Manager, Research

Manager, Research

The Social Research Institute (SRI) at the University of Utah College of Social Work seeks a Research Manager to assist in the management of evaluation projects focused on social welfare. This position involves working closely with other research members at SRI and state agency staff and administrators to coordinate all study aspects, including recruitment and management of interview teams, study design, data collection, and reporting findings.

• Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in overall project management, ensuring adherence to timelines and deliverables.
• Coordinate logistics for statewide data collection, including scheduling, travel arrangements, and materials management for graduate student interviewers.
• Develop and maintain project tracking systems to monitor progress and identify potential challenges.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project documentation, including protocols, manuals, and reports.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard approximately ten graduate student interviewers.
• Coordinate training for interviewers on interview protocols, data collection procedures, and ethical considerations.
• Provide ongoing support and supervision to interviewers throughout the data collection period.
• Monitor the quality of data collection through regular check‑ins and review of completed interviews.
• Address any issues or concerns raised by interviewers promptly and effectively.
• Assist in overseeing the collection, entry, cleaning, and organization of data collected by graduate student interviewers.
• Assist with preliminary data analysis and report preparation, as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent (one year of education can be substituted for two years of relevant work experience).
• Four years of progressively more responsible management experience.
• Background knowledge of the department’s area of specialization to analyze, plan, and draw conclusions for recommendations to superiors.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in planning and directing employees and processes to monitor and develop subordinates and to ensure smooth operation of the department.
• Completion of provided supervisory training within one year of employment may be required.
• Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.

• Education:
  
  Master’s degree in social work and eligibility for licensure as a CSW or LCSW in Utah.
• Experience:
  • Prior experience in research project coordination, preferably in social science research or program evaluation.
  • Experience managing or supervising teams.
  • Experience working with vulnerable populations and stakeholders.
  • Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods is highly desirable.
  • Experience in projects involving face‑to‑face interviews is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to problem‑solve and adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with individuals.
  • Familiarity with data collection and management.