Technical Project Manager

wildlife media assets, transforming it into tools that put conservation science in the hands of the public through machine learning and a global community of birders. Our platforms -- eBird and Merlin Bird ID -- connect millions of people to birds every day, in nearly every country on Earth. In peak months, Merlin identifies a bird more than 130 times a second. Since Sound ID launched in 2021, the barrier between curious and capable has all but disappeared: point your phone at a singing bird, and Merlin names it in real time. Through partnerships with hundreds of organizations worldwide, our technology turns everyday curiosity into real-world conservation outcomes at a global scale. We're now building the next chapter -- evolving Merlin from a single app into a full ecosystem of products and experiences that bridges the digital and in-person worlds. It's a rare moment to join a team pushing the boundaries of conservation technology, at the exact point where that work is about to scale dramatically. What will you do The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is seeking a creative, mission-driven Technical Project Manager to focus on Merlin, eBird and services supporting the Macaulay Library media archive and delivering data products to conservation practitioners. This role will join a team that shares the mission of connecting people to nature and conservation through birds. As part of a team of software engineers, content creators, machine learning researchers, and conservation scientists this role will be the lynchpin in translating new ideas for how to serve a global community in participating in watching birds into features and data products for conservation practitioners. The data collected through eBird and associated apps is directly tied to data products used in conservation decision-making and positive environmental outcomes. Join us to shape the next generation of tools and data resources for the birding and conservation community. The Technical Project Manager is responsible for overseeing complex software projects from start to finish, providing direction, guidance, and motivation to Agile/Scrum teams of software engineers and project staff, managing deliverables, and ensuring successful delivery of new software to the community. This role includes: 1) project planning, resource allocation, implementation, communication, coordination, tracking, and reporting; 2) working with engineers and project leadership to define scope and coordinate activities between technical teams and other collaborators; 3) advising and assisting senior staff and/or other clients with the formulation of project budgets, and with project financial management; 4) communicating project scope, goals and responsibilities to the project team; establishing and maintaining clear stakeholder expectations and managing these expectations as projects evolve. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. The work location is Ithaca, New York with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule that would be determined by the supervisor. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. What We Need A resume is required for further consideration for this position. A cover letter outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are strongly encouraged for consideration. When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Cover Letter and Resume) in PDF format. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in software development management, biological sciences, information sciences or other relevant field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Three (3)+ years of relevant work experience in project management and coordinating software engineering teams. Experience watching birds and/or working on projects to advance bird conservation. Exceptional project management skills to coordinate multiple groups working towards the same deliverable and timeline for public launch. Experience managing complex technical projects across multiple teams and cross-functional groups. In depth technical knowledge of software development and modern web application development techniques, including experience with frontend user interfaces and with integrating these into complex enterprise systems involving APIs and web services . Experience using software development project management tools (e.g. Jira, GitHub ). Strong communication skills (written and oral) to clearly articulate vision and plans, and provide instruction effectively to all levels of management, staff, new partners, funding agencies, project participants, and visitors. Strong interpersonal skills to develop trust with external collaborators and encourage participation in projects. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of management and staff internally and externally. Ability to value teamwork and be able to stimulate cooperation between all employees and partners. Provide high level of initiative to anticipate needs of the project and fulfill project objectives with general guidance. Ability to prioritize activities and exercise sound judgement in discussions with external collaborators. Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion , and wellbeing. Must have a demonstrated ability for working collaboratively and inclusively in a diverse, dynamic, creative, and multi-disciplinary environment. Preferred Qualifications: Advanced degree preferred. Deep understanding of the birding community and/or conservation practitioner community. Experience using analytics tools (such as Google Analytics and Firebase ). Software engineering skills and working knowledge of programming web-based applications using technologies such as Python, Java, Spring, Nuxt, Vue, and JavaScript . Technical experience with major cloud providers such as AWS or Azure . Application Information: No Visa Sponsorship of any kind is available for this position. No Relocation assistance will be provided for this position . Rewards and Benefits University Job Title: IT Project Manager III Job Family: Information Technology Level: F Pay Rate Type: Salary Pay Range: $90,957.00 - $105,707.00 Remote Option Availability: Hybrid Company: Contract College Contact Name: Maria Avila Contact Email: mia28@cornell.edu Job Titles and Pay Ranges: Non-Union Positions Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria: Prior relevant work or industry experience Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position Unique applicable skills Academic Discipline Union Positions Current Employees: Online Submission Guidelines : Employment Assistance: Notice to Applicants: EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 2026-09-17