Lab Project Manager (Project Management Specialist), Observing Civic Engagement Lab

THE O'NEILL SCHOOL - BL SPEA (BL-SPEA-IUBLA)

The O'Neill School of Public and Environment Affairs works to build a better world by stewarding the development of equitable and inclusive societies, democratic governance, and a healthy, sustainable environment. With partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, we pursue education, scholarship, and civic engagement at the crossroads of policy, science, and management. We give our students the knowledge and skills to have a significant impact in varied settings around the globe.

The Lab Project Manager will help manage a project studying community-based nonprofit organization in Bloomington, Indiana for the Observing Civic Engagement Lab.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Leads a team of approximately 25-30 student research assistants by recruiting, training, scheduling, mentoring, and monitoring performance. Provides ongoing guidance, answers procedural and coding questions, facilitates communication, and fosters a productive and inclusive team environment that supports student development and project success.
• Monitors research activities to ensure adherence to established project protocols and quality standards. Reviews submitted observations, provides feedback and corrective guidance, resolves data collection issues, and collaborates with project leadership to promote data accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
• Manages the scheduling and logistical coordination of research activities across approximately 60 community organizations. Oversees observation calendars, assigns research assistant shifts, monitors coverage needs, and ensures efficient deployment of project resources to support data collection objectives.
• Establishes and maintains productive relationships with community organizations participating in the research project. Conducts outreach, recruit organizations, coordinates participation, responds to inquiries, and serves as a primary point of contact to support engagement and long-term collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Identifies, evaluates, and addresses operational, logistical, and participant-related risks associated with field-based research activities. Exercises sound judgment in responding to emerging issues and implements solutions that support participant safety, project continuity, and successful completion of project objectives.
• Maintains organized project records, databases, schedules, and documentation to support research operations and reporting. Monitors data integrity, track project activities, and ensures information is accurately maintained and readily accessible for analysis and decision-making.
  
  

General Responsibilities

• Manages medium to large projects, from start to finish, ensuring on time completion within budget.
• Develops project plan(s) and efficiently analyzes, tracks, forecasts, and reports on project metrics and shortfalls.
• Coordinates and facilitates efforts of project team(s) consisting of various staff and hourly employees.
• Communicates ongoing changes in tasks, goals, or performance.
• Collaborates to ensure that project objectives are achieved within established time frames.
• Participates in client meetings, vendor/contract decisions, and development of project requirements and specifications.
• May provide guidance and support to less experienced peers.
  
  

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in sociology, political science, public affairs, business or relevant social science or professional field.)
  
  

Required

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 2 years of relevant experience.
  
  

Skills

Required

• Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
• Demonstrates project management skills.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
  
  

Preferred

• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs (Teams particularly Shifts, Outlook, Excel).
• Aptitude for creating and managing surveys within Qualtrics.
• Familiarity with social science research on civil society/nonprofit organizations.
  
  

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

This position is grant-funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.

Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

1315 East 10th Street, Bloomington, Indiana 47405

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
  
  

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: General Administration

Job Family: Project Management

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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

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