Nextgen Project Manager

Job Summary/Basic Function

POSITION SUMMARY : The Agricultural Research and Development Program ( ARDP ) at Central State University ( CSU ) is seeking a project manager to serve for up to 2 years (with annual renewal pending successful completion of outputs, and the funding availability) to fulfill obligations for a grant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) – NEXTGEN project.

The Project Manager will be responsible for daily administrative and operational activities including scheduling, data tracking, communication between CSU PI, Co-PIs, hiring, procurement of goods and services, travel arrangements, and other related post-award support activities. The Project Manager will coordinate all meetings, document meeting activities, work with research students, and ensure completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day activities of all grant activities including the clerical functions and monitoring of the budget.
• Assist the CSU PI and Co-PI in coordinating interactions between Central State University, other collaborating institutions and U.S. Dept of Agriculture.
• Develop systems and maintain records that provide for the elevation and continued documentation of assigned activities.
• Prepare a variety of written correspondence, reports, procedures, directives, and materials
• Assist CSU PI in the timely submission of reports, make travel arrangements, prepare itineraries, and process travel requisitions and reimbursements.
• Coordinate purchases of all goods and services, monitor and supervise the technological and operational changes that affect work processes.
• Manage and arrange all meetings and off-campus visits, able to travel with undergraduate students up to 25% of the time when needed, interview, hire, and supervise research students.
• Maintain NEXTGEN project’s general filing, analyze existing processes, locate bottlenecks and streamline existing processes.
• Coordinate for agricultural research related activities, summer camps, or related work
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities :

• Background knowledge in Agriculture, or related sciences.
• Excellent analytical, oral, written, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills include word processing and database management knowledge.
• Proficient in report preparation.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.