Project Manager, BioInspired

* The Bio Inspired Institute for Material and Living Systems is a leading interdisciplinary research institute within the Office of Research at Syracuse University, uniting more than 60 faculty across the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Engineering and Computer Science, together with SUNY Upstate Medical University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, around research at the interface of living systems and engineered materials.

* The Bio Inspired Institute Project Manager provides centralized administrative, operational, and communications support for the Institute.

* The Project Manager serves as the Institute's dedicated administrative lead, working in partnership with the central Office of Research teams that provide specialist finance, HR, and research-administration support, and is responsible for day-to-day operations that enable faculty, students, and researchers to focus on research and scholarship.

* The Project Manager works in coordination with central university partners to ensure institute activities align with established processes and policies.

* Research administration coordination is performed in partnership with the Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Development, Sponsored Accounting, the VPR Post-Award team, and partnering schools and colleges.

* Finance and operations are coordinated with the Office of Research Finance and Operations team and the Graduate School.

* Communications work is coordinated with SU's marketing and communications teams as needed. Reporting and metrics work is coordinated with the VPR Data team.

* This is a high-visibility role reporting directly to the Institute Director, with primary responsibility for the operations of a growing interdisciplinary research institute.

Education and Experience

* Required:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (business, communications, public administration, science, or related field), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

* Minimum three years of progressively responsible administrative, operations, or program management experience, preferably in a higher education, research, or other complex organizational setting.

* Preferred:
Master's degree. Experience supporting a research institute, center, or academic unit. Familiarity with sponsored research administration, university financial systems, and event coordination.

* Experience in an interdisciplinary research environment spanning multiple colleges or institutions. Project Management Institute (PMI) certification (CAPM or PMP) a plus.

Skills and Knowledge

* Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities under deadline pressure.

* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear correspondence, event materials, and internal communications for varied audiences.

* Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and to coordinate with multiple stakeholder offices, including faculty, central administrative units, and external partners.

* Working knowledge of university financial, procurement, and HR systems; aptitude for learning new tools quickly.

* Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

* Customer-service orientation and a collaborative working style.

* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with website content management, project management, and communications platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

* Institute Operations

* Manage day-to-day operations of the Institute, including office and space coordination, calendar and scheduling support for the Director, meeting logistics, hosting visitors and partners, and maintaining institute records and internal documentation.

* Provide day-to-day coordination for Institute-managed office and laboratory spaces, serving as first point of contact for work orders, repairs, custodial and conference-room scheduling requests, deliveries, and space and access support.

* The Materials Research Core is administered separately.

* Coordinate meetings of institute leadership, focus groups, and the External Advisory Board. Serve as the primary point of contact for institute administrative matters.

* Events, Programs, and Outreach Coordination

* Coordinate institute events and programs, including the annual research symposium, the Stevenson Biomaterials Lecture Series, seminars, webinars, partner convenings, and public-facing outreach activities.

* Manage end-to-end event logistics, including planning, vendor coordination, registration, communications, and on-site execution.

* Provide logistical and administrative support for the Institute's education and training programs, including graduate and postdoctoral development, undergraduate research, and pre-college outreach programs; this includes participant logistics such as offer letters, stipends, housing and meal plans, card and network access, and travel reimbursements, and compiling program data and…