Program Liaison, Social Sciences

The Program Liaisons are part of the staff in the Research Department and work under the supervision of the Director of Research and in conjunction with the Research Program Coordinator. The Program Liaison is responsible for assisting with the processing and tracking of research proposals from their first contact with Earthwatch Institute through the development process, fielding, and reporting of results.

This position supports the outreach efforts of the Research Department through background research of possible leads as well as by developing, maintaining, and distributing outreach materials for scientists, conferences, and peer reviewers. This position supports the Director of Research by assisting with correspondence with potential Principal Investigators during the development of preliminary proposals.

This position also works alongside the Research Program Coordinator with tracking each proposal through stages of the development process including the peer review process. This position works across departments to ensure various phases of project development are completed in a timely manner and also serves as support to the affiliate offices' project development efforts.

Duties:

Work collaboratively with the processing of preliminary and full proposals:

* Receive preliminary and full proposals and notify appropriate parties of receipt;
* Assist the Research Program Coordinator with logging and tracking proposal status;
* Prepare and contribute to the agenda for pre-review under the guidance of the Director of Research and assist during pre-review meeting;
* Serve as negotiator on proposals as designated by the Director of Research;
* Prepare coversheets (mission fit and research scope) for preliminary proposals as designated by the Director of Research;
* Collate documentation necessary to bring proposals to Proposal Review Committee (PRC);
* Research and solicit appropriate reviewers for projects, providing support and information as needed and following up with deadlines and requests;
* Request and follow up on references for scientists applying to Earthwatch;
* Maintain and build Reference and Reviewer tracking sheet in conjunction with Research Program Coordinator;
* Hand-off budget and logistics negotiation to Field Management team upon receipt of full proposal;
* Coordinate communication between the Research Department and the Principal Investigators (PIs) as directed by the Director of Research;
* Attend weekly project review meeting as necessary;
* Timely administration and tracking of project sign-offs as approved by the Review committee and in conjunction with Field Management;

Work collaboratively with reporting of project outcomes:

* Complete or help complete impact reports on specific research projects and/or themes to be disseminated to other departments, international offices, volunteers, stakeholders and donors;
* Coordinate communication with PI in conjunction with Program Managers (PM) regarding scientific outcomes as assigned by Director of Research (for PL position) and Director of Field Management (for PM position);
* Plan for fourth-year project renewals 6 months to a year in advance in conjunction with Field Management;
* Notify and set deadlines with 4th year PIs in the context of future publication deadlines and internal and peer review process in coordination with the Program Managers and the Director of Field Management.

Work collaboratively with outreach effort:

* Conduct gap analysis of EW historical data to help identify topic areas and geographic locations where support has been strong and weak;
* Attend or help coordinate participation to conferences for outreach purpose as assigned by the Director of Research;
* Conduct web searches and background research on potential outreach opportunities for the Research Department.

Work collaboratively with networking:

*Coordinate or help coordinate specific partnerships between Earthwatch and other organizations by serving as the Earthwatch liaison to joint events and initiatives;
* Maintain or help maintain the PI Network and PI database in coordination with Field Management;
* Help coordinate and organize Research Department presentations and/or workshops;

Work collaboratively with day to day running of Research Department:

* Provide administrative support to the Research Department and the Director of Research including copying, collating, filing, drafting correspondence, phone calls, mailings, and other tasks as needed.
* Complete other tasks and special projects as assigned by the Director of Research.

Skills/Qualifications:

* BA/BS Degree in the Social Sciences preferred - a BS degree in other science related field as a minimum;
* Proven record of strong administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, multi-task, and prioritize assignments;
* Demonstrated proficiency in using internet research resources;
* Proven ability to prioritize tasks and plan into the future;
* A creative self-starter who is able to work with a variety of different people in a fast paced environment;
* Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and scientists;
* Excellent computer skills and comfort with Word, Excel, and PC databases;
* Demonstrated flexibility, initiative, resourcefulness and ability to maintain composure in a fast paced non-profit environment;
* Ability to follow directives when needed and to be self-sufficient in accomplishing such directives;
* International travel experience and comfort in multi-cultural environments;
* Must be flexible and willing to pitch in wherever needed;
* Sense of humor.

Salary range: $27,000 - $32,000 commensurate with experience. Good benefit package.

Due to limited time and financial resources we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States.

Please indicate job title in subject line of email. Send cover letter and resume to:

Email: hr@earthwatch.org

HR Earthwatch Institute
P.O. Box 75
Maynard, MA 01754-0075
Fax 978-897-0935

No phone calls please.