Job Description

Purpose of Position
The College of Engineering & Mines (CEM) at the University of North Dakota is hiring two Research Project Management Specialists to support our rapidly growing research enterprise. The Research Project Management Specialist supports technical research teams in the College of Engineering & Mines (CEM) by providing expert proposal and project coordination, financial oversight, and administrative leadership. This role bridges the gap between technical research and operational execution, ensuring that proposals and projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. The Specialist plays a key role in enabling faculty and research staff to focus on advancing innovative engineering and scientific research while maintaining effective project, budget, and reporting systems.

Duties & Responsibilities
Project Management Contract & Compliance
Project and Contract Management: Manages project setup, contracts, and compliance with sponsor, university, and governmental policies.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Oversees project progress, budget, and timeline, and is responsible for preparing and coordinating various reports for sponsors and internal stakeholders.
Financial and Administrative Coordination: Collaborates with principal investigators (PIs) and grant administration on budget monitoring, personnel allocations, and procurement.
Stakeholder Liaison: Serves as the main point of contact between project teams, administration, sponsors, and external partners, facilitating meetings and communication
Proposal Development
Finding and planning: Identify funding opportunities, form a proposal team, and create a schedule with assigned tasks to ensure a compliant submission.
Document preparation: Compile administrative documents like biosketches, management plans, and facilities descriptions, while also assisting with the scope of work development.
Budgeting: Work with Principal Investigators (PIs) and a pre-award analyst to develop and finalize the budget, including costs for equipment, personnel, and travel.
Submission: Coordinate with the university's pre-award administration to ensure the timely and complete submission of the final proposal
Required Competencies
Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to write technical and administrative content for diverse audiences.
Collaborative problem-solver capable of working across research, administrative, and sponsor boundaries.
Detail-oriented and proactive in identifying risks, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance.
Strong written and verbal communication
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or finance/business field.
2 years of project management experience.
Experience with budget development and financial management.
Experience with report preparation and sponsor correspondence.
Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, or computer science.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification.
Experience pursuing and managing research projects involving federal or state funding.
Experience with federal research compliance, sponsor reporting requirements, and academic grant administration.
Experience in leading cross-functional teams and coordinating complex, multi-partner projects.
Proficiency with project management tools, databases, and collaborative platforms.