Project Manager I - Strategic Initiatives

Job Description Summary:
The Project Manager I for Strategic Initiatives role focuses on developing and executing project plans for the effective organization and management of new business and science initiatives led from the NCAR Director's Office (DO).
Projects may include but are not limited to: the implementation of a new research information management system at the Center; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives; process improvements related to the annual program operating plan; assisting with the coordination of developing the future strategy of NCAR's Earth system predictably efforts; and assisting with the coordination and planning for NCAR's Convergence Science Program. Projects will typically include a moderate number of multidisciplinary, cross-organizational, and external team members and stakeholders.
Position Details:
Visa Sponsored Job:
No
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Job Location:
Boulder, Colorado
Position Type & Term:
Full time, Regular
Compensation Range:
Salary Range
$89,420 - $111,775 (221)
*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*
Application Notes
Application Deadline:

• This position will be posted until the end of December 28, 2023. Please note that due to the holidays, the interview time frame will be extended and conducted during the latter portion of January (2024).

Required application materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter - Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position (for more information, please refer to the Key Responsibilities and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities sections of this job posting).

Background Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.
Work Location: Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.
What You Will Do
Here is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.
Project Planning and Execution

• Works closely with the NCAR senior leadership personnel, the NCAR Director's Office, and/or across NCAR's laboratories and programs, as required, to define project outcomes, project success metrics and criteria, and resource and schedule commitments.
• Collaborates with and supports assigned project teams in requirements development, planning (scope, schedule, and budget), and execution.
• Defines, creates, coordinates, and monitors integrated project plans, as necessary, utilizing appropriate project management methodologies.
• Motivates and guides project teams to complete project phases and deliverables. Leverages project metrics to monitor and evaluate progress and performance against the project plan. Facilitates checkpoint/status activities throughout project lifecycles.
• Implements change control processes for approval of changes to project scope, schedule, cost, and requirements.
• Contributes to the effort to develop risk management processes to identify and facilitate the development of mitigation plans for end-to-end program/project risks.
• Coordinates and balances multiple projects effectively to meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.
• Develops subject matter expertise related to assigned projects to understand and achieve project deliverables.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

• Facilitates interactions between functional leaders and NCAR staff members involved with projects, NCAR senior leadership, and other stakeholders and/or sponsors to drive successful project outcomes.
• Establishes relationships with program/project sponsor(s) and maintains regular communications on program/project progress.
• Promotes collaboration and teamwork with project sponsors, stakeholders, team members, and NCAR senior leadership. Manages project communications plans and delivers regular project status reports and presentations for project sponsors, senior leadership, and other staff as appropriate.
• Ensures equitable engagement with all stakeholders and participants in project teams, through clear communication, facilitation of meetings, and raising of concerns to project participants.
• Assists program and project leads with facilitating communication among teams comprised of members who are highly diverse in their disciplines, sectors, and/or job roles.

Meeting Facilitation

• Facilitates project meetings through detailed notes and action item determination, agenda development, and entire team engagement activities.
• Responsible for organizing engagement activities and follow-ups related to outcomes of project/stakeholder engagement activities.

Additional Tasking

• As a member of the Project Management Office (PMO) in the NCAR Director's Office, participate and supports the ongoing work of the PMO team to research and recommend new or improved project management tools and best practices.
• Shares and consults on best project management practices with groups outside of the PMO, as required.

Who We'd Love To Join Our Team
Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:
Education and Experience REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3-5 years of project management or related experience.

Desired, but not required:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities REQUIRED:

• Project management principles and techniques. Experience with project scope, schedule, and budget preparation, analysis, monitoring, and stewardship.
• Project metrics definition, tracking, and reporting.
• Time management, resource management, communication management, and cost management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain strict attention to detail while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team building and collaboration skills, with the ability to motivate teams while valuing all member's experience.
• Skills in the areas of leadership, relationship building, and conflict resolution, and developing collaborative approaches with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic work setting, and demonstrated ability to maintain a calm, focused, and professional demeanor when working in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
• Skills with project tracking tools (Smartsheet, Google Workplace, MS Project, etc.).

Desired, but not required:

• Knowledge and skills with projects or initiatives with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion space; including but not limited to work with Indigenous communities and/or Minority Serving Institutions.
• Knowledge and skills with projects or initiatives with a focus on Convergence Science, including science efforts that integrate social, physical, computational, and/or engineering sciences.

Benefits Overview
UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance, UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

• Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities
• UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one
• Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)
• 10 paid holidays
• 10 days of sick leave each year
• 14 weeks of paid parental leave
• Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
• EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Our organization is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome and supported. To learn more about these efforts, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and our Diversity & Inclusion: A Welcoming Workplace site.
Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a position if they do not meet almost 100% of the desired skills and experience. Please note this is not necessary! If you meet the minimum requirements and have a passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest!
Some Final Considerations
At UCAR|NCAR|UCP, you will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals conducting critical research and community outreach to solve complex Earth system science problems including climate change, air pollution, extreme weather, floods, drought, wildfires, and space weather, all with the goal of improving human life and reducing economic loss. Each of us, from scientists to the professionals who support their work, serves the public and a collaborative community of scientists in our mission to understand the complex processes that make up the Earth system, from the ocean floor to the Sun's core.
Flexible Work
At UCAR, we are committed to supporting our mission by giving staff the flexibility to find the schedule and location that works best to maintain their own work-life circumstances and reach their full potential as professionals. Many positions within our organization are eligible for fully on-site, hybrid, fully-remote and/or flexible work schedules.
Equal Opportunity Employer
UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at UCAR.
Export Control
All positions are required to comply with U.S. export compliance regulations work location requirements regarding access to facilities and research systems.
Visa Wait Times
Please consider the length of visa procurement when applying for this posting, understanding that you will not be able to begin employment until you are able to get a visa and enter the U.S.