Research Program Manager at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia

Job Description:

Position Number:

FPA38W

Position Title:

Research Program Manager

Employment Category:

Full Time Professional

Location:

William & Mary

Department:

311800 Institute for Integrative Conservation

Unit Mission Statement:

About the IIC: Launched in 2020, the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) at William & Mary leads groundbreaking research and education to address the world's most urgent conservation challenges. By collaborating with public, private, and nonprofit sectors and harnessing William & Mary's interdisciplinary expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and global perspective, the IIC fosters an inclusive community of leaders dedicated to (1) crafting integrative solutions to pressing conservation challenges and (2) nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. Our approach combines diverse knowledge systems and promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration to create solutions that ensure that both nature and humans thrive.



Conservation Research Program:The Conservation Research Program (CRP) is a vital initiative of the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) designed to bridge the gap between research and action in conservation. This program unites interdisciplinary teams of William & Mary students, faculty, and external partners-including non-governmental organizations, Indigenous communities, local populations, government agencies, and private corporations-to conduct applied, integrative research that conservation partners identify as crucial for advancing outcomes.The CRP supports student research through various formats, including year-long programs, semester-long projects, a Conservation GIS lab, and faculty-led research initiatives. Beyond advancing integrative conservation solutions, the CRP is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of effective conservation leaders and fostering enduring partnerships between William & Mary and external collaborators. For more details and to view a list of current projects supported by the CRP, visit:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/iic/research/.

Position Summary:

The Research Program Manager (referred to as the Manager) oversees the student experience within the Conservation Research Program. Key responsibilities include designing and evaluating student learning objectives, recruiting participants, coaching students in applied research and professional skill development, managing travel and research logistics, and promoting stories related to CRP activities. The Manager is instrumental in advancing the IIC's mission to facilitate entry into the field of conservation-both as a profession and as an area of interest-for underrepresented, minoritized, and underserved groups at all levels.



General Job Duties:



Mentor students through the Conservation Research Program

• Collaborate with faculty and partners to design impactful and feasible applied research objectives for CRP students, providing mentorship throughout their research projects.


• Facilitate coordination among students, partners, and faculty mentors.


• Teach a weekly lab to guide CRP students through research proposal development, implementation, and report writing, along with professional development activities.


• Offer individualized support to students and foster a sense of community among CRP participants.


• Travel domestically and internationally with students and partners as needed to support applied research (1 week to 1 month per year).


• Oversee student safety and risk management within the CRP.

Manage student engagement in the Conservation Research Program

• Recruit, select, and orient diverse cohorts of undergraduate students for the CRP.


• Collect and coordinate essential information for students' research activities, including research permits, consent forms, travel logistics, research budgets, and safety and risk management plans.


• Manage and monitor research progress, assessing its impact on both students and partners.

Share Conservation Research Program stories

• Promote awareness and encourage engagement among students, partners, and faculty in the CRP.


• Communicate the impact of CRP projects on students and partners through various IIC channels, including web stories, social media posts, videos, and CRP events.

Innovation and leadership

• Look for opportunities to grow the impact of the CRP


• Engage with the other programs of the IIC, as relevant, to benefit the CRP

Conditions of Employment:

• This position may require additional hours beyond the work week to meet the needs of the dept and may include evenings and weekends as needed.

Essential Designation:

No

FLSA:

Exempt

Position Restricted?:

Yes, the appointment is limited due to funding availability

Position Term:

12 month - Restricted

Position Months:

Faculty or Staff: 12 month

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate Degree in a field related to integrative conservation, such as natural or social sciences (e.g., biology, geography, sociology, anthropology, environmental studies, environmental economics).


• Experience (typically 2-4 years) in planning, implementing, and evaluating conservation actions with measurable impacts.


• Experience in conducting applied conservation research in collaboration with various partners.


• Ability to work with a diverse range of partners, including local communities, Indigenous Peoples, government agencies, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations.


• A strong passion for and proven success in mentoring students.


• Communication and interpersonal skills for fostering and sustaining collaborative relationships with a variety of partners.


• Commitment to the goals and values of the Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC).


• Flexibility and a positive attitude to effectively guide students through applied research.


• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and/or internationally for up to one month per year.


• Commitment to diversifying the conservation field, with experience in promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience working with interdisciplinary teams on research projects.


• Experience teaching students about conservation or the research process.


• Experience traveling or working outside the U.S.


• Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese, with the ability to work effectively in a multilingual environment.


• Experience managing safety and risk in diverse domestic, international, and field settings.

Is the position remote work eligible?:

Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)

Remote Work Disclaimer:

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range:

Up to $60,000 USD, commensurate with experience.

Advertised Pay Range Statement:

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

University Salary Range:

U09

Benefits Summary Statement:

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).


Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Job Open Date:

11/07/2024

Review Begin Date:

01/15/2025

Job Close Date:

01/30/2025

Open Until Filled:

No

Special Application Instructions:

Include in your application packet under "Other Doc": A one-page reflection on the alignment of your work and approach with the IIC's mission and values.

Background Check Statement:

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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