Research Project Manager

Position OverviewAccessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (ATLAS), a research center at the University of Kansas (KU), is seeking a Research Project Manager with experience managing multi-phase or multi-year projects to join the Research, Development, and Operational Project Support (RDOPS) team.

We especially seek candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Research and development project management
• Grant-funded work
• Leading research staff
• External partner management

The ideal candidate brings experience managing research workflows, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring timely, compliant project execution. This role requires strong project management expertise, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective systems that support high-quality research.

ATLAS promotes learning and improved outcomes for all students, with a focus on students with disabilities and struggling learners. ATLAS creates technology-based learning and assessment systems that are accessible and academically rigorous. Dynamic research on skill development, assessment design, and teacher professional development informs the center’s map-based learning systems.

With a diverse portfolio of grant-funded research projects and operational alternate assessments, ATLAS is a leader in educational research and innovation. ATLAS drives progress through partnerships and collaborations with organizations that share its focus and commitment.

ATLAS is committed to creating policies and practices that foster a culture in which all employees feel they belong and can succeed.

Visit the ATLAS website to learn how the center improves the learning landscape for all students.

KU employees have great benefits!

• 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 72 hours of sick leave per year
• 10 paid holidays
• Medical and dental insurance
• Retirement program
• Life and disability insurance
• Educational and professional development opportunities

Visit the KU benefits website for more information.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

KU is not able to provide H-1B sponsorship for this position.

Due to complex state employment laws, the University of Kansas may be unable to hire fully remote workers for this position outside of Kansas. Specifically, we cannot currently offer employment to candidates residing in the following states: California, Delaware, Idaho, and Minnesota. We appreciate your understanding and invite interested individuals from eligible states to apply.Job Description70% - Implement collaborative project management through project roles including project lead and sub-project lead on ATLAS projects. Examples of work performed may include:

• Leading day-to-day operations of multi-phase or multi-year research and development projects.
• Leading projects or subprojects through all phases during the project lifecycle.
• Facilitating project planning meetings with cross-functional teams.
• Managing the project triple constraint by defining project scope, aligning resources, monitoring progress, and making data informed adjustments to ensure high-quality outcomes and timely project delivery.
• Communicating with stakeholders and team members on the status of tasks and workflow.

25% - Cross-functional collaboration and process oversight. Examples of work performed may include:

• Providing process oversight to processes to ensure they are functioning effectively, efficiently, and in alignment to expected quality outcomes.
• Leading the systematic evaluation of processes for continuous improvement; including identifying areas for enhancement and recommending solutions.
• Engaging in quality control activities to maintain high standards.
• Providing support to other teams and projects as needed, contributing to cross-functional initiatives.

5% - Special projects/other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social sciences, public health, psychology, or related field and three (3) years of related experience.
• Three (3) years of work experience managing multiple, concurrent and/or complex projects using a variety of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, MS Project, Teams, SharePoint) as evidenced by work history or professional training.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with experience creating timelines, tracking progress, and managing multiple priorities as evidenced by application materials.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant discipline.
• Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP).
• One (1) year of work experience with grant-funded projects.
• Experience with K–12, the assessment industry, or applied research settings as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience facilitating staff training and professional development initiatives as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary, virtual, and team-based environment as evidenced by work history, professional training, or a combination of both.

Additional Candidate InstructionsA Complete Application Consists Of

• A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• A Resume or CV
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Review of applications will begin Monday, June 29th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.Contact Information to ApplicantsATLAS HR

[email protected] Salary RangeStarting at $75,000, commensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday June 29, 2026Anticipated Start DateMonday August 3, 2026Apply to Job