Aviation Research Project Operations Lead

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) seeks a detail‑driven Project Operations Manager to oversee planning, execution, and financial oversight of lab programs and grant work.

You will partner with project teams, leadership, finance, and contracts to ensure milestones, accurate billing, compliance with sponsor guidelines, and timely reporting while supporting growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of related project management experience; Every 30 hours of related college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience (maximum of four (4) years).
• Experience managing grant-funded projects and budgets.
• Ability to ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project planning, schedules, milestones, and deliverable tracking.
• Monitor budgets, expenditures, burn rates, and funding.
• Coordinate with teams to align work with approved scopes.
• Ensure accurate invoicing and financial reporting.
• Provide reports to leadership and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations.
• Maintain records and provide updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Compliance

Data tracking

Organization

Risk management

Communication

Project tracking tools

Cross-functional teams

Sponsor alignment

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) seeks a detail‑driven Project Operations Manager to oversee planning, execution, and financial oversight of lab programs and grant work.

You will partner with project teams, leadership, finance, and contracts to ensure milestones, accurate billing, compliance with sponsor guidelines, and timely reporting while supporting growth and operational excellence.