The Digital Equity Research Center (DERC) at the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) seeks a strategic thinker, team builder, and thoughtful planner to help build the DERC as a new department at METRO, together with METRO staff and our advisory board.  

The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing all of the program management activities and research outputs of the DERC. The DERC strives to be asset based, power aware, respect focused, and justice centered. The individual in this position will apply these principles in their work to support the Center and the communities with whom we work. 

An ideal applicant will have demonstrated experience and expertise in at least one, and preferably more, of the following categories: project management; supervision of employees and external consultants; handling daily staff assignments; planning and administering budgets; tracking program expenses; and report writing. Experience working in an academic research setting is preferred, but not required. The categories the candidate lacks experience in should be areas they are interested in developing. This work requires excellent listening, facilitation, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

The Program Manager will oversee the development, implementation, and successful completion of new and existing research projects. They will help to build a culture of research excellence rooted in the principles and values of both the DERC and METRO.

The most immediate work will require working collaboratively with DERC’s Director and METRO staff to:

• Establish objectives, negotiate contracts, and estimate costs for new projects
• Plan project schedules, direct tasks, and oversee existing projects
• Manage awarded grants by following expectations of funders
• Monitor technical issues and guide projects to completion
• Prepare reports in completion of existing projects

Additional responsibilities may include assisting DERC’s Director to:

• Develop successful research grant proposals
• Oversee research activities often in collaboration with other partners
• Review white papers and academic articles
• Co-present research at academic and practitioner conferences

The Program Manager will also have an opportunity to bring their own expertise and knowledge to help design, develop, and implement new program areas that advance the mission of the DERC.

This is a fully remote position; there is no residency requirement. Some travel may be required, occasionally for conferences or special events.

We welcome, embrace, encourage, and respect diversity of people, genders, identities, languages, and cultures. Our team is deeply committed to nurturing an organizational culture of respect, equity, and belonging.

Compensation for this position is $75,000/year at 35 hours/week and includes a generous benefits package. METRO is an equal opportunity employer. Read our code of conduct here.

How To Apply

Please send a resume and a cover letter to info@metro.org. The deadline to apply is Monday, January 30th at 12pm Eastern Time.

Submit specified application materials to info@metro.org.