R2I2 Managing Director

Position Overview
The R2I2 Managing Director will serve as the operational lead for the University of Minnesota's role as the R2I2 National Office (RNO) for the NSF-funded Regional Resilience Innovation Incubator (R2I2) initiative. R2I2 supports research teams across the country to work with communities to co-design high-impact scalable solutions to address climate-related societal
challenges. The RNO will support the collective and coordinated operation of the regional R2I2 teams. This position is housed within the Research and Innovation Office's (RIO) Research Development (RD) office under the direction of the leaders of the RNO, Kimberly Kirkpatrick and Melissa Kenney. The Managing Director will ensure the day-to-day implementation of the RNO coordination plan, establish and maintain project management systems, monitor activities and deliverables across multiple partners and teams, design, implement and oversee the customer relationship management system, and contribute to the successful delivery of a highly visible national initiative focused on climate resilience, innovation, and community impact. They will also assign duties and responsibilities to other staff members working on the project, with direct oversight of the community engagement specialist.

Job Responsibilities
50% Project Management and Implementation Oversight
* Design and implement strategic project workflows, project management tracking and reporting system(s) and customer relationship management system(s) to address unique project priorities and milestones, as well as enhance planning, monitoring, and decision-making processes
* Monitor timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure alignment with NSF expectations
* Coordinate across internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the implementation plan remain on schedule; identify risks and recommend solutions to overcome implementation barriers
* Guide the distribution of responsibilities among project contributors by identifying task needs and aligning them with project goals and timelines, team expertise, and capacity

30% Communication and Coordination
* Serve as primary liaison for internal and external communications related to project operations
* Organize and facilitate project meetings and conference calls, including quarterly and annual convenings with the project teams, advisory board meetings, executive committee meetings, and PI meetings with NSF program directors
* Oversee the communication of weekly project priorities and progress with team members
* Ensure accurate and timely information sharing across the R2I2 National Research Network and Hub, in collaboration with the RNO Communication Officer
* Support the PI and Co-PIs in preparing reports, updates, and materials for NSF and project partners

10% Administrative Support and Logistics
* Coordinate contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement in line with university and sponsor policies
* Maintain documentation related to project plans, timelines, and stakeholder communications
* Support scheduling and logistics for events, workshops, webinars, and training sessions

5% Strategic Input and Continuous Improvement
* Contribute to adaptive management practices and recommend improvements to project systems and workflows across the RNO, developing and implementing scalable solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
* Collaborate with team members to assess impact, evaluate processes, and propose innovations

5% Supervision and Mentorship
* Supervise direct and indirect reports to advance project management-related activities effectively including direct supervision of the community engagement specialist
* Mentor other project team members in project management best practices and standardized processes to improve clarity on roles and responsibilities and improve work products

Required
* Bachelor's degree and at least 6 years of experience managing complex projects or research initiatives or an advanced degree and at least four years of relevant experience
* Demonstrated project management skills, including an ability to move projects forward in a collaborative manner
* Previous track record of working with large, complex, multi-stakeholder teams consisting of individuals, different offices, community organizations, etc.
* Experience implementing action plans for projects and identifying alternative approaches to achieve goals
* Strong written and oral communication abilities, including writing technical reports, preparing and delivering presentations, and interacting effectively with diverse staff and and a wide variety of stakeholders
* Proficient in the use of Google and Microsoft applications, project management software (e.g., BaseCamp, Asana, AirTable), and other emerging tools (e.g., artificial intelligence) to create efficient workflows for project management and reporting
* Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage up and across an organization, including proactive approaches to problem-solving and project organization
* Highly organized and able to manage multiple activities and juggle competing priorities

Preferred
* Experience working with senior leaders in higher education, research, and/or public sector environments through events, small group meetings, in written communication, and/or one-on-one
* Experience working with large, distributed teams, including programs and activities that span multiple institutions
* Experience working on federally funded research programs
* Agility and ability to handle multiple responsibilities with high attention to detail
* Adaptability, desire to find creative solutions, and a results-oriented attitude
* Experience in developing and/or managing customer relationship management systems

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helps facilitate collaborative research designed to solve our most complex problems. We serve as a central resource for conducting, managing, and sponsoring research at the University of Minnesota and developing and bringing to market UMN innovations that improve people's lives. In addition, RIO offices oversee key areas of research compliance and administration and help to cultivate a culture of research integrity at the University.

Pay Range: $87,000-$100,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University 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 Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• 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) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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: http://diversity.umn.edu

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).