Research Project Manager, School of Labor and Employment Relations

Penn State University is seeking a Research Project Manager for the School of Labor and Employment Relations, contributing to a globally recognized program focused on data, research, and international collaboration. The role involves coordinating international partnerships, managing research initiatives, and supporting data collection and survey management.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Assist with other CIHRS research projects and train and guide student researchers and graduate assistants in research tools and workflows

Skills

• 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
• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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