Careers

Description:

The Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health (PNASH) Center housed in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) within the School of Public Health is seeking a part time 80%-100%FTE,  Program Manager to provide leadership regarding operational and administrative functions, and contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives aligned with PNASH’s mission and aims. The PNASH Center serves Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, conducting research and promoting best safety and health practices for Northwest producers, workers, and communities in farming, fishing, and forestry industries. Our emphasis is on injury and illness research and prevention for in the agricultural workforce. PNASH is one of a network of 11 regional centers with foundational support from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The PNASH center has had continuous funding for more than 25 years, and recently was renewed for a 5-year cycle. Our portfolio includes projects in pesticide exposure, heat-related illness, animal handling, forestry, and commercial fishing. The center has a strong community engagement and outreach core that works with a variety of partners across the Northwest region.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with PNASH faculty leadership, serve as liaison with department administration, faculty, university-wide departments and program centers, outside scientific researchers and collaborators, subcontractors, and agency sponsors. This ensures compliance with university and sponsor regulations and the smooth operation of department and sponsor programs. Participate as a member of the Centers’ leadership team to conduct overall strategic planning for priority-setting, grant applications, and implementation according to the overall funded aims of the Center.
  
  
• Administer the budgetary affairs of the center, including financial planning, monitoring, and forecasting for multiple budget components: prepare cost estimates and projections of current and future needs and recommend appropriate action; analyze effects of proposed actions; audit and approve expenditures, requisitions, vouchers, payroll and personnel changes for accuracy and compliance with policies and procedures; analyze problem areas and recommend or take corrective action; manage contracts and subawards; provide quarterly and annual budget reports and projections, detailing income and expenditures; collaborate with and provide guidance to research project directors in managing sponsored research budgets; supervise and serve as alternate for purchasing conducted by the Program Coordinator.
  
  
• With delegated authority, conduct PNASH nonacademic personnel matters: supervise Center Program Coordinator and Media Specialist positions. In conjunction with the supervisors and department, manage salary costing allocations; develop job descriptions and administer the employee recruitment process; recommend compensation rates and merit processes; provide counsel to project and unit directors on personnel issues.
  
  
• Manage grant activity, including proposal preparation for new and continuing grants and contracts of the Center, in conjunction with department Budget/Fiscal Analyst, including ensuring compliance with University and granting agency policies and procedures; Lead preparation of all sponsor-required reports, Assist in managing the center pilot project (small grant-making) solicitation, evaluation, award cycles, and financial allocations.
  
  
• Contribute to Center public communications, in collaboration with the PNASH Outreach Core. Ensuring plain language communications and transparency of work; preparation of Year-end and final reports; timely updates to the website; managing contact database, special communications blogs and enews articles sharing PNASH progress and accomplishments.
  
  
• Manage multiple and varied events including monthly PNASH Exchange Meetings, quarterly PNASH Investigator Meetings, biannual Scientific Advisory Meetings, annual research symposium conferences, innovative opportunities for scientific exchange, research specific events with the teams.
  
  
• Administer and manage PNASH resources, systems, and policies. Develop, implement, and evaluate the resources, systems and administrative policies of PNASH: implement, interpret, and provide counsel regarding resources, policies and procedures of the department, school, University of Washington, the State of Washington, and federal agencies.

• MINIMUM REQUIRMENTS:
  
  Bachelor’s in Business, Public Administration, Public Health or related field.
  Minimum four to five years of experience in project management, including budget planning, analysis, and reporting, in addition to general principles and processes of accounting.
  
  ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS:
• Ability to synthesize and communicate information to scientists and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain harmonious relationships and effectively address complex and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and proven ability to manage multiple projects in an organized, thorough and timely fashion against pre-determined goals and deadlines.
• High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Proven ability to organize complex tasks.
  
  Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
  
  DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  
  
• Prior experience in applied science and/or research program in a large academic institution.
• Working knowledge of University of Washington and NIH policies and procedures, particularly related to grant pre- and post-award processing.
• experience with University of Washington systems, specifically MyFinancial Desktop, ARIBA, and SAGE .
• Demonstrated leadership with internal team and external partnerships, including participatory events and facilitation techniques.
• Experienced in coordinating team efforts to meet deadlines and operational needs.
• Professional interpersonal, written, and oral communications, and the translation of science for multiple audiences.
• Understanding of research administration including grant proposal development and management, human subjects review, and general research methods.
• Background in Northwest agricultural (farming, fishing, forestry) industries and communities
• Knowledge of agricultural hazards and safety programs.
• English and Spanish language skills and bi-cultural experience.