Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager
The Polis Center
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Job summary
The Polis Center in Indianapolis seeks a GIS Program Manager to lead multi‑hazard mitigation planning, flood mapping, and data management initiatives. You will supervise geoinformatics staff and act as senior technical lead for geospatial analysis and visualization in support of community‑engaged research.
You will collaborate with directors, faculty, and partners, establish technical standards, and ensure high‑quality GIS products and services. Reports to the Director of Geoinformatics.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
- Master’s degree in related field preferred.
- 2 years of GIS program management or related experience required.
- Experience in a community‑oriented organization preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide technical leadership in GIS analysis, data management, visualization, and modeling.
- Supervise GIS staff and set priorities, resources, and performance expectations.
- Collaborate with directors, faculty, and partners to understand GIS requirements.
- Establish standards and QA practices for GIS outputs and documentation.
- Mentor staff and support professional development and team growth.
- Support proposal development with GIS methodologies, timelines, and staffing estimates.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
The Polis Center is an applied research center at IU Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community’s most pressing challenges including housing stability, public health, and economic resilience. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.
From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community‑based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.
The Polis Center is an applied research center at IU Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community’s most pressing challenges including housing stability, public health, and economic resilience. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.
From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community‑based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.
The GIS Program Manager provides leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of projects related to multi-hazard mitigation planning, flood mapping, GIS data management, crisis informatics research, and more. The program manager supervises the geoinformatics staff while serving as the senior technical lead for geospatial analysis, data management, and visualization in support of community‑engaged and academic research initiatives. The position establishes work priorities, assigns technical resources across multiple projects, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and ensures the delivery of high‑quality geospatial products and services.
Working collaboratively with directors, project coordinators, faculty, researchers, and community partners, the GIS Program Manager provides technical expertise throughout project planning and implementation, performs advanced GIS analysis for complex initiatives, and establishes technical standards and quality assurance practices for the GIS team. The position fosters a collaborative, high‑performing team environment and supports applied research and community initiatives through innovative geospatial solutions that advance the Center's mission.
The GIS Program Manager reports to the Director of Geoinformatics.
- Performs advanced GIS analysis, spatial modeling, geospatial data management, cartographic production, and data visualization in support of complex research and community initiatives
- Establishes, maintains, and promotes technical standards, methodologies, and best practices for GIS analysis, data management, visualization, and documentation across the GIS team
- Reviews GIS products (e.g., analyses, maps, dashboards, StoryMaps, and other technical deliverables) to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards
- Provides technical leadership in addressing complex geospatial challenges, identifying appropriate analytical approaches, and resolving technical issues encountered during project implementation
- Guides GIS analytical methods and recommends appropriate tools, technologies, and workflows to support project objectives and organizational needs
- Ensures the quality, integrity, and reliability of GIS data, analytical methods, and geospatial products through quality assurance and peer review processes
- Serves as the senior technical resource for GIS staff, providing consultation on geospatial technologies, data sources, analytical methods, and emerging industry practices
- Supervises GIS staff, providing day‑to‑day leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
- Establishes work priorities for the GIS team based on project needs, organizational priorities, staff capacity, technical complexity, and deadlines
- Assigns GIS staff resources to projects and initiatives, balancing workloads to ensure efficient use of team expertise and timely completion of deliverables
- Monitors staff workloads, project assignments, and resource utilization, adjusting as priorities and project needs evolve
- Conducts performance evaluations, establishes performance expectations, and supports employee growth through regular coaching and professional development
- Mentors GIS staff in technical competencies, problem solving, project execution, and best practices in geospatial analysis and visualization
- Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of GIS staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing team environment
- Collaborates with directors, project coordinators, faculty, and project teams in understanding GIS requirements and determining appropriate technical approaches and staffing needs
- Maintains productive working relationships with existing community partners, government agencies, faculty, researchers, contractors, and other stakeholders engaged in GIS‑supported initiatives
- Provides technical expertise during project planning by assessing GIS requirements, identifying resource needs, and recommending appropriate analytical methods and deliverables
- Advises leadership on GIS project scope, staffing capacity, technical feasibility, and resource allocation to support successful project implementation
- Communicates technical progress, project risks, staffing considerations, and implementation challenges to leadership and project stakeholders, recommending solutions when appropriate
- Supports proposal development project planning, and status reporting by providing technical input related to GIS methodologies, staffing estimates, timelines, and project deliverables
- Identifies opportunities to improve GIS workflows, technical processes, documentation, and operational efficiency within the GIS team
- Develops, maintains, and promotes documentation, standard operating procedures, templates, and technical guidance supporting consistent GIS practices
- Evaluates emerging GIS technologies, software, analytical techniques, and industry best practices, recommending adoption where appropriate to improve team capabilities and project outcomes
- Promotes continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and technical consistency across the GIS team to strengthen organizational capacity and service quality
- At directors’ discretion, the employee may be assigned different or additional duties from time to time
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in related field
Preferred:
Master’s degree in related field
Required:
2 years of GIS program management or related experience
Preferred:
Experience in a community‑oriented organization.
Required:
- Advanced working knowledge of Esri ArcGIS software, database management and queries, and Microsoft Office
- Proficient in English with written and verbal communication skills
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism
- Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent collaboration and team building skills
- Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback
- Instills commitment to organizational goals
Preferred:
- Demonstrated expertise in ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, cloud‑based GIS architectures, Python automation, FME‑based data integration, enterprise geodatabases, API‑driven system integration, and GIS governance
- Experience applying geospatial tools and methods to support hazard mitigation, operations, response, and recovery activities, including conducting spatial analysis and modeling of crises and their impacts on populations
- Experience with FEMA’s Risk MAP program and associated flood product development workflows are strongly preferred
- Existing relationships within the Indiana GIS community, government, and related sectors
- Experience conducting spatial analysis and modeling of crises and their effects on populations; strong knowledge of spatial analysis concepts and application
- Ability to translate findings and make data meaningful and accessible to various public audiences
- Experience working with government, nonprofit, and/or private sectors
- Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment; able to adapt to changing priorities
- Possesses a high degree of initiative
- Ability to proactively identify and solve problems effectively through listening and influence building
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.
This position may occasionally require presenting research findings or representing The Polis Center at community meetings, conferences, workshops, or partner events, including evenings or weekends.
This position may occasionally involve travel in the U.S. and abroad.
This position is grant‑funded with expected annual renewal. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.
Must reside in/around Indianapolis, IN; able to work effectively in a hybrid (3 days in‑office + 2 days remote) work environment. Fully remote work is not an option.
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