Proposal Project Manager

Position Description: Project Manager Position
UM Classification: 8352P4
Location: Shared position between SPARC and Research Computing (50/50 split). Hiring and managing department is SPARC.

The primary purpose of this position will be to provide program and project management for proposals and projects in SPARC's portfolio as prioritized by the Research Computing and the SPARC team. Responsibilities would include planning, organizing, and monitoring resources, procedures and protocols to achieve the specific tasks and goals as defined in the project. The position will be required to work with teams and stakeholders as they develop proposals, create research plans, and execute projects. This position will be supervised by one member of the SPARC leadership team, but may report functionally to different staff members depending on which product line the project falls within. The position will be required to meet various and changing deadlines, write reports for varying audiences and be able to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. The portfolio of projects will continue to change with evolving priorities and funding of stakeholders.

Responsibility 1: Project Management - Proposals 60% Effort
Responsibilities include management of the SPARC proposal process for Research Computing (50%) or other SPARC clients (50%) from the planning stage to final submission. This position will be responsible for managing proposal tasks, setting up proposal timelines, monitoring progress, organizing team meetings, and coordinating effort with all internal and external partners. This position serves as the primary point of contact for assigned proposals with significant coordination among team members and the proposal Principal Investigators.

Responsibility 2: Program and Project Mgmt - Programs and Projects 30% Effort
Responsibilities include management of SPARC and RC projects from the planning stage to completion for Research Computing (50%) or other SPARC and RC clients. This position will be responsible for the project management of active SPARC and RC projects to include communication with partners and sponsors, managing team tasks, monitoring progress, organizing team meetings, and coordinating effort with all internal and external partners. This position will support the team in the execution of project deliverables. This position serves as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.

Responsibility 3: Additional Duties as Assigned 10% Effort

Tasks include but are not limited to:
* Keeping projects on time, on task and within budget
* Working with internal staff and outside vendors
* Reporting on milestones, task completion and measures of assigned projects
* Acting as the main point of contact for clients (sponsoring agencies, stakeholders etc.) regarding their projects
* Establishing clear deliverables for all parties
* Managing large collaboration projects
* Communicating progress and delivering reports and/or updates to stakeholders in a timely manner
* Delivering viable, well-thought-out solutions to problems when needed
* Provide training and information to SPARC team members, via telephone, web-based programs, and in person
* Participate in planning new initiatives
* Help establish vision for future and expansion of capabilities to help grow our products
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
* Ability to work both independently and with a team
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Strong customer service skills
* Ability to conduct webinars and conference calls
* General word processing and spreadsheet manipulation skills
* Ability to maintain positive relationships with partners and clients while securing buy-in to schedules, process, and accountability for deliverables
* Ability to manage complex projects with numerous deliverables coming from multiple partners and contributors
* Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines, prioritize workloads, and function as a part of a team

Work Environment:
Work is normally performed in an adequately lighted and ventilated office environment on the University of Minnesota St Paul Campus. The employee exercises normal safety precautions at all times.

Immediate Supervisors - SPARC Finance Manager

Other significant facts pertaining to this position are:
The employer reserves the right to modify, change or add to the duties of this job description, consistent with the University classification, at any time.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's Degree and 5 years of project management experience, or a combination of experience and education to total 9 years
* Strong interpersonal skills - Experience promoting, influencing, negotiating, drafting and implementing contracts for services and/or deliverables with high-level stakeholders
* Administrative experience in the Public Sector i.e. Federal, State, and/or Academic settings

Preferred Qualifications:
* Masters degree, PMP, associate or other project management-related degree or certification.
* Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, with a strong customer service orientation
* Prior experience with government-funded research projects
* Prior experience with project management software solutions

Physical Demands:
Employee does sedentary work, normally sitting comfortably. There may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, or driving an automobile. No special physical effort or ability is required to perform the work.

The Strategic Partnerships and Research Collaborative (SPARC) is a research and innovation hub based at the University of Minnesota. SPARC engages researchers and practitioners across disciplines in the US and globally to establish new large-scale programs that catalyze collaboration, innovate for new discoveries, and deliver practical new solutions that address these critical challenges. SPARC promotes and advances partnerships and projects that put our partners, faculty, staff, and students at the forefront of global innovation, impact, and change.
SPARC provides a comprehensive supporting structure that allows partners from across the University system and externally to build interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral programs for global impact. SPARC provides expertise and infrastructure to the greater UMN community, UMN faculty and staff, and our global network of partners to collide their ideas, leverage their collective global work, and foster large programs funded from traditional and nontraditional sources.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).