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Research Manager
Research ManagerHarvard University • Cambridge, MA, US
Research Manager

Research Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA, US
30+ days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Research Manager

The Research Manager will play a key role in providing operational support to advance the Bloomberg Center for Cities research agenda. Reporting to the Senior Director of Research, the manager will be responsible for project management of open calls, leading the coordination of staff and student researchers, managing workflows, and liaising with internal and external partners to ensure timely, high-quality research deliverables. This is a hands-on role that requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication and project management skills, and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments, all in service of developing and delivering successful research projects.

Responsibilities

Open Calls

  • Lead the development and implementation strategy of proposal intake and review processes, including oversight of submission tracking, analysis of reviewer feedback, and communication of outcomes.
  • Prepare written materials and presentations relevant to the Open Calls process, including guidelines and FAQs, briefing documents.
  • Develop and manage directories of researchers and partner organizations.
  • Support Senior Director in strategic engagement with academic partners, city research partners, and professional networks.
  • Manage and oversee communications with applicants, reviewers, and PIs, serving as the primary point of contact to ensure coordinated engagement, timely information flow, and effective issue resolution.
  • Lead collaboration with staff from other Center teams and manage student assistants carrying out research relevant to the Open Calls process.
  • Work closely with the Center Administration and Finance team to facilitate relevant School and University research call administrative processes.
  • Lead oversight, review, and analysis of the significant open call research award budget, maintaining rigorous tracking of allocations and expenditures to ensure fiscal accountability and informed decision-making.
  • Lead planning on convenings, webinars, and knowledge-sharing sessions with researchers and city leaders, working with the Senior Director.

General Research Operations and Management

  • Manage the recruitment and onboarding of research assistants.
  • Supervise student researchers, fostering skill development and teamwork.
  • Liaise with IRB and other compliance offices to support research approvals and requirements.
  • Organize research team meetings, maintain project documentation, and track deliverables across multiple projects.
  • Contribute to research-related programming and events, including conferences and faculty support activities.
  • Manage project timelines and deliverables to ensure high-quality research, analysis, writing, and presentation of outputs.
  • Participate actively in building a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning within the research team and across teams at the Center.
  • Other duties as assigned in support of the Center's research projects.

    • Qualifications

    Basic Qualifications :

  • Masters degree in public policy, social sciences, management, or related field; or equivalent professional experience.
  • 6 years of relevant professional experience in research, program management, or related roles.

    • Additional Qualifications and Skills :

  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, faculty, external partners, and junior staff.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring research assistants, interns, or junior staff preferred.
  • Familiarity with academic research processes, including IRB, data collection, and dissemination.
  • Familiarity with Airtable, SharePoint, and Salesforce a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience managing client relationships, managing projects independently, meeting project timelines, and communicating with internal and external stakeholders in a productive, professional, and timely manner.

    • This is a full-time, campus-based position in Cambridge, MA, requiring 3 days / week on-site.

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    Research Manager • Cambridge, MA, US