Project Manager (Difference Engine at Arizona State University)

100045BR

Off-Campus: Los Angeles

Project Manager

Job Description

The Difference Engine is ASU's venture studio for combating inequality in transformative and unprecedented ways. An initiative supported by the Office of the Provost as well as other ASU institutions and organizations, The Engine is an applied academic center, a "do tank" that leverages the research and thought leadership of "Difference Engineers" made up of ASU faculty, staff and students to build products with and for communities in order to reduce inequality.  

And we are growing!  

As a project manager for The Difference Engine, you'll be serving as the Project Manager for  Equity Products. As part of this work, you will focus on launching and scaling products, such as the Women's Power and Influence Index based on the Engine's innovative model of community justice and equity. This will require, in part that you maintain and prepare project status updates, set milestones and deliverables, manage internal and external stakeholder  expectations and relevant relationships - essentially taking a product deal from financing to  launch and beyond. Qualified candidates will also be able to manage, coach and supervise  project team members consisting of ASU staff, students and faculty. This role reports to the  Executive Director.  

Job Family

Project Management

Department Name

Office of Univ Provost Tempe

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full-Time

Grant Funded Position

This is not a grant funded position and is not contingent on future grant funding.

Salary Range

$75,000-$90,000 per year; DOE

Close Date

15-April-2024-EXTENDED

Essential Duties

In collaboration with the Executive Director, you will own product strategy and execution that results in value for ASU students, faculty and staff, and meets the Engine's criteria for community good. In addition you will: 

Build and lead exceptional product teams in a non-traditional environment, e.g. an academic enterprise; coordinate meetings, facilitate participation of project teams and move teams forward to launch. This includes: Using project management skills to monitor budget, goals and targets; coordinating work plans and activity milestones; and use evaluation mechanisms to monitor team achievements. Drive organizational focus and alignment around product goals. For instance, the successful candidate in this position will: Grow the audience for the Women’s Power and Influence Index (“Index”) by identifying partners, and distribution channels so it can become the standard metric for equity in the workplace. Automate data collection so that the Index can be updated and remain relevant for communities and constituencies. Work with the Executive Director to build a revenue model and identify investors, customers, and financial supporters of the Index. Assist in the creation of product strategy that accurately reflects The Engine’s values and the needs of the communities we serve. For instance, the successful candidate in this position will: Launch Phase 2-4 of the Engine’s “police department kit” - which helps communities build law enforcement agencies that reflect their own values and demographic culture. Collaborate with staff on product socialization and team recruitment. This includes assisting in the development of program materials, issue briefs, web features and newsletters. Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, the Engine’s Management Fellow as well as ASU Foundation professionals to advance development and future fundraising goals of The Engine, including Assessing incoming prospects and investments to the Engine in terms of their product potential, community impact and revenue generation potential. 

• Guided by the direction and scope of each prospect’s interest, proactively collaborate across the university enterprise to leverage the maximum potential of each donor or  

investor. 

• Collaborate on the creation of written proposals, product budgets, and other materials needed to secure investment. 

• With guidance from the Executive Director as well as staff from the Office of the 

Provost, provide programming, logistical and other support for Los Angeles-based 

strategic initiatives undertaken by the Provost's office. Minimum Qualifications 

• Evidence of a Bachelor's degree and 5 years related experience; 1 of which are in 

project management, or any equivalent combination of experience and /or education 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 5 years related experience; 1 of which are in project management, or any equivalent combination of experience and /or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Masters degree in Information Technology or Public Policy (or similar field) and two (2) years experience in either product management 
• Experience taking a project from O to 1; you know how to launch an imperfect product or project that allows you to learn and iterate quickly 
• Evidence of having a dedication to serving or working with communities, community organizations or other at-risk populations 
• Experience in being a storyteller who can change perceptions, build emotional connections to the needs of a community, and achieve structurally equal outcomes for that community 
• Experience in seeking support for projects, products or ideas - financial or in-kind especially in areas related to the Engine’s core mission (e.g. civil rights, social justice, equity) 
• Evidence in having an appetite for learning, with the ability to receive and implement feedback 
• Demonstrated technical fluency with web 2.0 tools, project management platforms (such as Asana or Notion) 

Working Environment

• Activities are primarily performed in a regular, climate controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, standing, walking. 
• Visual acuity and manual dexterity associated with daily use of desktop computer. 
• Bending, stooping, reaching and lifting up to 20 pounds. 
• Ability to clearly communicate to perform essential duties. 
• Regular review of completed tasks.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

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Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Instructions to Apply

Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.