Director of Scientific Operations (Project Manager)

Director of Scientific Operations (Project Manager)

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Mission

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Mission

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.

Woodwell Climate is a rapidly growing, top-ranked, independent non-profit climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Our world-leading research and impact helps individuals, organizations, corporations, communities, and nations understand the realities of climate change, recognize the impact on our planet, and embrace the urgent action needed to safeguard the future of life on Earth.

Summary

Join Woodwell as our Director of Science Operations (DSO). Are you a strategic operational leader passionate about tackling climate change? Woodwell seeks a DSO to help lead the operational execution of our scientific strategy. As DSO you will work closely with our VPs of Science to ensure our research programs are implemented effectively, impact is maximized, and our cross-functional teams work seamlessly in pursuit of high-impact mission-aligned outcomes. Reporting to the President & CEO, you will work with staff across the Center to establish and manage processes that support research performance while also enabling the organization to scale its impact efficiently and strategically.

Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

• Strategic Operational Leadership:
• Assist with operational execution of the organization’s scientific strategy, ensuring that programs are implemented effectively, progress is tracked against key performance indicators (KPIs) and cross-functional teams are aligned in pursuit of high-impact outcomes.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of operational processes and best practices that underpin the effective execution of scientific programs
• Partner with VPs of Science to generate actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making and optimize research performance
• Develop and implement systems to track scientific KPIs and organizational impact metrics, preparing regular internal and Board-level reports on program progress, outcomes, and resource utilization
• Support research teams in setting operational priorities and ensuring strong alignment with Woodwell’s strategic objectives and mission
• Assist with financial planning, including the development, tracking, and forecasting of research program budgets in collaboration with the VPs of Science and Finance
• Project and Program Management Excellence:
• Manage the coordination of multiple complex scientific projects, ensuring timely execution, adherence to scope, and alignment with strategic goals
• Support the development and management of comprehensive project plans, including detailed timelines, budgets, and resource allocation
• Drive the adoption and proficiency of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet) across scientific teams, developing and rolling out best practices for efficient proposal, award, and project execution
• Support the preparation and presentation of project proposals to internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment with organizational objectives
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:
• Serve as a critical liaison between research teams and other vital departments (e.g., Finance, Communications, Government Relations, Development) to ensure operational consistency, seamless support, and integrated efforts
• Establish tools, templates, and workflows that streamline project management and foster exceptional cross-functional collaboration and communication
• Ensure timely, consistent documentation and transparent communication of research activities, milestones, and outcomes across the organization
• Facilitate cross-departmental planning sessions, retreats, and other convenings that promote innovation, alignment, and a culture of continuous learning and accountability
• Champion systems that promote transparency, accountability, and continuous organizational learning
• Support meeting planning, agenda setting, and accountability practices throughout the organization
  

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
• Proven proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Asana, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet), with a track record of implementing and optimizing their use
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and scale operational systems and performance tracking tools
• Strong budget and program management skills, with the ability to ensure financial viability and strategic alignment of projects
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills; comfortable working with complex data and performance metrics to derive actionable insights
• Robust business administration skills, supporting overall project and program management effectiveness
• Demonstrated experience supporting complex cross-functional projects
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively coordinate across diverse stakeholders and present to various audiences
  
  

• 7+ years of experience in research operations, project management, or scientific program support, including an educational background in science and/or policy/operations (MBA, MPA, or equivalent preferred)
  
  

• This role is paid on a salary basis.
• Typically, full-time employees work 40 hours during a Monday through Friday workweek. However, this is a salaried position. Therefore, the individual is expected to work as required to complete the duties of the position. This may mean weekend hours and/or hours beyond 40 per week.
  
  

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management and Information Technology

• Industries

  Research Services

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