Project Manager and Staff Researcher

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 (007398)

UCPath Position ID: MI-DPT302000-JC007398-PD167886

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1140843

Approved Date:

1/30/2025 3:52:49 PM

Date Last Edited:

1/30/2025 3:52:46 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

10/1/2023

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1180O

Organization:

LUSKIN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Division Code:

1181D

Division:

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Department:

302000 - LUSKIN CENTER FOR INNOVATION

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

MI-DPT302000-JC007398-PD167886

Position Description ID

167886

UC Payroll Title:

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3 (007398)

Business Title:

Project Manager and Staff Researcher

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 21

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

1 - Staff: Contract

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

0.5

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40128814

Reports to Payroll Title:

PROJECT POLICY ANL 3

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40037881

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGT OFCR 4

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI) seeks to hire a part-time Project Manager and Researcher (with the possibility of full-time employment). The role is focused on community-based research, evaluation, communications, and technical assistance to track progress and support success of a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant funded effort in South Los Angeles. TCC is a California state program that funds community-led infrastructure projects and transformative plans for environmental, health, and economic benefits in under-served neighborhoods. TCC is a high-profile program dedicated to empowering communities to choose their vision, strategies, and projects to enact transformational change – all with data-driven milestones and measurable outcomes. Lessons from TCC are relevant for scaling climate action in other disinvested communities.  

The Project Manager will engage deeply with the South LA Eco-Lab to advance its goals for a socially inclusive, sustainable, green, and climate-resilient community. Harnessing the leadership and vision of local residents, small businesses, community-based organizations, nonprofits, and public agencies, the South LA Eco-Lab is designed to facilitate economic development through climate action, and transform South LA into a healthier, more thriving neighborhood, one with lush green spaces, clean air, renewable energy infrastructure, and dynamic mobility options for pedestrians, bikers, and public transit riders. The South LA Eco-Lab is a coalition civic partners who secured a $35 million, five-year TCC grant, in addition to other funding.

About the Luskin Center for Innovation:

Our mission is to advance effective and equitable solutions to pressing environmental challenges through actionable research that engages UCLA scholars, policymakers, and communities. We often focus on California, one of the world's largest economies, to support a model of environmental leadership that is relevant globally. Our approach is collaborative. We unite scholars across a wide array of disciplines and engage with hundreds of civic partners who inform and use our research. The Luskin Center for Innovation has influenced dozens of public policies and investments for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Project Management

- Builds strong, collaborative relations with a wide range of community partners and stakeholders.

- Conducts and manages research tasks utilizing multiple qualitative methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, etc.) to collect and then analyze data for output/outcome and process evaluation.

- Writes content and oversees the design and layout of that content, in collaboration with designer and other TCC researchers.

- Manages project reporting required by the funder and supports the South LA Eco-Lab in their required reporting on a wide range of estimated and realized benefits.

- Collaborates with community partners and LCI colleagues to co-design a proposal to fund and involve residents in data collection and other aspects of evaluation and storytelling.

90%

Communications

Communicates status of project to the Center's executive team.

Responsible for content creation to communicate project updates and outcomes on LCI website and social media.

Presents project outcomes and communicates UCLA capabilities by serving as a LCI representative to external audiences including civic leaders such as funders, policymakers, and other project partners. 

10%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

A background or undergraduate degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Public Health, Geography, Sociology, Communications or a related field or equivalent experience / training

Required

And

Master's Degree

Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Public Health, or a related field or equivalent experience / training

Preferred

Experience and/or comfort with being entrepreneurial and developing from scratch new programs or projects. 

Required

Experienced and skilled project manager.

Required

Cultural competency and strong interpersonal skills, with ability to communicate and collaborate authentically, effectively, and professionally with a diverse group of community partners and colleagues.

Required

Demonstrated ability to prioritize, track, and meet simultaneous deadline requirements in the face of interruptions and shifting circumstances. 

Required

Writing skills to prepare communication materials ranging from technical research reports to marketing materials that are analytical, grammatically correct, and as succinct as possible.

Required

Fluency in word processing platforms, such as Windows and Google Docs; experience using Excel and Google Sheets to organize data and run basic mathematical functions; and ability to understand and use new technologies and software programs.

Preferred

Basic skills in design tools to layout reports and/or create infographics.

Preferred

Demonstrated organizational skills with excellent attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to independently follow through on assignments, work effectively under frequent deadlines, handle fluctuating workload, and make logical decisions.

Required

Knowledge and interest in program and process evaluation as well fundraising.

Preferred

Knowledge in environmental planning and policy, particularly as they relate to environmental justice.

Preferred

Fluency in Spanish.

Preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation, 3323 Public Affairs Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.