Summary
The University of Michigan is looking for a Project Manager to become an active member of the Youth Policy Lab. As a Project Manager, you will provide oversight and management to several research projects involving community organizations and government agencies, and will report to the YPL Executive Director. Project Managers also work with Data Analysts, Grants Managers, Administrative Assistants, and University of Michigan faculty, including Lab co-directors Brian and Robin Jacob.
The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab helps community and government agencies make better decisions by measuring what really works. We’re data experts who believe that government can and must do better for the people of Michigan. We’re also community members who dream of a brighter future for all of our children. At the Youth Policy Lab, we’re working to make that dream a reality by strengthening programs that address some of our most pressing social challenges.
We recognize that the wellbeing of youth is intricately linked to the wellbeing of families and communities, so we engage in work that impacts all age ranges. Using rigorous evaluation design and data analysis, we’re working closely with our partners to build a future where public investments are based on strong evidence, so all Michiganders have a pathway to prosperity. For more information, please visit us at www.youthpolicylab.umich.edu.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Paid time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Paid parental leave
- And much more
Responsibilities*
• Manage all phases of the research project, including design, timeline, data collection and analysis, personnel and resource management, project deliverables, and product dissemination.
• Be the primary liaison for research partners to establish working relationships, build trust, and gather data.
• Work with Principle Investigators, Data Analysts, and other team members to interpret and visualize data for non-technical and policy-making audiences.
• Help draft memos, presentations, briefs, and reports; help create web-based resources; work with graphic designers and printers to produce and distribute reports; present findings at public events; organize public events.
• Participate in outreach to government agencies and non-profits in Michigan whose mission is to serve the youth of the state. This may involve visits to potential partner agencies and organizations.
• Oversee student research assistants.
• Complete IRB research applications, ensuring compliance with University and Sponsor regulations.
• Maintain data agreements and data security.
• Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
• Graduate-level degree in public policy, public health, education, political science, economics or a relevant social science discipline, or equivalent
• Experience with all phases of a research or evaluation project (project design, scheduling, personnel and resource management, data collection and analysis, delivery and dissemination); managing client relationships and expectations; managing risk.
• Knowledge of all the following areas with at least 2 or more years on-the-job experience in at least two of them:
- Quantitative reasoning: Demonstrated understanding of causal inference; experience with social science statistical software packages, like STATA or R; and experience translating statistical analyses for non-technical audiences.
- Research and evaluation: Knowledge of social science research methods and concepts; understanding of program evaluation concepts and practices.
- Public policy skills: Basic understanding of local/state/federal policymaking processes, funding mechanisms, and social program delivery.
- Writing and communication: Drafting non-technical briefs and reports for a public or public-sector audience; use of statistical analyses in non-academic writing; summarizing academic research and quantitative analyses into policy-relevant messages.
• Experience working with government and nonprofit agencies delivering social service programs (in Michigan, preferred).
• Commitment to principles of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information on the University’s commitment to these principles, please visit: https://diversity.umich.edu/
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
How to Apply
- This is a two year term-limited appointment and is dependent on continued grant funding. If grant finding continues, appointments may be continued beyond two years.
- A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. The cover letter should be included in the same document as your resume and should specifically address your interest in this position and highlight related skills and experience.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely. More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearbornand UM-Flint websites.