Central State University (CSU) is a historically Black university (HBCU) and an 1890 Land-Grant Institution. The Research and Economic Development, the Agricultural Research Development Program (ARDP) and CSU Extension are dedicated to driving innovation in the natural sciences, including agriculture, food safety and natural resources, and fostering economic development throughout Ohio’s underserved communities.
Position Summary
The Senior Project Manager provides high-level strategic coordination and operational management for CSU’s multi-million-dollar portfolio of research, economic development, and Extension initiatives. This leadership role acts as the critical bridge between academic researchers (PIs), community stakeholders, corporate partners, and state and federal funding agencies. The ideal candidate will manage complex project lifecycles, oversee multi-partner collaboration, track regulatory compliance, and monitor and document milestones translating into real-world economic and community impact.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Project Management & Delivery
- Lead Project Lifecycles: Oversee the execution of high-impact research grants, economic development programs, and community Extension initiatives from initiation to closeout.
- Milestone Tracking: Establish and maintain comprehensive project plans, key performance indicators (KPIs), and milestones.
- Risk Management: Identify operational, logistical, and financial bottlenecks early; design and execute proactive risk-mitigation strategies.
2. Multi-Stakeholder Coordination & Collaboration
- Bridging Teams: Foster synergy between CSU Extension educators, scientific researchers, municipal economic development boards, and local community groups.
- External Relations: Act as a liaison with federal grant managers (e.g., USDA-NIFA), state agencies, corporate partners, and collaborating academic institutions.
- Meeting Facilitation: Design and lead regular project progress meetings, advisory board assemblies, and program design workshops.
3. Grant & Budgetary Administration
- Financial Oversight: Assist in reviewing and managing large, complex project budgets in coordination with the Sponsored Programs Office, ensuring strict compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
- Reporting: Compile and draft comprehensive technical and financial progress reports for external funding bodies and executive university leadership.
- Procurement Support: Facilitate vendor selection, equipment procurement, and contract execution required for research and economic development projects.
4. Community & Economic Impact
- Economic Metrics: Devise tracking mechanisms to measure the local and regional economic impact of CSU’s innovation, translational research, and Extension programming.
- Capacity Building: Assist in identifying future funding opportunities (grants, public-private partnerships) to ensure the long-term sustainability of program initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Agricultural Sciences, Environmental Science, or related fields required. (Master’s degree preferred).
- Experience: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive project management experience, preferably in higher education, a non-profit, or a government/land-grant agency setting.
- Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Grants Management: Strong understanding of post-award management processes, specifically with federal award regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance / 2 CFR 200).
- Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholder groups.
- Software: Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, MS Project, Monday.com) and enterprise resource planning systems (ERP) used in university financial administration.
- Database Management. Proficient in establishing databases, monitoring data, and maintaining databases for internal performance assessment and external reporting.
Preferred Qualifications Posting Date 08/12/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Background Check: All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review.
Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources.
Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Normal office environment with occasional travel within the state of Ohio for community outreach, Extension events, and research site visits.
- High-volume communication environment requiring adaptability, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving.
- Contribute and collaborate with all units in reporting, communications, fundraising, and publications
Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience
