Geographic Information Systems Program Manager; Program Management Leader

The Polis Center is an applied research center at Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically specific data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community's most pressing challenges including housing stability, public health, and economic resilience.

We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.

From inception, The Polis Center has been guided by core values that include making a difference, collaboration, developing creative solutions to real-world problems, accountability, integrity, respect, and stewardship. We emphasize clarity of roles and shared accountability so that team members can work effectively and independently in service of community based research. Our team is passionate about the work we do, and we love working together.

The Polis Center places great value on a positive work/life balance.

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager provides leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of projects related to multi-hazard mitigation planning, flood mapping, GIS data management, crisis informatics research, and more. The program manager reports to the Director of Geoinformatics and supervises the geoinformatics staff while serving as the senior technical lead for geospatial analysis, data management, and visualization in support of community-engaged and academic research initiatives.

The position establishes work priorities, assigns technical resources across multiple projects, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and ensures the delivery of high-quality geospatial products and services.

• Supports applied research and community initiatives through innovative geospatial solutions that advance the Center's mission.
• Performs advanced GIS analysis, spatial modeling, geospatial data management, cartographic production, and data visualization in support of complex research and community initiatives
• Establishes, maintains, and promotes technical standards, methodologies, and best practices for GIS analysis, data management, visualization, and documentation across the GIS team
• Reviews GIS products (e.g., analyses, maps, dashboards, Story Maps, and other technical deliverables) to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards
• Provides technical leadership in addressing complex geospatial challenges, identifying appropriate analytical approaches, and resolving technical issues encountered during project implementation
• Guides GIS analytical methods and recommends appropriate tools, technologies, and workflows to support project objectives and organizational needs
• Ensures the quality, integrity, and reliability of GIS data, analytical methods, and geospatial products through quality assurance and peer review processes
• Serves as the senior technical resource for GIS staff, providing consultation on geospatial technologies, data sources, analytical methods, and emerging industry practices
• Supervises GIS staff, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Establishes work priorities for the GIS team based on project needs, organizational priorities, staff capacity, technical complexity, and deadlines
• Assigns GIS staff resources to projects and initiatives, balancing workloads to ensure efficient use of team expertise and timely completion of deliverables
• Monitors staff workloads, project assignments, and resource utilization, adjusting as priorities and project needs evolve
• Conducts performance evaluations, establishes performance expectations, and supports employee growth through regular coaching and professional development
• Mentors GIS staff in technical competencies, problem solving, project execution, and best practices in geospatial analysis and visualization
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of GIS staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment
• Collaborates with directors, project coordinators, faculty, and project teams in understanding GIS…