Program Manager

Arizona Institute for Resilience (AIR) at the University of Arizona is in search of a Program Manager. The SW Climate Adaptation Science Center (SWCASC) is a USGS funded federal university partnership, hosted at the University of Arizona with seven university partners. Our mission is to develop actional science and implementable climate adaptation solutions. We seek a Program Manager to support the daily business operations, planning and communications functions within our university and across the network of seven research teams. Natural and cultural resource managers within the region of AZ, CA, NV and UT are stakeholders who we engage with through trainings, webinars, collaborative programs and in-person events. Candidates interested in working in support of research professionals focused on emerging climate adaptation needs are welcome to apply.

The Southwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (SWCASC) is a collaborative federal-university partnership between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and seven academic institutions from across the U.S. Southwest (see map and list below). The SW CASC is one of nine regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers under the Department of the Interior (DOI) managed by the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC).

This position is a 100% on-site, in-person role requiring regular attendance at the designated work location.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Program and Event Management -

• Provide day-to-day business support to the University Director and Deputy Director for overall program direction and management.
• Support the SWCASC Communication Specialist with outreach strategy and drafting promotional materials.
• Coordinate communication among SWCASC consortium researchers, USGS staff, and U of A departmental staff.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage meetings, including one large regional conference every two years and one annual research planning and outreach meeting.
• Assist with development and coordination of the graduate fellowship program and application processes.

Research Administration and Grant Management -

• Manage internal communication and grant administration between U of A and SWCASC consortium researchers, U of A departmental business units, and partner universities to execute subaward agreements and ensure timely progress and reporting.
• Coordinate annual USGS proposal submissions for SWCASC researchers in conjunction with U of A Sponsored Projects and partner university sponsored projects offices.
• Provide guidance on terms and conditions of U of A subawards for awarded USGS-funded projects (e.g., spending inquiries, award modifications, PI changes).
• Serve as liaison between PIs and Sponsored Projects, coordinating communications as needed.
• Review budget reports, approve subaward invoices per executed agreements, and support staff hiring processes.

Strategic Outreach and Growth -

• Support the growth of the SWCASC within the regional project area (AZ, CA, UT, NV).
• Participate in creative problem-solving to help the SWCASC respond to emerging issues and opportunities.
• Travel occasionally to events and regional meetings as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of uniform guidance principles (2 CFR 200) and university sponsored projects procedures.
• Awareness of internal and external outreach and communication approaches.
• Ability to handle confidential information, e.g., grant budgets, personnel, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing, and in group settings.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.