APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Center for Black Digital Research (CBDR)/#DigBlk, in the College of the Liberal Arts, is seeking a Managing Director (Research Project Manager) to work collaboratively with students, colleagues, and partners to research, develop, and implement digital scholarship and publishing projects.

The CBDR Managing Director provides leadership for the Center’s operations, strategic initiatives, research projects, partnerships, and digital platforms.

This role also supervises and provides project management expertise to CBDR committees and manages CBDR project web platforms. One such web platform will require close collaboration with the Colored Conventions Project team on the development of a new WordPress site integrated with the University Library’s repository and an online database. 

As a member of the Center's Executive Team, the Managing Director leads efforts to sustain and expand projects and partnerships and implement new national initiatives.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervise staff members, students, and volunteers, including hiring, development, and performance management

• Drive implementation of the Center’s strategic goals and manage deliverables associated with partnerships and collaborations

• Oversee and advise staff and students on research projects from initiation to conclusion, including research design, data collection and management plans, methodology, and budget management

• Design project workflow processes and infrastructure; delegate, prioritize, and review research tasks to achieve project goals and improve results

• Oversee data collection, management, and reporting methods; interpret and present findings to Center directors, external organizations, sponsors, and the larger research community

• Author, review, and revise procedures for research projects, data collection, and distribution; direct procedural standardization

• Research, evaluate, and advise Center directors on research methodologies, emerging digital trends, novel solutions, new technologies, and other resources

• Communicate with external collaborators and partners to direct and facilitate multi-site and collaborative research and publications

• Provide guidance and oversight of compliance with university research policies; keep abreast of compliance regulations and changes

• Help plan and administer the Center’s grants and project budgets; serve as a liaison to central financial offices, including research accounting, payroll, and department financial officers

• Direct the creation of financial and statistical reports for Principal Investigators and the Center director; help analyze information and recommend spending activity

• Author papers, manuscripts, publications, and internet content to share updates on the Center’s research, workshops, and meetings

• Collaborate with other Penn State units, departments, or Center leadership to develop strategic partnerships, advance the mission of research initiatives and projects, and develop long-term plans for resource allocation

• Work with students, colleagues, and partners to research, develop, and implement digital scholarship and publishing projects in the Center

Important Note: This position requires a flexible schedule to occasionally include working evenings and weekends. There will also be the need for occasional out-of-town travel for conference participation, symposia, and meetings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills across a variety of audiences

• Inclusive and respectful when working with others

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail

• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and creative problem-solving skills

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within large, multidisciplinary, inter-institutional teams

Preferred Qualifications (one or more):

• Experience in administrative support, event management, or financial/budget tracking

• Familiarity with nineteenth-century African American subject areas (e.g., African American studies, Africana studies, American studies, History, English, or other areas with an emphasis on African American content)

• Project management experience and commitment to a collaborative ethos and horizontal management

• Familiarity with digital technologies, archives, and public humanities/history

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or Google Workspace

• Experience working in academic, research, or public-facing environments

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree
1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

 

Important Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload a cover letter of interest, highlighting relevant skills, in addition to a CV/resume.

Important Note: This is not a fully remote position. In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location. 

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.

More Information on CBDR

CBDR is a public-facing research center committed to bringing the histories of early Black organizing to digital life through innovative scholarship and collaborative partnerships.

The Center is home to the award-winning Colored Conventions Project, Douglass Day, and The Liberatory Tech Project. In addition, the Center is comprised of faculty, graduate and undergraduates, postdoc, librarians, archivists, and community partners working together across ranks, disciplines, and institutions.

CBDR is supported by the College of the Liberal Arts and the Provost’s Office, in partnership with the University Libraries, and the College of Engineering. Explore more about the Center through our website.

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $65,508.00 - $94,980.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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