Project management services

A resource for Principal Investigators.

What is a project manager?

In general terms, a project manager (PM) is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the completion of a specific project while ensuring the project is completed on time, within budget and within scope. In the context of Sponsored Projects at the University, the PM will support the Principal Investigator (PI) in their research efforts by administering the many logistical aspects of the award to assist with timeline or budget amendments, adherence to deadlines, progress reports, etc.

Project Manager Mission Statement:

To support the strategic visions of both the Research & Innovation Division and the University by assisting Primary Investigators across campus. Assistance to PIs can include helping draft more successful funding proposals, post-award support with planning and tracking of project tasks, answering questions and communicating best practices.

The goal of this support is to help achieve more consistent and reliable research efforts by spotting timeline or budget deviations early, thereby mitigating issues before they become significant programs. This assistance will also allow PIs, and other key personnel, to focus on their research by alleviating some of the administrative burden of grant management.

What can a project manager do for you?

  • Coordinate with subawardees
  • Assist with Scope of Work and Budget amendments to be submitted to the sponsor
  • General issue and best practice research and resolution
  • Timeline, milestone and deliverable tracking
  • Liaise between the project team and the sponsor

A project manager is not:

  • A member of the research team
  • The Principal Investigator
  • An administrative assistant

What to expect when a project manager is assigned to your award

Prior to the first meeting, the Project Manager will review the award documents to familiarize themselves with the basics of the project.

Initial Meeting(s):

  • An introduction between the PI(s) and the project manager
  • Deep dive into the specifics of the award, pain points, issues and questions
  • Discussion regarding the specific role and responsibilities the Project Manager will have within your award

Ongoing Support:

  • Regular meetings will be scheduled for the duration of the award (cadence and participants of these meetings to be determined by the needs of the project)
  • The purpose of these ongoing meetings will be to:
    • Check-in with the core team on the progress of deliverables and tasks
    • Discuss any amendment needs
    • Answer questions
    • Assign action items
    • Review upcoming deadlines
    • Other action items as needed

How to request project management support for your award

The Associate Vice President for Research Administration, Charlene Hart, will review your request and let you know if project management resources are available for your award. Please complete the following services request form.

Questions?

Please contact Erica Hall, Project Manager, Sponsored Projects.

Request form for project management services