Geographic Information Systems Program Manager (Program Management Leader)

and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.

From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together. The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.

Job Summary

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager provides leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of projects related to multi-hazard mitigation planning, flood mapping, GIS data management, crisis informatics research, and more. The program manager reports to the Director of Geoinformatics and supervises the geoinformatics staff while serving as the senior technical lead for geospatial analysis, data management, and visualization in support of community-engaged and academic research initiatives. The position establishes work priorities, assigns technical resources across multiple projects, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and ensures the delivery of high-quality geospatial products and services.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Supports applied research and community initiatives through innovative geospatial solutions that advance the Center's mission.
• Performs advanced GIS analysis, spatial modeling, geospatial data management, cartographic production, and data visualization in support of complex research and community initiatives
• Establishes, maintains, and promotes technical standards, methodologies, and best practices for GIS analysis, data management, visualization, and documentation across the GIS team
• Reviews GIS products (e.g., analyses, maps, dashboards, StoryMaps, and other technical deliverables) to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards
• Provides technical leadership in addressing complex geospatial challenges, identifying appropriate analytical approaches, and resolving technical issues encountered during project implementation
• Guides GIS analytical methods and recommends appropriate tools, technologies, and workflows to support project objectives and organizational needs
• Ensures the quality, integrity, and reliability of GIS data, analytical methods, and geospatial products through quality assurance and peer review processes
• Serves as the senior technical resource for GIS staff, providing consultation on geospatial technologies, data sources, analytical methods, and emerging industry practices
• Supervises GIS staff, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Establishes work priorities for the GIS team based on project needs, organizational priorities, staff capacity, technical complexity, and deadlines
• Assigns GIS staff resources to projects and initiatives, balancing workloads to ensure efficient use of team expertise and timely completion of deliverables
• Monitors staff workloads, project assignments, and resource utilization, adjusting as priorities and project needs evolve
• Conducts performance evaluations, establishes performance expectations, and supports employee growth through regular coaching and professional development
• Mentors GIS staff in technical competencies, problem solving, project execution, and best practices in geospatial analysis and visualization
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of GIS staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment
• Collaborates with directors, project coordinators, faculty, and project teams in understanding GIS requirements and determining appropriate technical approaches and staffing needs
• Maintains productive working relationships with existing community partners, government agencies, faculty, researchers, contractors, and other stakeholders engaged in GIS-supported initiatives
• Provides technical expertise during project planning by assessing GIS requirements, identifying resource needs, and recommending appropriate analytical methods and deliverables
• Advises leadership on GIS project scope, staffing capacity, technical feasibility, and resource allocation to support successful project implementation
• Communicates technical progress, project risks, staffing considerations, and implementation challenges to leadership and project stakeholders, recommending solutions when appropriate
• Supports proposal development project planning, and status reporting by providing technical input related to GIS methodologies, staffing estimates, timelines, and project deliverables
• Identifies opportunities to improve GIS workflows, technical processes, documentation, and operational efficiency within the GIS team
• Develops, maintains, and promotes documentation, standard operating procedures, templates, and technical guidance supporting consistent GIS practices
• Evaluates emerging GIS technologies, software, analytical techniques, and industry best practices, recommending adoption where appropriate to improve team capabilities and project outcomes
• Promotes continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and technical consistency across the GIS team to strengthen organizational capacity and service quality
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performing team environment

General Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day leadership and supervision of staff responsible for administering and supporting institutional programs; establishes priorities and ensures effective execution of program activities and services
• Implements and administers program policies, procedures, and operational practices; interprets guidelines and resolves operational issues affecting program delivery and performance
• Monitors program operations and service outcomes; identifies challenges, risks, and opportunities for improvement and implements corrective actions within established authority
• Uses program metrics, operational data, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate performance, inform decisions, and improve program effectiveness and consistency
• Evaluates employee performance; provides coaching, feedback, performance management, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and accountability
• Participates in staffing activities, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, workforce planning, and scheduling, to maintain effective program operations
• Collaborates with leadership and stakeholders to implement program priorities, coordinate resources, and address operational needs that support program objectives
• Communicates operational updates, emerging issues, resource needs, and recommendations to leadership and contributes to planning efforts that strengthen program delivery and team performance

Qualifications

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, management or a related field

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years of program management or related experience.

Preferred

• 2 years of GIS program management experience
• Experience in a community-oriented organization
• Experience working with government, nonprofit, and/or private sectors

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Preferred

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills
• Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback
• Instills commitment to organizational goals

Preferred

• Demonstrated expertise in ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, cloud-based GIS architectures, Python automation, FME-based data integration, enterprise geodatabases, API-driven system integration, and GIS governance
• Experience applying geospatial tools and methods to support hazard mitigation, operations, response, and recovery activities, including conducting spatial analysis and modeling of crises and their impacts on populations
• Experience with FEMA's Risk MAP program and associated flood product development workflows are strongly preferred
• Existing relationships within the Indiana GIS community, government, and related sectors
• Experience conducting spatial analysis and modeling of crises and their effects on populations; strong knowledge of spatial analysis concepts and application
• Ability to translate findings and make data meaningful and accessible to various public audiences
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; able to adapt to changing priorities
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems effectively through listening and influence building

Working Conditions / Demands

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Additional Information

This position is grant funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.

Work Location

Indianapolis, Indiana

This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule (mix between 2 days remote and 3 days in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.

Benefits Overview

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
• Health savings account with generous IU contributions
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
• Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
• Generous paid time off plans
• Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Job Classification

Career Level: Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: General Administration

Job Family: Program Management

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.