Research Program Manager

Starshopper; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Arkansas seeks a Program Manager within the Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center to initiate, lead, and monitor sponsored programs. The role reports to the Center Director and requires strategic planning, data-driven performance measurement, and strong coordination across teams.

As a fixed-term position, you will stand up new programs, oversee ongoing activities, plan events, and communicate with stakeholders while ensuring sustainable program outcomes and compliance with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• At least three years of program management experience.
• Experience with sponsored programs and grant administration.
• Knowledge of financial and grant software systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Center’s programmatic point of contact.
• Stand up new programs and oversee ongoing initiatives.
• Monitor program success with data-driven performance measurement.
• Lead program event planning and communications.
• Collaborate with the Center Director on strategic planning.

Skills

Program management

Communication

Technical writing

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master's degree

Tools

Grant management software

Financial management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.

Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.”

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.”

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date: 08/24/2026

Type of Position

Sponsored Program Administration

Workstudy Position

No

Job Type

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)

Sponsorship Available

No

Work Shift

N/A

Institution Name

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department

9-month Professor Reports

Department's Website

https://engineering.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties

The Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center is an externally-funded research and education consortium housed within the Department of Industrial Engineering. The Center is comprised of multiple sponsored programs including the Maritime Transportation Research and Education Center and AR-STRIDES. Reporting to the Center Director, the Program Manager initiates, leads, and monitors programs for the Center.

Key position responsibilities are to serve as the Center’s programmatic point of contact, stand up new programs, oversee and support ongoing programs, monitor program success through data-driven performance measurement, lead program event planning, support program communications, and work with the Center Director to ensure strategic direction and planning leads to sustainable programs.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent work experience
• At three years of program management experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum five years of program management experience
• Minimum three years of relevant sponsored program experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of U of A financial and grant software/computer systems
• Administrative experience within a research center or academic unit

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of sponsored program management
• Knowledge of financial management software
• Advanced spreadsheet skills
• Strong technical writing and editing skills
• Strong work management, communication, organizational, people, and problem-solving skills

Additional Information

This position is renewable annually based on continued need for the position, availability of funding, and satisfactory job performance.

Salary Information

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information

Ashley Reeves, Assistant to the Department Head, Industrial Engineering, [e-mail]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS.

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Benefits Eligible

Yes