Senior Program Manager, Electronic Research Administration Implementation - Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR)

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Senior Program Manager (PM) to manage complex enterprise-wide research administration projects and initiatives, and ensure they are delivered on time, on budget and of quality. The OVPR oversees the university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU's $620 million research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university's academic colleges, research institutes and centers, and the Software Engineering Institute, a federally funded research and development center. The OVPR is a large and complex office with more than 100 talented individuals that directly aid the research and innovation strategy, operations, and administration across campus.

CMU is embarking on a major upgrade of its electronic research administration (eRA) system by implementing a cloud-based enterprise system that includes modules for all aspects of sponsored programs administration and research compliance, as well as user interfaces for state-of-the-art sponsored program management. The PM will be responsible for project planning, scheduling, and budget and risk assessment throughout project life-cycle. While this new eRA implementation will initially form the core of the work, the PM will also play a key role in supporting changes in training, communications, data repositories and dashboards. In future years, the PM will bring valuable experience to support the integration of the eRA system with a planned upgrade of CMU's financial system.

By supporting OVPR leadership in moving these projects from original concept through final implementation, the PM will gain experience in managing complex and integrated, cloud-based software implementations at one of world's leading research universities. This person will also shape the way CMU approaches and implements its vision for an innovative, comprehensive, and faculty-focused program for research administration.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to turn CMU's aspirations for its research administration program into concrete plans. They will also demonstrate outstanding communication skills, keeping stakeholders involved and informed across multiple workstreams. Strong candidates can come from multiple industries and domains; success in this role will develop the PM's portfolio to include highly transferrable skills in complex research and development organizations.

Core Responsibilities:

• Works with OVPR leadership to establish and maintain up to date project plans for workstreams related to software implementation, training, communication, and data delivery as assigned.
• Manages multiple projects, coordinating the efforts of teams within OVPR as well as those of other collaborating CMU units and external vendors.
• Communicates with partners in other divisions, departments, schools and colleges to ensure that decisions made on individual projects are aligned with related projects across campus.
• Engages with OVPR leadership and other campus stakeholders to at the planning phase of projects to identify the business needs, application requirements, and business processes that require reengineering or design to support the initiatives and projects.
• Works closely with OVPR leadership to develop approved project budgets. Tracks budgets and performs budget risk analyses throughout life of the project.
• Translates program and project requirements into detailed project plans. Develops systems to track and report on projects including but not limited to leadership dashboards and regular communications about where projects are slowed or stuck.
• Effectively communicates project expectations and statuses to team members and stakeholders in a timely and clear fashion.
• Creates reports and presentations as needed in support of project planning and status.
• Prepares project planning documents including project charters, committee charges, project scope statements, and progress reports.
• Proactively manages changes in project scope, identifies potential risks, manages issues and devises mitigation and contingency plans.
• Coaches, mentors, motivates, and supervises project team members and contractors, and influences them to be proactive and accountable for their assigned work.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated mastery of project management principles and methodologies including successful implementation of projects in a complex organization
• Experience with system implementations and project management methodologies
• Strong analytical, organizational, and team-building skills
• Excellent oral/written communication skills, as well as diplomacy and a high level of professionalism
• Experience managing change and process improvements in a highly decentralized environment.
• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in project management
• Experience implementing complex software systems in a higher education setting.
• Project management experience in higher education or research setting
• Experience in research administration

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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