Research Project Manager, School of Labor and Employment Relations
Penn State University is seeking a Research Project Manager for the School of Labor and Employment Relations, which is known for its global research initiatives in Human Resource practices. The role involves coordinating international partnerships, managing data collection and survey processes, and supporting large-scale research initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Drive process improvements, including AI-enabled workflows, to enhance operations for CIHRS and CRANET operations
- Coordinate planning for the International Human Resource Management global conference, including program preparation, budget, and logistics
- Manage bi-monthly webinar series from speaker coordination through post-event follow-up
- Oversee financial, procurement, and administrative processes within institutional systems
- Lead communications across newsletters, email, social, and websites; respond to inquiries
- Serve as primary contact for CRANET country representatives and research partners across 40+ countries
- Manage communications related to survey launches, timelines, and partner membership status
- Track country participation, data submission status, and data sharing agreements
- Support onboarding of new partners and maintain network records and directories
- Coordinate and participate (virtually and in person) in international research meetings
- Lead U.S. data collection and support global survey implementation, utilizing Qualtrics
- Coordinate survey development, including questionnaire finalization and translations
- Monitor survey progress and response rates
- Develop dashboards and reporting tools to support partner collaboration and tracking
- Oversee receipt, review, and validation of international datasets
- Merge, clean, and harmonize the international CRANET dataset across participating countries
- Maintain data documentation and the data management plan; prepare datasets for research use and network distribution
- Assist with other CIHRS research projects and train and guide student researchers and graduate assistants in research tools and workflows
Skills
- Outstanding organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in data tracking and documentation
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining organized workflows and delivering timely, reliable results
- Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
- Bachelor's Degree
- No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education
- Required Certifications: None
Benefits
- Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
- In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
- One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
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