Research Administrator

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team!  If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team!  WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities:  the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.  Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.  Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the State of Maine.

Position Summary:

The primary objective of this position is to support the Wabanaki Center for Research, Knowledge, and Innovation (CWRKI) by providing managerial and administrative oversight for its knowledge management team. This role involves leading a team responsible for evaluation, data-related activities and quality improvement. Key responsibilities include ensuring that project objectives are met, creation of evaluation plan workplans and quality improvement plans, daily operations with the knowledge management team, maintaining full compliance with grant and WPHW requirements, supervising staff, and collaborating with other CWRKI teams on data governance and other needs. This role serves in a similar capacity to a director and will require strategic vision and the proven ability to advance projects independently. It is full time (40 hours per week) and fully grant funded.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Oversight 

• Directly supervise the knowledge management team, including evaluation/quality improvement and data staff.
• Coordinate daily operations, delegate tasks, and ensure timely completion of deliverables.

Project and Workplan Management 

• Develop and implement evaluation plan workplans and quality improvement plans.
• Establish clear project objectives, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Monitor progress, troubleshoot issues, and adjust plans as needed to meet goals.

Grant and Compliance Management 

• Ensure full adherence to grant requirements, WPHW policies, and all relevant regulations.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for all funded projects.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to uphold data governance and compliance standards.

Staff Supervision and Development 

• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance feedback to team members.
• Identify training needs and promote professional growth opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment to retain and motivate staff.

Strategic Vision and Innovation 

• Set strategic direction for knowledge management initiatives in collaboration with Senior Director.
• Drive continuous improvement.
• Recommend innovative solutions to enhance data activities and quality improvement efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with other CWRKI teams to align data governance and evaluation priorities.
• Represent the knowledge management team in organizational meetings and project discussions.
• Build strong working relationships across centers.

Reporting and Documentation 

• Prepare and present regular reports on project status, findings, and recommendations.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for knowledge sharing within the organization.
• Contribute to grant renewals, proposals, and strategic planning efforts as needed.

Other Duties 

• Undertake additional tasks that support the success of the knowledge management team and CWRKI.
• Collaborate on organization-wide initiatives to reinforce continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• University degree or college diploma in public health, health, education or a related field AND three (3) years relevant experience required; Master of Public Health degree and at least two (2) years relevant experience preferred.
• Experience with managing evaluation and/or data teams
• Experience working with data systems, evaluation and research
• A demonstrated proficiency in project management, including budgeting, planning, execution, delivery, quality assurance, and reporting.
• Experience working in Tribal Communities

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral and written)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook required
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm
• Willingness to travel; a good driving record and access to reliable transportation are required 
  
• Must pass criminal background check.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.