Project Manager, Behavioral Insights and Parenting Lab

Department

Harris CHPPP/BIP Lab Research Sub Group (1)

About the Department

Why policy? For a better world. Why Harris Public Policy? Because when it comes to better policymaking, evidence matters. We work at the frontiers of data collection and analysis, using the latest technology and social science methods to design policies that work for society. We conduct rigorous inquiry in an environment of innovation and risk taking, fearlessly questioning the status quo. We collaborate across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, adopting new methodologies to drive better solutions. We engage with our city, our world, and our leaders every day to evaluate and test our ideas. And we lead with our passion for driving social change, knowing that passion alone does not equal impact. With passion and precision, we figure out what’s best for society—and get it done. This is Harris Public Policy: Social impact, down to a science.

Job Summary

The Project Manager will manage all activities associated with the development and execution of a large, applied field research project at the BIP Lab. This position oversees all aspects of the implementation of this grant-funded project including operationalizing the research design, creation of research instruments, recruitment of research partner sites and participants, management of partner relationships, digital technology tool/program development, testing, and deployment in the field, data collection and management, and post-award reporting on project implementation. The position oversees the work of research assistants supporting data collection. It also oversees the promotion of research projects and the BIP Lab’s mission overall.

This position is grant-funded for one year with the potential for future renewal.

Responsibilities

• Manages project execution according to timeline and budget; oversees project planning and implementation through data collection; prepares and hands data off to data team for analysis; collaborates with data team to inform analysis.
• Recruits and manages relationships with research sites and research participants; provides technical support as needed.
• Onboards, trains, and supervises field research assistants.
• Obtains Internal Review Board (IRB) approval and maintains protocol through project lifecycle; manages project operations according to IRB rules and regulations for research consent, data, and security considerations.
• Supports development of digital program interventions, surveys, assessments, and other research instruments.
• Tracks program expenditures; makes program-related purchases in accordance with grant budget terms; manages revolving fund for payments to research participants.
• Documents and maintains project implementation protocols and logs.
• Supports pre- and post- grant writing and reporting processes as needed.
• Conducts pre-award literature reviews and other secondary research.
• Writes post-award implementation sections of grant reports.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study (psychology, public policy, sociology, education, or related social science discipline). 
•  Master’s degree.

Experience:

• Project management.
• Familiarity with research design and implementation, data management, and procedures of a university IRB.
• Working with community-based organizations and with racially/ethnically diverse populations.
• Familiarity with the education technology sector and tools; readiness to quickly learn new technology tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Able to take initiative, problem solve with minimal supervision, exercise good judgment, prioritize, make decisions, and work under pressure during high volume times.
• Proficiency in Spanish a bonus. 
• Driver’s license and willingness to travel to research sites (ownership of a vehicle is not a requirement).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Motivated, resourceful, energetic, and thrives in an entrepreneurial, high-performing environment.
• Organized, strong analytical skills, strong attention to detail, resourceful, and effective time manager.  
• Excellent team player – collaborative, reliable, able to receive and give constructive feedback, flexible, supportive.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $70,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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