly and present detailed information and analysis. Exceptional ability to write and communicate technical content effectively in a variety of mediums (web, summaries, reports, brochures, presentations, etc.) and in ways appropriate to targeted audiences (executives, business partners, end-users, general public, formal agencies, etc).

• Analytical / problem-solving skills. Demonstrated experience analyzing and identifying problems, independently resolving discrepancies with the ability to recommend solutions, contributing effectively to support organizational objectives.

• Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses. Skill in independently researching, compiling, organizing, interpreting and selecting data and materials from various sources. Ability to accurately interpret and implement policies and procedures and effectively communicate and disseminate information. Demonstrated ability to develop clear, concise, and accurate reports and recommendations for Principal Investigators, Program Managers and other stake-holders.

• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes. Proven organizational, office management, project management, and administration skills. Extensive organizational, analysis and decision-making skills to continually prioritize between long- and short-term needs, to tolerate rapid shifts in direction, competing demands and constant requests for priority changes from a variety of sources, keep track of ongoing projects and tasks simultaneously and meet multiple concurrent deadlines. Demonstrated knowledge to handle multiple projects, deadlines, conflicts in an environment of shifting priorities and resource and staff constraints. Ability to oversee the scheduling of a variety of meetings and conferences for large and small groups - recognizing and making allowances for conflicting schedules. Demonstrated capacity to anticipate obstacles and plan for contingencies. Ability to proactively resolve unforeseen situations to ensure project success.

• Strong policy analysis techniques. Ability to identify, synthesize and distribute critical sources of news and information. Demonstrated ability to assess procedures and define requirements to streamline processes and result in productivity improvement.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality. Proven ability to earn the trust of staff, researchers and key stakeholders; mobilize and motivate teams; set direction and approach; resolve conflict; deliver tough messages with grace; execute with limited information and ambiguity.

• Demonstrated experience leading diverse groups of scientists, students, staff, and collaborators with different levels of seniority. Demonstrated leadership experience in gaining consensus from these groups in adherence to strict mission planning deadlines and under stressful circumstances.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• The job offer is contingent upon clearance of a Background Check.