Research Program Manager

University of California - Los Angeles, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Los Angeles, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Program Manager (RPM) at UCLA's Sustainable Los Angeles Grand Challenge (SLAGC) is responsible for managing a research program focused on developing sustainable solutions across various climate planning and policy areas. The RPM will engage with collaborators, partners, and stakeholders to support impactful sustainability research initiatives, while also performing program management duties, data analysis, and dissemination of findings to diverse audiences. This role requires strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to synthesize complex ideas quickly, as well as a commitment to equity and environmental justice.

Responsibilities

• Manage a research program for an assigned purview, performing program and project management duties.
• Establish and manage relationships with collaborators, partners, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage program activities and project timelines.
• Gather information about societal and political landscapes relevant to the assigned purview.
• Conduct data analysis and present findings to various audiences.
• Write literature reviews, reports, manuscripts, grant proposals, and other materials.
• Present and disseminate issue-based products to broad audiences, including general publics, NGOs, and government entities.
• Facilitate meetings, seminars, and educational events.
• Supervise student analysts, fellows, and vendors involved in research program activities.

Requirements

• Awareness and familiarity with sustainability principles and intermediate knowledge of research methods in sustainability disciplines.
• Demonstrated skill in writing and editing concise, logical, and clear documents.
• Highly organized with the ability to use collaborative project management tools.
• Understanding of knowledge mobilization activities to advise on sustainability-related research projects.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel as needed.
• Ability to use web-based collaboration and project management systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain professional relationships.
• Ability to work independently and make independent decisions.
• Experience in developing and managing a program and its activities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience liaising between academic researchers and societal partners for solutions-oriented research.
• Proven ability to communicate research results through various formats.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package starting on day one.
• Access to UC Total Compensation Estimator for calculating total compensation value.