Research Project Manager

Job Summary

The Research Project Manager (onsite) manages research partnerships and data collection efforts involving the SPEAK, the Survey of Parent/Provider Expectations And Knowledge. The role leads day-to-day management of an international partnership portfolio, overseeing partner projects from setup through data collection, building surveys, coordinating translations, planning convenings, and tracking deliverables against grant timelines.

Responsibilities

• Manage a broad portfolio of distinct research projects and external partnerships, each with its own scope, objectives, and requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, overseeing project setup, research planning, and data sharing.
• Troubleshoot issues related to contracting (MOUs, data use agreements), survey implementation, and data quality.
• Plan and coordinate convenings for the research consortium, including a virtual convening, a one-day in-person symposium at the University of Chicago, and a policy forum with key stakeholders.
• Manage logistics, agendas, speakers, travel, and follow-up.
• Track project milestones and deliverables against the grant timeline, and prepare the annual progress report for the incubator funder.
• Build, test, and deploy surveys on the platform and in REDCap.
• Coordinate translation of the tool into new languages, working with translators, partner teams, and the Principal Researcher.
• Present project updates and findings to partner organizations, at internal meetings, and at external convenings.
• Serve as subject matter expert and key stakeholder for the platform.
• Work closely with product and technical teams to ensure features are effectively prioritized.
• Monitor deadlines for data reports and presentations, and communicate project needs with the Principal Researcher and Research Data Manager.
• Monitor ongoing data collection efforts across partner studies and request/implement changes to data collection tools, processes, and protocols as needed.
• Support partners in using the data portal to access and download their data, track survey completion, and report issues.
• Write and review proposals, grant reports, and social media materials.
• Present the research tool to potential partners, and discuss relevant use case examples based on the organization type.
• Maintain project trackers, partner records, and meeting notes, and keep documents organized, formatted, and backed up in Google Drive and on the TMW Server.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project.
• Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Takes responsibility for non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects.

Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree in related field.
• Knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy, social science, psychology, economics, public health, education, or a related field.
• Experience working directly with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community-based partners on research or program implementation.
• Experience with IRB protocols, data use agreements and human subjects research.
• Experience in early childhood research or education.
• Experience coordinating international or multi-site research.
• Experience planning convenings, conferences, or other professional events.
• Familiarity with survey research methods.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with research software (e.g., Excel, Qualtrics, REDCap).

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with sharp attention to detail.
• Strong project management skills to build and maintain detailed project plans and track deliverables across multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods, comfort working alongside analysts on data-driven projects, and the ability to read and interpret statistical output.
• Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse professional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Ability to effectively manage a heavy workload, competing priorities, and tight deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes in fast-paced work environment.
• A quick, self-learner with ability to initiate, organize, prioritize and complete multiple, high-level projects; and work effectively with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.