Senior Project Manager

We are seeking an experienced, contract Project Manager to lead the build-out and day-to-day operations of a new state-of-the-art data collection facility, providing dedicated data gathering for audio research. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in ensuring the facility meets the high volume and complex data requirements of our machine learning scientists.

Key Responsibilities
* Oversee all aspects of the facility's operations, guaranteeing efficient, high-quality data collection, storage, and processing workflows.
* Work closely with research scientists, data engineers, and technical program managers to plan data collection efforts, align on collection objectives, and ensure vendor and facility infrastructure meet high-quality data requirements.
* Maintain and curate task backlog data collection software development and hardware acquisition. Organize work into sprints and lead related meetings.
* Provide operational support for maintaining project budgets and managing vendor contracts, including the preparation of statements of work for individual data collection projects.
* Ensure that the vendor accurately documents data collection procedures with an emphasis on accuracy and quality controls.
* Monitor project progress and ensure that the vendor meets data collection project deadlines while maintaining high standards of operational excellence.
* Monitor data collection sessions, document any problems observed and share with project stakeholders. Drive resolution of problems with the vendor project manager and, if needed, follow an agreed-upon escalation process.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for all facility-related matters, effectively communicating progress, challenges, and solutions to stakeholders.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and efficiency in processes and technologies used within the facility.
* Requires daily presence at the data collection facility located less than 1 mile from the RLR office location.
* Willingness and ability to manage additional projects in parallel with the data collection facility project, for example a scientific research project, or short-term operational projects in support of the team s goals.
* Maintain thorough project documentation and train both internal and vendor research assistants on data collection protocols.
* Manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) documentation and review processes, ensuring compliance with IRB approvals and ethical standards in all data collection activities and facility operations.

Required Skills and Qualifications
* Proven experience in project management, with a strong preference for similar data collection facilities or scientific lab management experience.
* Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects from inception through to completion, ensuring operational excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.
* Strong sense of ethical and privacy considerations associated with human subjects research.
* Excellent organizational and communication skills, with proven ability to navigate cross-functional team dynamics and keep vendor-managed projects in check.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a detail-oriented approach to managing projects.
* Proficiency in project management software and tools. Experience operating in an agile environment.

Desirable Skills
* Knowledge of data collection technologies and methodologies, particularly in audio and sensor data.
* Experience in audio technology, data collection for machine learning, or a similar high-tech, data-driven environment.
* Familiarity with the latest trends and technologies in data collection and audio research.

Education
College degree in Business Administration, Management, Engineering, or a field relevant to the role, or equivalent professional experience.