GRI Senior Research Manager

Job Requisition:

JR100990 GRI Senior Research Manager (Open)

Job Posting Title:

GRI Senior Research Manager

Department:

CC00231 WM001 | PROV | Global Research Institute

Job Family:

Staff - Academic Program Administration

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Swem Library

Primary Job Posting Location:

William & Mary

Job Description Summary:

Accelerate Research from Breakthrough to Impact

Are you passionate about transforming innovative research into world-changing impact? As a Senior Program Manager, you'll work directly with our most promising research teams—supporting projects that have secured funding, gained national attention, and are ready to make their mark on the world. You'll be the trusted advisor helping faculty navigate the complex journey from promising idea to sustainable, independent research program.

This role combines the intellectual excitement of cutting-edge research with the satisfaction of seeing ideas achieve real-world impact. You'll manage portfolios of 4-6 major research projects, coordinate with external partners, and help facilitate the successful "graduation" of projects to their permanent homes across the university. If you're energized by complex project management and want to be instrumental in research that changes policy, advances knowledge, and trains the next generation of leaders, this is your opportunity.

Position Overview

Senior Program Managers oversee research projects in GRI's Incubation and Scaling phases, providing comprehensive support to ensure project success, sustainability, and smooth transitions. Each SPM manages a portfolio of 4-6 active projects, serving as the primary liaison between researchers and GRI's support infrastructure.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Significant research program management experience.

• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-year projects.

• Advanced project management and strategic planning skills.

• Strong relationship management across academic and external partner communities.

• Experience with research assessment and evaluation methodologies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Problem-solving abilities for complex research and administrative challenges.

• Commitment to research excellence and student development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in topics related to applied research.

• Background in grant management and research compliance.

• Experience with academic research administration, research translation, and partnership development.

• Understanding of university research ecosystem and incentive structures.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position may require additional hours beyond the typical work week, including occasional overnight and weekend work as needed to meet the business needs of the operation.

• This is a restricted position, subject to the continued availability of funding.

Success Metrics & Accountability

Primary Metrics:

• Successful project transitions (70% sustainability target within 5 years).

• External funding secured by portfolio projects.

• Publications and external recognition generated by assigned projects.

• Researcher satisfaction with GRI support and transition process.

Secondary Metrics:

• Student engagement and training through assigned projects.

• Media coverage and policy impact of portfolio research.

• Post-transition project sustainability and growth.

Job Duties:

50% - Portfolio Project Management

• Manage 4-6 active research projects across incubation and scaling.

• Coordinate annual milestone reviews and progress assessments.

• Facilitate connections between projects within portfolio for collaboration opportunities.

• Track project timelines, deliverables, and transition planning.

• Serve as primary GRI liaison for assigned research teams.

25% - Transition & Sustainability Planning

• Develop and implement transition plans for projects moving from incubation to scaling.

• Coordinate with departments/schools on project "graduation" to permanent homes.

• Facilitate knowledge transfer and sustainability planning.

• Track post-GRI success of transitioned projects (2+ years).

• Support continuation of partnerships and communications after transition.

15% - Research Support Coordination

• Coordinate support services (communications, partnerships, student integration).

• Liaison with operations team for business development and grant support.

• Facilitate external mentorship matching and advisory relationships.

• Support DC dinners, book workshops, and other portfolio-specific programming.

• Connect researchers with relevant university resources and compliance support.

10% - Strategic Support & Reporting

• Contribute to annual strategic planning and portfolio assessment.

• Track and report metrics for assigned projects.

• Identify emerging opportunities and potential partnership connections.

• Support Director of Research in cross-portfolio strategic initiatives.

• Participate in Director's Advisory Group coordination as needed.

Hiring Range: $70,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0540 - Academic/Research Program Administrator I - Exempt - Salary - S12

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S12

Recruiting Start Date:

2025-10-14

Review Date:

2025-11-04

Position Restrictions:

EEO is the Law.  Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal