Project Manager

Project Manager
NSF MSRI-1 Project

Position Summary
The Project Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Mid-Scale Research Infrastructure (MSRI-1) project, including technical scope, cost, schedule, risk, and stakeholder engagement. Working in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator and the science and technical teams, the PM ensures that all project activities are planned and executed in alignment with NSF's Research Infrastructure Guide (RIG), the approved Project Execution Plan (PEP), and award terms and conditions. The PM maintains the performance measurement baseline across cost, schedule, and scope through the project change control process; oversees risk identification and mitigation; and serves as a primary point of coordination among the institution, NSF program officers, sub-awardees, and other project stakeholders. The PM is accountable for the quality and timeliness of all project controls outputs, compliance reporting, and lifecycle documentation required to meet NSF oversight expectations throughout the full duration of the award.

Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the project office.
• Sets and maintains a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
• Directs and coordinates the project controls team.
• Oversees recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of project staff.
• Leads regular project team meetings, technical reviews, and schedule update sessions; prepares and distributes meeting minutes and action item logs.
• Collaborates with University support services (e.g., Sponsored Projects Administration, Business Administration, Information Technology, and Human Resources) for smooth project operation.
  

Project Planning and Execution

• Spearheads Project Execution Plan revisions, partnering with the PI and technical team to implement key revisions, including the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), contingency management, scope management, scheduling, and risk assessment sections.
• Develops and oversees the project schedule, including milestones, activities, and assigned resources.
• Oversees execution of the integrated project plan and monitors progress against scope, schedule, and milestones.
• Manages cross-functional dependencies and competing priorities.
• Leads planning for major reviews, milestones, and deliverables, including documentation of operational and technical requirements and interfaces.

• Identifies and manages emerging risks, issues, and resource constraints, and is accountable for timely resolution of any items identified.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

• Serves as primary conduit between the PI, science and technical teams, and NSF program officers.
• Manages activities and communications across the University, NSF, sub-awardees, partner institutions, and the science community.
• Develops and delivers project status briefings and presentations for internal leadership, external stakeholders, and NSF.
• Prepares and submits progress reports, including monthly project status reports, variance analyses, and other documentation required by NSF award terms.
• Leads preparation for external reviews and oversight activities.\
• Represents the project at workshops, reviews, conferences, and planning meetings, as appropriate.

• Maintains strong relationships with strategic project stakeholders and partners.

Project Management and Control

• Leads project budgeting, forecasting, and resource management.
• Monitors and controls project scope, cost, and schedule against the approved Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB).
• Manages the project change control process to maintain baseline integrity.
• Leads Control Account Management (CAM) meetings and monitors project performance.
• Reviews all project controls deliverables, including schedules, cost reports, and Earned Value Management (EVM) analyses, for quality, accuracy, and NSF compliance before distribution or submission.
• Develops and manages the project Risk Register, including identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maintains visibility of project risks, issues, assumptions, decisions, and action items.
• Leads quality management across project deliverables and management processes.
• Promotes continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and practices.
• Accountable for compliance with NSF policies, the Research Infrastructure Guide, and award terms and conditions.
• Oversees Environmental, Health & Safety compliance.

• Accountable for data management and compliance with cyber security requirements.

Other Duties as Assigned

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with extended computer use
• Frequent communication and collaboration with team members
• Domestic and international travel may be required

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field and six (6) years of related work experience managing multi-million dollar projects and project teams. OR advanced degree plus at least four years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the interpersonal and leadership ability to effectively interface with a team of scientists, engineers, and project stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain budgets and project schedules in accordance with best practices, including ability to create a WBS dictionary, activity sequencing, critical path methodology, and resource loading. Proficiency in MS Project or Primavera for project scheduling is preferred.
• Experience managing a federally funded research project, including familiarity with federal award terms, reporting requirements, and sponsor oversight processes. Prior experience with NSF-funded projects preferred but not required.
• Sufficient technical knowledge of the subject matter domain to engage credibly with scientists and engineers, identify technically driven project risks, and communicate effectively across disciplines. Domain knowledge in earth sciences, drilling, or related fields is ideal but comparable experience in a technically complex research environment is acceptable.
• Skilled at recording and controlling changes to the performance baseline (cost, scope, and schedule).
• Able to identify and align project needs to the science mission and goals.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS) and how to use it as an integrated management tool for successful project planning and execution.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles, methods, and tools for risk management.

The Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences is a vibrant interdisciplinary department whose faculty's research ranges from paleoclimate to deep earth dynamics. The Department is in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences (www.cse.umn.edu/esci) which also includes the Institute for Rock Magnetism, the Continental Scientific Drilling Coordination Facility, the Minnesota Geological Survey, and the Polar Geospatial Center. The majority of the School resides in John T. Tate Hall on the Minneapolis campus, with some labs on the St. Paul campus. Other affiliated research units at the University include the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, the Institute on the Environment, and the BioTechnology Institute.

Pay Range: $76,000 - $96,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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