Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

The Research Project Manager (onsite) manages research partnerships and data collection efforts involving the SPEAK, the Survey of Parent/Provider Expectations And Knowledge. Developed and validated at the TMW Center, the SPEAK is a computer-adaptive tool that measures knowledge of early child development. Drawing on a bank of nearly 400 items, it tailors questions to each respondent and produces overall and domain-specific scores.

The tool runs on phones, tablets, and computers and can be integrated with other survey platforms, such as REDCap. Partner organizations use the tool with parents and early educators to measure knowledge, guide coaching and professional development, and evaluate programs.

Through a two-year research incubator, the TMW Center is building an international, multidisciplinary consortium of researchers who use the SPEAK to generate cross-cultural evidence on caregiver beliefs, connect those beliefs to caregiver behaviors and child outcomes, and expand the tool's use across economics, psychology, education, public health, and public policy. Partners include universities, hospitals, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, with 22 incubator partnerships currently underway in 17 countries.

The Research Project Manager leads day-to-day management of this partnership portfolio. The role oversees partner projects from setup through data collection, builds surveys, coordinates translations, plans convenings, and tracks deliverables against grant timelines. The role also presents the tool to potential partners, relays partner and user feedback to the product and technical teams, and supports proposals and grant reports, working closely with the Principal Researcher on all aspects of the project.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by extramural funds (e.g., grant, gift, endowment) which are renewed under provisions set by the grantor. Employment will be contingent upon continued receipt of these extramural funds and satisfactory job performance. If the position is eliminated due to the discontinuation of extramural funding, you will be given a minimum of one month's written notice or pay in-lieu of notice.

• Manage a broad portfolio of distinct research projects and external partnerships, each with its own scope, objectives, and requirements. Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, overseeing project setup, research planning, and data sharing. Troubleshoot issues related to contracting (MOUs, data use agreements), survey implementation, and data quality.
• Plan and coordinate convenings for the research consortium, including a virtual convening where teams present their findings, a one-day in-person symposium at the University of Chicago, and a policy forum with key stakeholders. Manage logistics, agendas, speakers, travel, and follow-up.
• Track project milestones and deliverables against the grant timeline, and prepare the annual progress report for the incubator funder, including updates on research activities, events and convenings, and key outcomes.
• Build, test, and deploy surveys on the platform and in REDCap.
• Coordinate translation of the tool into new languages, working with translators, partner teams, and the Principal Researcher to review translated versions.
• Present project updates and findings to partner organizations, at internal meetings, and at external convenings.
• Serve as subject matter expert and key stakeholder for the platform. Work closely with product and technical teams to ensure features are effectively prioritized.
• Monitor deadlines for data reports and presentations, and communicate project needs with the Principal Researcher and Research Data Manager so that data deliverables meet partner needs.
• Monitor ongoing data collection efforts across partner studies and request/implement changes to data collection tools, processes, and protocols as needed.
• Support partners in using the data portal to access and download their data, track survey completion, and report issues.
• Write and review proposals, grant reports, and social media materials.
• Present the research tool to potential partners, and discuss relevant use case examples based on the organization type (e.g., research teams, early learning programs, health systems, government agencies).
• Maintain project trackers, partner records, and meeting notes, and keep documents organized, formatted, and backed up in Google Drive and on the TMW Server.
• Applies research principles…