Research Project Manager, School of Labor and Employment Relations

Position Specifics

The School of Labor and Employment Relations (LER) is seeking a Research Project Manager to contribute to a globally recognized Penn State program working at the intersection of data, research, and international collaboration.

The School of LER is home to the Center for International Human Resource Studies (CIHRS), which serves as the coordinating hub for CRANET—a global research collaboration spanning 40+ countries.

Together, CIHRS and CRANET lead one of the most comprehensive international efforts to study and benchmark Human Resource practices worldwide, connecting academic research with real‑world application.

The Research Project Manager supports the global reach and operational excellence of CIHRS and CRANET by coordinating international partnerships, events, communications, and large‑scale research initiatives.

• Drive process improvements, including AI‑enabled workflows, to enhance operations for CIHRS and CRANET operations
• Coordinate planning for the International Human Resource Management global conference, including program preparation, budget, and logistics
• Manage bi‑monthly webinar series from speaker coordination through post‑event follow‑up
• Oversee financial, procurement, and administrative processes within institutional systems
• Lead communications across newsletters, email, social, and websites; respond to inquiries

• Serve as primary contact for CRANET country representatives and research partners across 40+ countries
• Manage communications related to survey launches, timelines, and partner membership status
• Track country participation, data submission status, and data sharing agreements
• Support onboarding of new partners and maintain network records and directories
• Coordinate and participate (virtually and in person) in international research meetings

• Lead U.S. data collection and support global survey implementation, utilizing Qualtrics
• Coordinate survey development, including questionnaire finalization and translations
• Monitor survey progress and response rates
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to support partner collaboration and tracking

• Oversee receipt, review, and validation of international datasets
• Merge, clean, and harmonize the international CRANET dataset across participating countries
• Maintain data documentation and the data management plan; prepare datasets for research use and network distribution

The Research Project Manager will also assist with other CIHRS research projects and train and guide student researchers and graduate assistants in research tools and workflows.

• Outstanding organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, particularly in data tracking and documentation
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining organized workflows and delivering timely, reliable results
• Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders

Bachelor’s Degree

No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required

Certifications:

None

Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.

This position will report to the Director of the Center for International Human Resource Studies.

The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Important Note :
In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on‑site work at the designated work location.