Project Director

University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL); Nebraska; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools seeks a Project Director to provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight across state, private and federally funded projects in Dr. Pam Bazis’s lab and the UNL Schmoker Reading Center.

The role includes developing and monitoring budgets, delivering comprehensive project management for operational efficiency, guiding and supporting operations, and pursuing future funding

Qualifications

• Experience managing multi-funded research projects.
• Background in evidence-based reading instruction methodologies.
• Ability to lead and supervise teams and partnerships.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet driver eligibility requirements.
• Pre-placement driving record check required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and manage project budgets for multiple grants and contracts.
• Provide comprehensive project management for operational efficiency and timely implementation.
• Contribute to strategic planning, sustainability, and future funding opportunities.

Skills

Grant project management

Reading instruction expertise

Team supervision

Partnership development

Education

Master’s degree in education, psychology, child development, or related field

Ph.D. or Ed.D. in special education, literacy education, curriculum and instruction, teacher leadership, or related field

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Project Director

Department

NE Ctr Research on Youth, Fam & School-4425

Posting Open Date

10/28/2026

Application Review Date

To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date 11/25/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools aims to make a positive difference in people’s lives through research in the social, behavioral and educational sciences. Together with our partners in research, practice and policy, we develop research-based solutions and innovative approaches to support Nebraska’s schools, programs and families, which in turn, build strong, vibrant communities.

Project Director will provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight across a number of state, private and federally-funded projects in Dr. Pam Bazis’ lab and the UNL Schmoker Reading Center.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing, monitoring, and managing project budgets for multiple grants and contracts to ensure expenditures align with sponsor guidelines and university policies.
• Providing comprehensive project management for operational efficiency, supporting and guiding operations to ensure timely and effective implementation of project activities.
• Contributing to strategic planning initiatives, supporting sustainability efforts and identifying future funding opportunities to enhance the long-term success and growth of the research center.

About Us

The College of Education and Human Sciences strives to be a vibrant, welcoming, and caring community driven by our mission to enhance the lives of individuals, families, schools, and communities, and strengthening the relationships among them.

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match
• Master’s degree in education, psychology, child development, or related field plus seven (7) years of experience teaching in school districts along with a minimum of five (5) years of coaching experience in elementary school settings.
• Research experience in reading development and literacy education.
• Grant project management experience with demonstrated success in implementation and oversight.
• Expertise in designing and developing differentiated instruction for children with and without disabilities.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Ph.D. or Ed.D. in special education, literacy education, curriculum and instruction, teacher leadership, or related field.
• Five (5) years post masters experience or two (2) years post Ph.D. developing and leading professional development grounded in evidence-based practices as part of a team.
• Experience with nonprofit management.
• Experience with large-scale research studies with intervention and training components.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in evidence-based reading instruction methodologies, proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse educational stakeholders, and an unwavering commitment to improving reading outcomes through sustained professional development and coaching support of individual teachers. They will demonstrate expertise in team supervision and partnership development, along with a proven ability to manage complex, multi-funded research initiatives.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Yes

Physical Required

No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required

Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Job Type

Full-Time

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Yes

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).