Program Manager

Windber Research Institute; Windber (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Windber Research Institute in Windber, PA is seeking a Program Manager to oversee ongoing scientific research and development programs. You will manage initiatives from inception through deployment, coordinate with the scientific team and admin staff, and ensure compliance with federal funding terms.

This role requires 2–5 years of related experience in life sciences settings, a Bachelor's in Business Administration (MBA a plus), and PMP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred for advanced budgeting and leadership.
• Experience managing research programs or life sciences projects.
• Familiarity with grants, contracts, and federal funding requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage major research programs from planning to deployment.
• Develop program plans and enforce best practices in project management.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, schedules, and provisions.
• Assist in budget management and reporting.
• Prepare regular reports, presentations and updates with input from teams.
• Support grant applications and contract acquisitions.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Grant applications

Contract management

Communication skills

Team coordination

Meeting facilitation

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration

MBA

PMP certification

Tools

MS Project

MS Office

Grant management software

Job description

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:This position manages ongoing scientific research and development programs and projects as needed by using existing or developing new workflows. using existing and develop new management workflows to manage research and development programs and projects; assuring full compliance with all contract requirements, schedules, and provisions; managing project meetings, preparing reports, and assisting in budget management; and proactively identifying ways to improve program management. This position will be a direct report to the Director of Operations.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB: (other duties may be assigned)Manage major research programsKEY MEASURES:Develops and manages program plans from inception to deployment, applying project management methodology and enforcing best practice standards.Assure full compliance with all contract requirements, schedules, and provisionsAssists in managing budgets for research programs and projects as directedManage assigned project meetingsKEY MEASURES:Confirm proper meeting scheduling by communicating with admin teamPrepare meeting agendaAttend or chair the meeting as appropriatePrepare meeting minutes including action itemsFollow-up with action itemsPrepare regular reports, presentations, and other documents as neededKEY MEASURES:Compile, improve, and finalize regular research program reports and presentations by requesting inputs from team leaders and project leaders in coordination with admin team.Compile, improve, and finalize program update presentations from the administrative and formatting perspectiveCapable of providing insights to reports and presentations from the overall program perspectiveSupport other staff members in research program management KEY MEASURES:Work closely with administrative team and lab manager to ensure smooth daily operations of research programs;Support the scientific team in grant applications and contract acquisitionsCommunicate with funding agencies to address funding related issuesKEY MEASURES:Understands the funding mechanisms of research projectsAssist in paperwork preparation, interacts with funding agencies in problem- solvingEnsures proper execution of paperwork related to grants and contractsProactively identify ways to improve program management KEY MEASURES:Provided advice on manpower utilization, work flow, and operational procedures to increase efficiency and productivityMake overall improvements for the research programs and other activitiesCultivate a communicative environment for project teamsKEY MEASURES:Help cultivating a communicative environment to hear employee’s needs and to help solve the problems by seeking support from the admin and the executive teams.Gather, coordinate and submit updates for the monthly newsletterOTHER DUTIES OF JOB:Maintain a clean and safe working environment Adhere to safety standards and regulations of the Institute.Handle all confidential and proprietary information in accordance with policies and procedures.Participate in WRI’s community involvement activities.Attend meetings, training sessions, and presentations as necessary.Perform other related duties as required.SUPERVISION RECEIVED:The incumbent will be under the direct supervision from the CSO.MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:This position typically requires:CONSTANTLY (75 – 100%)Ability to communicate orally and hear conversation; Repetitive finger movement; Use of depth perception and color vision; Ability to reach, walk, sit; Ability to use both hands and both legs;FREQUENTLY (25 – 75%)Ability to stand, Ability to lift and carry: Light (Max 10 – 15 lbs.)OCCASIONALLY (0 – 25%)Ability to lift: Mod (Max 25 lbs.); Ability to push/pull (est. weight: 10 – 15 lbs.)WORK ENVIRONMENT:This position typically has no exposure to environmental conditions.PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:This position typically does not require personal protective equipment.QUALIFICATIONS:Education/Training/License/Certification:Bachelor of Business Administration required. MBA a plus.Work Experience:2-5 years related experience required preferably in a life sciences setting.Licenses and CertificationsPMP preferred.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks, pay close attention to detail, work in an environment that is constantly changing with high pressure for results. Ability to meet frequent deadlines, have a high level of decision making, establish your own goals, work closely with others, be creative, and maintain routine paperwork and record keeping. Ability to work independently, use sound judgement in solving problems, with excellent communications skills.OTHER:Work is performed entirely in support of federally funded programs and is therefore dependent solely on the availability of funds.New Incumbents incur six months probationary periods.