Description The WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER) at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Program Coordinator. About the Opportunity This position supports the WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER). The Program Coordinator at WVU Institute for Sustainability and Energy Research (WISER) is responsible for the tactical execution and day-to-day management of transdisciplinary projects focused on energy and sustainability. The coordinator ensures collaboration with faculty, students, and external partners to align with WISER's mission and vision, with a focus on the impact on West Virginia and Central Appalachia. We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Project Execution: Manage large-scale, nationally visible projects (>$10M), ensuring successful engagement with stakeholders and compliance with grants and contracts. Plan, implement, and evaluate projects to ensure they are delivered on time and within budget. Lead teams in the development of experimental designs, project plans, and proposals. Collaborate with research partners, including universities, industry, and consultants.
- Pre-Award Activities: Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals, including forms and budgets. Assemble research teams and develop work plans. Direct the competitive acquisition of multiple grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. Tasks include:
- Interacting with potential research partners to develop research partnerships.
- Developing and aligning research concepts, experimental designs, and writing work plans.
- Developing task schedules and budgets and writing proposals for submission to funding agencies.
- Post-Award Management: Manage project costs, set up subawards and subcontracts, and handle internal WVU systems for cost and technical progress tracking. Ensure timely submission of required reports and maintain compliance with grant requirements. Tasks include:
- Regular engagement with WVU internal offices, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, WVU Shared Services, and various college level business offices.
- Managing research projects in compliance with terms established in contracts and cooperative agreements/grants.
- Management of project compliance with internal systems and WVU requirements.
- Selecting, organizing, and overseeing tasks performed by researchers, consultants, and contractors.
- Accomplishing project objectives on time and within budget.
- Holding meetings with project personnel and funding agencies.
- Ensuring project deliverables are prepared and submitted on time.
- Reporting progress and presenting results to funding agencies, industry, and citizens groups.
- Operational Management: Provide daily oversight of project activities, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to timelines and budgets. Monitor project progress and address any issues that arise.
- Collaboration: Work closely with faculty, students, and external partners to ensure the success of research projects. Foster teamwork and promote best practices.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain relationships with project partners and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals.
- Communication and Reporting: Track and report on project milestones, providing regular updates to sponsors and stakeholders. Represent WISER at relevant events and meetings.
Supervisory/Lead Role This position reports to the Director of WISER. Normally receives no instructions on routine work, and general instructions on new assignments. Typically determines methods and procedures on new assignments. General sharing of knowledge and team participation is expected in the role. Program, project, or activity lead and work coordination responsibilities may occur or be assigned in this position. Guidance or supervision of others may be required. Physical Demands The incumbent will typically perform the duties of this position within a general office environment, although some travel will be required. Sitting for long periods, standing, and some lifting may be necessary. Operates various types of office equipment & machinery. Activities will require manual skill to provide and/or alter services and/or products. Work Environment Typical office environment with shared space. Some travel may be required; while traveling, exposure to varying weather elements is to be expected. Incumbent is responsible to know and comply with all safety procedures.
Qualifications - Master's Degree in a related field or Bachelor's Degree and 3 years of experience.
- A minimum of one (1) year of project management experience.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Familiarity with project management tools and software packages.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Detailed project management and tactical execution.
- Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.
- Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong computer software skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in energy or sustainability sectors.
- Experience in grant writing and management.
- Knowledge of WVU systems and processes, including Oracle/MAP financial systems and Electronic Research Administration (ERA) system.
- PMI certification or PMP is recommended.