Research Project Manager (7398U), Center for Effective Global Action - 59317
University of California, Berkeley
Application
Details
Posted: 22-Sep-23
Location: Berkeley, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 4621671
Research Project Manager (7398U), Center for Effective Global Action - 59317
About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.
We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.
Departmental Overview
The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is a hub for research, training, and innovation headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley. CEGA generates insights that leaders can use to improve policies, programs, and people's lives. Our academic network includes more than 150 faculty, 65 scholars from low- and middle-income countries, and hundreds of graduate students-from across academic disciplines and across the globe-that produce rigorous evidence about what works to expand education, health, and economic opportunities for people living in poverty. Our mission is to improve the lives of people living in poverty by generating insights and tools for decision-makers backed by rigorous, inclusive, and transparent research.
CEGA values diversity and seeks to include people from under-represented groups on our team. Read our values statement.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is: October 3, 2023
Responsibilities
CEGA seeks a talented Research Manager (RM) to support faculty affiliate Frederico Finan as well as the Center's growing portfolio of research on political economy, governance, conflict, security, and related topics. The RM will support Finan by overseeing the administrative components (and some technical components) of research projects, as well as financial management of Finan's campus and grant funding, partnership development, and fundraising for new research projects. They will additionally support CEGA by helping to build a robust portfolio of research on political economy, governance and related themes, aligned in large part with Finan's work. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and organized self-starter eager to contribute to the success of a dynamic research organization, while expanding their networks and positioning themselves for future career growth. The role will report to Finan, with additional oversight from CEGA's Executive Director. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Faculty Research Project Management (40%):
Provide oversight to research teams (specifically field office staff) to ensure sound implementation and operational management of projects
May directly supervise permanent research staff and graduate/undergraduate student researchers working on research projects, with an eye on their professional growth. Liaise with CEGA's Operations and People Associate to manage the recruitment and appointment of student researchers and other personnel on relevant projects
Organize and and develop agendas for periodic research team meetings and progress updates
Keep Principal Investigators apprised of all project developments, and serve as a key link between field staff, Investigators, partners, and the broader research team
Provide pre/post award support including developing budgets, managing funding, reporting and renewals, smooth navigation of UC Berkeley systems (contracts, payments), and facilitation of project fundraising (e.g. proposal development and submission)
Develop partnership agreements/MOUs for project teams and manage relationships with high-level partners and UC Berkeley/CEGA
Manage protocol submissions to Institutional Review Board
Oversee synthesis, publication, and dissemination of research findings for academic and policy audiences, for example by co-authoring journal publications, writing policy briefs and blogs, and cultivating research and policy partnerships
General Faculty Support (35%)
Draft content for concept notes, proposals, etc. to expand existing and to build new faculty-led research projects
Liaise with CEGA communications staff to facilitate the drafting (or curating) of content for public consumption
Contribute to building systems that facilitate good research practices, including data security and confidentiality, registering trials, and making data sets public
Oversee the management of all of Finan's funds including budget creation, financial forecasting and analyses, reporting to PIs, liaising with counterparts at CEGA and in the Economics department, and decision making
Support other administrative operations as assigned including managing calendars, hiring students, processing reimbursements, etc.
Support to CEGA (25%)
Collaborate with CEGA leadership, research staff, partners, and donors in the technical exploration and development of new 'anchor studies' related to political economy, governance, conflict, security, and related themes.
Conduct background research on relevant partners, donors, and faculty affiliates/fellows.
Proactively tracks relevant funding opportunities and draft concept notes, proposals, etc. when there are clear synergies.
Coordinate meetings and events related to new CEGA initiatives (in collaboration with relevant CEGA teams and Events Associate).
Build and maintains partnerships with academics, policymakers, and funders working on relevant topics.
Organize, prepare for, and/or participate in high-profile meetings and events with external partners/funders by conducting background research, drafting talking points and slide decks, ghost writing emails and other correspondence, leading substantive conversations, taking notes, and managing follow up.
Support research projects on related topics and provide end-to-end management of new research portfolio(s) once funding is secured.
Actively participate in center-wide activities, including process documentation, performance management, internal working groups, maintenance of the CEGA wiki, and others.
Required Qualifications
Coursework in quantitative research methods, including mathematical statistics, econometrics, and microeconomics;
Familiarity with rigorous impact evaluation research methods;
Strong skills in short-term planning and problem-solving;
Strong ability to research, analyze, and synthesize large amounts of data for preparing high-quality proposals and reports;
Strong interpersonal skills in working with colleagues at all levels;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
BA/BS in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Business, International Relations, Public Health, or related field and/or equivalent experience/training;
Preferred Qualifications
MA/MS in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Business, International Relations, Public Health or related field;
Capacity to manage work independently, multitask and be responsive to tight deadlines;
Self-directed and intrinsically motivated;
Subject matter expertise in political economy, governance, conflict, security or related topics;
Experience with grants management, financial oversight, budgeting, and pre/post award processes;
Ability to independently investigate solutions to administrative challenges and anticipate leadership needs;
Excellent proficiency in Microsoft and Google suites, and desire and ability to learn new systems quickly;
Experience with databases and data management;
Experience working in low and middle-income countries (preferably in a research-related capacity);
Experience working in a university setting and knowledge of campus systems;
Positive attitude in approaching challenges and uncertainty.
Professional Development
CEGA invests in your professional development. In this role, you will learn, engage, and grow.
Learn: CEGA supports a culture of learning, with opportunities to attend weekly UC Berkeley Development Seminars, join internal managers meetings, and take classes for credit at UC Berkeley (Extension) with our generous tuition assistance program.
Engage: You will interact directly with CEGA senior leadership and staff across the center as well as high-profile external funding, implementing, and policy partners.
Grow: You can expect to join a peer group eager to build institutional knowledge and pass on lessons learned.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $71,663 - $85,995.00.
This is a 12-month, 100% full-time (40 hours per week), contract position that is eligible for full UC benefits with the possibility of extension.
This position is exempt and paid monthly.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.
The University of California was chartered in 1868 and its flagship campus - envisioned as a "City of Learning" - was established at Berkeley, on San Francisco Bay. Today the world's premier public university and a wellspring of innovation, UC Berkeley occupies a 1,232 acre campus with a sylvan 178-acre central core. From this home its academic community makes key contributions to the economic and social well-being of the Bay Area, California, and the nation.