Research Project Manager - Survey Research Center

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Penn State Survey Research Center (SRC) seeks qualified applicants for the position of Research Project Manager to join their talented team. This position will be filled at the Research Project Manager - Intermediate Professional level.

Primary duties include management and coordinating various projects, including the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) project, a CDC-sponsored research study.

Responsibilities:

• Serving as the main point of contact internally with the project team and with various Primary Investigators (PIs) and funding partners.
• Managing project scopes of work, timelines, deliverables, and communication between internal and external teams.
• Tracking project budgets, spending, and invoicing.
• Directing efforts to develop protocols and survey instruments, collect and manage data, and provide finalized datasets and methodology reports across quantitative and qualitative methods such as telephone interviewing, web surveys, mail surveys, field projects, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups.
• Supervising and conducting analysis of survey and paradata to present to PIs and funding partners.
• Providing cutting-edge recommendations and best practices for social science data collection.
• Identifying and implementing changes/improvements to quality assurance processes across projects.  
• Identifying potential project risks and corresponding solutions across projects.
• Supervising staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management for part-time/wage payroll staff as well as supervision and mentorship of full-time project assistants.

Required Skills:

• Responsibility, initiative, and good judgement.
• Dedication to working with a diverse team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of responsiveness.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven ability to manage time effectively to manage project timelines without losing sight of the high priority items.
• Exemplary organizational skills with great attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with survey tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) and understanding of data management in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R pipeline).
• Proficiency in using Zoom and Microsoft Office Software (e.g., Teams, Excel).

The ideal candidate will have a background in project management, survey methods (particularly phone and web surveys), experience conducting qualitative and quantitative survey research, working with a research team, and familiarity with survey and statistical software.

The job necessitates meeting deadlines and working on tasks that may require flexible work hours including evenings or weekends.

Work Arrangement: This position requires an in-office presence but may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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