Research Program Manager I

University of Alabama in Huntsville; Huntsville (AL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama in Huntsville seeks a Solutions Manager for the EarthRISE Project Office within the Earth System Science Center in Huntsville, AL. You will help co-develop Earth observation-based solutions for state and local governments and private sector partners across NASA centers.

Lead concept design, coordinate across teams and NASA HQ, track progress and report impact. Requires a Master’s degree and at least five years of project management experience, plus excellent written and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, earth sciences, social sciences, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Implement project management practices across EarthRISE.
• Coordinate with NASA HQ and centers for active communication and collaboration.
• Support project coordination, communication, and collaboration with EarthRISE and NASA ESD initiatives.
• Lead strategic engagement for EarthRISE with SMEs and stakeholders.
• Regularly coordinate with research scientists, stakeholders and SMEs on status and progression of activities.
• Identify solution needs with Thematic Science, Cross-cutting Science, and Geospatial IT teams.
• Maintain cross-sectoral reporting and communication with NASA HQ as appropriate.
• Contribute to project concepts, workplans and impact reporting, ensuring feedback is integrated.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree with experience substituted for a degree

Tools

Geospatial IT tools

Job description

Job no: 503877 Department: Earth System Science Center Work type: Staff Full-time Exempt Location: Alabama Categories: Research Administration

Purpose of the Position

The EarthRISE Project Office, within the Lab for Applied Science (LAS) under the Earth System Science Center (ESSC), is seeking an experienced solutions manager to support science teams across EarthRISE in the co-development and implementation of Earth observation (EO)- based solutions for state, tribes, territories, local government, and private sector partners and in the coordination of EarthRISE initiatives across the NASA Earth Science Division.

The position will complement a large and dynamic applied sciences group, and, as a core member of the EarthRISE Project Office, this position will provide activity and solution management expertise. This includes supporting concept design and development, internal NASA collaboration, stakeholder outreach and engagement, project monitoring, and impact reporting. The incumbent will have knowledge of applied Earth Science, strong project management skills, and a desire to provide leadership and strategic planning to achieve NASA and EarthRISE goals. A strong background in applied Earth Science with knowledge of Earth observation technology, as well as practical experience in coordinating or managing diverse teams, is required.

While based in Huntsville, Alabama, the Solutions Manager will provide project management support across multiple NASA centers with stakeholders across the United States. This includes coordination with NASA research scientists, partners, and subject matter experts to manage project progression. The incumbent will also work closely with NASA to design, review, and provide feedback on project concepts and work plans. The incumbent must effectively represent the EarthRISE Project Office and NASA MSFC in a variety of venues, including with stakeholders and at professional conferences and meetings. The candidate will be expected to maintain professional development activities relevant to their work, as well as to build or refine other skillsets as necessary and required for the position.

Operating within Earth Action, the EarthRISE project office focuses on developing last-mile solutions, improving coordinated action across NASA Earth Science, and fostering workforce development. EarthRISE is actively involved in developing applications in water resources, agriculture, and their critical intersection to support state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector stakeholders.

EarthRISE is a project of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that works in collaboration with state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners to use information provided by Earth observing satellites and geospatial technologies for managing environmental challenges EarthRISE’s goal is to empower decision-makers with tools, products, geospatial artificial intelligence, and services to act locally on issues such as disasters, agriculture, water, ecosystems, air quality, and health.

The EarthRISE Project Office in Huntsville, AL, offers a flexible and dynamic work environment, with an in-house team of over 30 science professionals and numerous opportunities for growth and professional development. With a growing economy, diverse population, low cost of living, and vibrant city life, Huntsville is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the U.S.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Implement project management practices across EarthRISE.


• Identify opportunities for support and solution development by maintaining active communication and collaboration with NASA HQ and centers.


• Support project coordination, communication, and collaboration with other relevant EarthRISE and broader NASA ESD initiatives.


• Leverage background and experience in thought and practice to lead strategic engagement for EarthRISE.


• Regular coordination with Research Scientists, Stakeholders, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the status and progression of activities.


• Work with Thematic Science, Cross-cutting Science, and Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) teams to identify solution needs.


• Communicate frequently within EarthRISE for cross-sectoral and thematic awareness and reporting, and with the NASA HQ, as appropriate.


• Manage internal and external communications through use cases, impact stories, events, and reporting to NASA HQ in cooperation with editorial and user engagement specialists.


• Primary writer and contributor to project concepts and workplans and impact reporting, ensuring stakeholder and user feedback is integrated and harmonized.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in project management, earth sciences, social sciences, or a related field; (Bachelor's and experience in a specialized area may be substituted for a degree).


• Minimum 5 years of verifiable professional experience (with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in project management).


• Expertise in local development issues, including resource management and resilience.


• Familiarity with applied EO science/geospatial technology.


• Project management skills, including co-development, communication, coordination, problem-solving, and teamwork skills related to technical, schedule, and/or budget oversight


• Cultural awareness and sensitivity pertinent to various US regions and supporting locally-led development.


• Experience leading projects with multiple stakeholders.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Willingness to work closely with others in team environments.


• Periodic domestic travel is a requirement of the position, and possible international travel.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with NASA and/or other federal, state, local, tribal, or private sector organizations is desired.

Published Salary (if available)

$80,000-$95,000

Advertised: Aug 11 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

The University of Alabama in Huntsville is an equal opportunity employer (EOE), including an EOE of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.