The Office of Research Program Management at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Project Manager. As a hybrid position, this employee must reside in West Virginia or one of the five surrounding states (PA, OH, MD, VA, or KY) by time of employment.
About the Opportunity
This position is responsible for collaborating with Principal Investigators on projects for planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluating assigned projects according to timelines, budgets, and specifications. This role will also be responsible for overseeing project teams, reporting to the project sponsor, and ensuring quality control throughout the projects' life cycles as well as direct internal and external client support services.
We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:
- 37.5-hour work week
- 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
- 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
- 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
- WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
- 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
- Wellness programs
What You'll Do
- Occupying a professional role that oversees and manages substantial (>$3M) and nationally recognized projects.
- Leading the competitive acquisition and simultaneous management of numerous grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
- Supervising the formulation of proposals while providing guidance to research and technical teams.
- Collaborating with various departments within the WVU Office of Sponsored Programs, handling proposals, awards, subawards, amendments, and overseeing project lifecycles.
- Directing research projects in compliance with contracts and grants, encompassing task organization, researcher oversight, goal achievement within budget and timeline, meeting reporting requirements, and presenting progress to stakeholders. Assessing project task and deliverable completion against the agreed-upon plan.
- Negotiating grant/contract terms, evaluating cost proposals, and participating in bid reviews, invoices, and negotiations with contractors to align with project goals.
- Independently managing projects from initiation to closure with minimal supervision.
- Collaborating with project sponsors and stakeholders to define scope, goals, deliverables, budget, and schedule.
- Ensuring project deliverables meet customer or agency requirements, managing project finances, and developing innovative solutions for unexpected complications.
- Conducting kick-off meetings to clearly communicate expectations, legal requirements, and ensure documentation compliance.
- Logging and resolving issues throughout the project life cycle.
- Developing tools and best practices for project management execution.
- Leading, coaching, and motivating project team members proactively. Supporting the hiring and onboarding of new staff.
- Facilitating a Project close-out meeting and completing all necessary processes for University close-out. Ensuring safe archival of all project documents for close-out.
- Participating in conferences and delivering presentations.
- Bachelor's Degree
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
- Project Management and/or administrative coordination preferably in an academic or non-profit environment
- Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
- All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Effectively exchanges accurate, appropriate, and relevant information with stakeholders. Responds to and acts upon expectations, concerns, and issues.
- Exhibits strong professional behavior in all settings.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Builds trust and confidence with stakeholders.
- Takes accountability for delivering project success.
- Applies appropriate influencing techniques to each stakeholder as required.
- Plans and manages for project success in an organized manner.
- Applies discernment, emotional intelligence, and judgment to effectively direct a project in a changing and evolving environment.
- Resolves issues and solves problems effectively by simplifying complexities for a complete and accurate analysis,
using lessons learned and tools when needed. - Uses appropriate project management tools and techniques.
- Continuously seeks opportunities to improve project outcomes.
- Adapts to changes in the project environment to meet project needs.
- Conforms to an ethical behavior governed by responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty; operates with integrity. Maintains self-control in all situations and responds calmly.
- Admits shortcomings and explicitly accepts responsibility for mistakes or failures; learns from mistakes to improve future performance.
About WVU
West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.
From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.
At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.
Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.
West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.
Job Posting: Aug 28, 2026Posting Classification: Non-Classified
Exemption Status: Exempt
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Schedule: Full-time