Project Manager - UIC Science

Overview

The Project Manager will manage cradle-to-grave project support, including but not limited to developing life-of-project scope, schedule, and budget estimates; project initiations; project resource procurement and management; frequent status reporting; and project closeout upon completion.

The Project Manager will support a variety of projects funded by multiple federal agencies, research institutions, military, and private companies.

Essential functions will include:

• Manage Arctic-based research projects from planning through closeout.

• Develop and track budgets for proposed and approved NSF and non-NSF projects.

• Ensure projects are delivered within approved scope, cost, and schedule, including timely reporting and change management.

• Draft statements of work and requisitions; serve as the contracting officer's technical representative for field operations.

• Prepare and maintain accurate planning documents, including project summaries and season plans.

• Coordinate with internal teams, researchers, vendors, and community partners to ensure sufficient inventory and services for field support.

• Lead project closeouts and conduct end-of-season debriefs.

• Liaise with local communities and agencies to align on project support.

• Review research proposals and provide technical and logistical feedback.

• Respond promptly and accurately to inquiries and support requests.

• Collaborate with the UIC Science Operations team on field planning and execution.

• Support the operations team during the field season, including troubleshooting and change management.

• Provide backup project management support to other team members as needed.

• Participate in regional team meetings and contribute to collaborative planning.

• Experience with project billing, invoicing, and budget tracking.
• Advanced level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint 
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, clients, vendors, and project stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and completing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in budgets, project documentation, procurement activities, reports, and communications.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and organizational needs.
• Receives and responds to instructions/assignments, must be able to read, write and speak English
• Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment with the ability to work alone or as part of a team. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, researchers, subcontractors, and community partners.

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
• 5-years experience Arctic project and remote logistics management

• Manage logistical support services for research projects primarily working in Utqiagvik, Alaska or other rural Alaska Indigenous Communities.
• Prepare estimates of scope, schedule, and budget for research grant proposals.
• Track project resource usage and managing resource allocations to adhere to project budget requirements.
• Draft statements of work and submit requests for proposals for large procurements.
• Monitor project performance, schedules, budgets, and deliverables; identify risks and issues, communicate impacts to clients and stakeholders, and develop mitigation strategies to maintain project success.
• Engage directly with clients and other project stakeholders to provide frequent project performance updates.
• Use multiple different budget and resource tracking software programs.
• Prepare and submit written reports or give oral presentations on project performance.
• Deploy periodically to Utqiagvik, Alaska to support research projects is required.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily office-based with regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

• Travel required to remote locations, including Utqiagvik, AK, for a minimum of six weeks during peak field season.

• Field conditions may include exposure to extreme cold (temperatures below 0F), high winds, and varying weather.

• Occasional work in outdoor environments near research sites, logistics hubs, and equipment staging areas.

• May involve travel by small aircraft, snow machine, ATV, or boat to access remote field sites.

• Exposure to noise from equipment, vehicles, and machinery in field environments.

• Extended or irregular hours may be required during active field operations or peak project periods.

• Work may involve collaboration with local communities and coordination with multiple stakeholders in challenging logistical settings.