Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy
Job Summary
The Research Project Manager, within the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy at the Sanford School of Public Policy, plays a vital role in advancing the research mission through the development and oversight of a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects.
Key Responsibilities
Plan and execute the Center’s research portfolio, including responsibility for project timelines, budgets, financial management, contractual obligations, and staffing plans.
Track and manage progress toward milestones and deliverables through collaboration with internal colleagues, subcontractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.
Recruit, manage, and directly supervise research and project staff, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and promotions.
Propose and lead interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student research teams (e.g., Bass Connections).
Identify and secure research funding by engaging funding communities, researching opportunities, and developing and submitting grant proposals.
Work directly with foundations and other funders to support the Center’s research agenda.
Conduct research for the News Measures Research Project (NMRP) and other projects focused on local journalism, disinformation, digital platforms, and related policy areas.
Lead study design, primary data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing and editing.
Construct, manage, and analyze large databases.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, including large-scale textual analysis of government documents, court decisions, and news reports.
Monitor developments in relevant content areas and identify opportunities for collaboration within the Center and with external partners.
Write, disseminate, and present research findings.
Qualifications
Strong research design, data analysis, and writing skills.
Experience with database design, data modeling, and data visualization.
Ability to modernize and integrate fragmented or legacy data sources.
Demonstrated knowledge of local news and information ecosystems.
Four years of progressive experience in policy, research, or data analysis.
Experience directing research programs and managing complex research portfolios.
Preferred Experience
Experience working directly with foundations and external funders.
Experience supervising staff and leading interdisciplinary research teams.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Required.
PREFERRED: Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the position (e.g., public policy, journalism, mass communication, or a directly related discipline).