Job Title: Principal Project Manager, Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy, 81798
Location: Kansas City
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 41583
Hiring Department

About MIDE

The mission of the Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC), is to improve the quality of life by bridging academia with industry to address wicked problems. MIDE is a fast-growing research institute founded to solve real-world problems by synthesizing physics and engineering principles with a pragmatic, results-driven, and collaborative philosophy.

For more information about MIDE, visit www.umkc.edu/mide/.

About UMKC

UMKC is the largest comprehensive, fully accredited university in the Kansas City area and the only public research university in our community. We offer more than 125 academic areas serving more than 16,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states and 85+ countries.

UMKC has a strategic plan with five pillars: provide exceptional student learning, success and experience; become a thriving discovery enterprise; transform our community and region with impactful engagement; foster an environment of invigorating multiculturalism, globalism, diversity and inclusion; and develop a strong and resilient people, process and physical infrastructure. We are building a community in which we support each other, learn from each other, and grow together. The successful candidate will have a genuine enthusiasm for students and the university.

For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu.

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Missouri institute for Defense and Energy (MIDE) seeks an experienced Principal Project Manager with a background in leading teams, managing customer requirements, business process design, and meeting goals of sponsors and MIDE. The Principal Project Manager position is responsible for assisting technical contributors comprised of faculty, staff, and students to provide stabilizing, collaborative, solutions-based, and forward-thinking leadership in the midst of ambiguity and change encountered in project development.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establish, maintain, and adapt project plans, schedules, and budgets in collaboration with sponsors and MIDE
• Host and lead weekly status update meetings to manage scope, execution, and identification of successes and gaps in achieving project goals. Provide meeting agendas and minutes including actionable information or items as a result
• Facilitate sponsor documentation including monthly/quarterly/annual reports. Provide overarching leadership in the collection, editing, and formatting of all technical program documentation for consistency and assuring sponsor requirements are met
• Serve as a liaison between technical teams and administrative MIDE areas including finance, purchasing, technology transfer, machine shop, and human resources
• Serve as a liaison between MIDE technical teams and sponsors
• Identify and assign project risks and concerns, tracking progress toward mitigation or resolution
• Define business needs, assess capabilities gaps, determine solution approach, and define the business case for proposed project initiatives
• Assist with the drafting of subcontracts, scope of work, future financial forecasting, and sponsor forms
• Improve quality of delivered projects by identifying stakeholders, defining activities, planning and estimating activities, developing metrics, and monitoring personnel performance via quarterly internal audits
• Assist with technological and operational learning needs assessment, including training requirements and technological/equipment needs
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of all MIDE and sponsor information
Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure all new products and services are created with business strategy in mindCoach and mentor newer PMs to insure continuous improvement of the teamMaintain safety, security, and compliance requirementsTravel to visit team members, customers, and attend conferences is expectedAssist team members and execute other duties as necessary

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business, Engineering, or a related area. At least four years of related experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be required is necessary
• Demonstrated knowledge of and skill in adaptability, oral communication, teamwork, team building, problem solving, coaching, group process facilitation, influence, strategic thinking, written communication, planning, project management, and functional analysis
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve problems with minimal supervision
Ability to hold and maintain a United States security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s or PhD degree in Business, Management Information Systems, Human Organization Development, or related field with a minimum of six years of related experienceProject Management Profession (PMP) credential is preferredWorking knowledge of Physics and Engineering technologies and prior leadership of technical teams

Experience working in an academic environment with students, staff, and faculty

Full Time/Part Time

Full time, on-site, Monday–Friday, 8 am – 5 pm or comparable. As a results-orientated organization, MIDE supports flexible schedules. Expect occasional travel for research collaborations, conference attendance, and offsite briefings.

Salary

$85,000 - $100,000. Salary to commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

UMKC offers a competitive salary, affordable medical and dental plans, 403(b) savings plan, and University paid long-term disability and life insurance benefits. For full benefit details, visit: https://info.umkc.edu/hr/total-rewards/benefits/

Application Deadline

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

Application Instructions

Apply online at www.umkc.edu/jobs. Reference position number 81798.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version