Research Project Manager

Research Project Manager

The Data, AI, and Computing (DAC) Initiative at the University of Notre Dame works toward a future where data, AI, and computing serve the common good, bringing together research, education, and collaboration across the University to turn bold ideas into real-world impact. The Initiative unites research, education, infrastructure, and external engagement across colleges, centers, and disciplines, integrating three foundational units: the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, the Scientific AI Initiative, and the Deployment, Operations, Modeling, and Engineering (DOME) team of research software engineers and computational scientists.

Through coordinated investment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-impact programs, the Initiative advances purposeful, responsible data, AI, and computing research and strengthens Notre Dame's leadership and global reach in the field.

The Research Project Manager (RPM) is a vital role focused on the management and execution of the Initiative's sponsored research portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary project manager for several grant-funded research projects across the Initiative, partnering with faculty Principal Investigators to develop project plans, timelines, milestones, and risk-mitigation strategies.
• Oversee day-to-day coordination and administrative management of funded research, including monitoring of spending against approved awards.
• Coordinate across departments and with Notre Dame Research and other central offices.
• Manage research team communication and resource allocation to keep projects on schedule and within scope.
• Track and report on deliverables and outcomes across multiple concurrent research projects.

Support the preparation of large external proposals

• Support the coordination and preparation of large, complex external proposals (e.g., multi-investigator, multi-institutional, or center-scale submissions) in collaboration with faculty leads.
• Translate complex sponsor requirements and proposal guidelines into actionable work plans and timelines for the proposal team.
• Coordinate contributions from multiple faculty, research staff, and partner institutions.
• Coordinate with Notre Dame Research and other proposal development teams to assemble complete, compliant, and competitive proposal packages that meet sponsor deadlines.

Management of internally-funded awards

• Manage administration of internally funded awards (e.g., seed grants, pilot funding) from setup through close-out.
• Monitor budget utilization and spending in collaboration with the DAC Initiative Business Operations Coordinator.
• Track progress toward milestones and ensure timely submission of interim and final reports.
• Coordinate with relevant University offices to ensure awards are administered in accordance with Initiative and University policy.

Education

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Science, or Engineering; or
• Bachelor's degree (5-year program) or advanced certification beyond a bachelor's degree.

Professional Experience

• 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience working in an academic or research setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strong attention to detail and operational excellence.
• Experience with project or program management.

Core Skills and Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with and strengthen the capacity of colleagues from culturally diverse backgrounds and across different project settings.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Strong commitment to teamwork, collaboration, and team excellence.
• Commitm…