Project Lead

The Ohio State University Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy, housed within the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, bridges science, engineering, and public policy to advance innovation and serve the public good. Our mission emphasizes actionable research, strategic collaborations, and transformative impact in Ohio and beyond.

Position Overview

The Project Lead will oversee critical initiatives aimed at synthesizing insights from diverse sectors, fostering collaboration, and driving systemic impact. The role entails managing complex projects, including the Ohio Innovation Exchange (OIEx) initiative, to elevate Ohio’s innovation ecosystem, enhance public-private partnerships, and provide actionable strategies for long-term sustainability.

The Project Lead will collaborate with industry, academia, and public policy stakeholders to address pressing challenges, manage project execution, and deliver high-quality outputs that align with the Battelle Center’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Management:
  • Lead the planning, execution, and completion of the OIEx project phases.
  • Develop and maintain project timelines, ensuring all milestones are met.
  • Coordinate with the Battelle Center administration and the Rapid Innovation for Public Impact (RIPI) consulting team.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Identify and engage key industry, public policy, and higher education stakeholders.
  • Facilitate discussions, workshops, and roundtable meetings to gather insights and recommendations.
  • Maintain effective communication with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and other project sponsors.
• Research and Analysis:
  • Conduct baseline assessments of OIEx industry awareness and statewide impact.
  • Develop and distribute pre-engagement instruments to gauge stakeholder awareness and understanding.
  • Analyze feedback and synthesize strategic recommendations for OIEx.
• Reporting and Documentation:
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations summarizing project findings and recommendations.
  • Present findings to ODHE officials and facilitate follow-up discussions.
  • Ensure all project documentation is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

THIS IS A 6-MONTH TEMPORARY POSITION. POSITION MAY BE EXTENDED BASED ON FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE, BUT NOT TO EXCEED 9 MONTHS.

The salary range for this position is $64,300 - $84,550 to be determined by internal equity and the candidate's education and experience.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, and resume.

Minimum Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business administration, engineering, or a related field or equivalent experience. 2 years of relevant experience required in stakeholder engagement, qualitative and quantitative research, and strategic communication. Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies.

Desired Qualifications: Advanced degree in in public policy, business administration, engineering, or a related field with a proven track record of 2-4 years of relevant experience managing multidisciplinary projects involving public, private, and academic stakeholders.

Desired Skills

• Knowledge of Ohio’s innovation ecosystem and familiarity with programs like OIEx.
• Expertise in designing evaluation frameworks and facilitating cross-sector collaborations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills, with the ability to synthesize complex insights into actionable strategies.

About the Battelle Center

The Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy is a trusted voice within Ohio’s flagship land-grant university. Our mission is to support innovation in the public’s interest by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, rigorous research, and impactful community engagement. Through this role, the Project Lead will play a central part in addressing Ohio’s critical education and equity challenges, driving meaningful change in the lives of individuals and the state’s economic future.

The College

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is ranked 16th in the nation and #1 in Ohio among 271 Public Affairs schools by U.S. News and World Report. This marks the college’s 10th year within the top 10% of public affairs graduate professional programs in the country. The college is also ranked among our peers in the following specialty areas: public management and leadership (7), nonprofit management (9), local government (18), social policy (19), public policy analysis (20), urban policy (22), and public finance and budgeting (25). Additionally, The Ohio State University ranked No. 5 internationally and No. 1 in the U.S. in public administration according to ShanghaiRanking Consultancy’s 2023 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

The University

Ohio State is a top-20 public university, and its Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is one of America’s leading academic health centers and recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ list of best U.S. employers for diversity. Eligible Ohio State employees receive comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental and vision insurance, tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, and state or alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.

The Ohio State University’s Shared Values include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect. Our university community welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression.

Ohio State is a dynamic community where opportunity thrives, and individuals transform themselves and their world. Positions are available in countless fields and specialties. Become a Buckeye and contribute to an incredible legacy that serves to guide our future and shape a better tomorrow

Located in Ohio’s capital city, Ohio State’s Columbus campus is near the center of a rapidly growing and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The area offers a wide range of affordable housing, many cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a strong economy based on government as well as service, transportation, and technology industries. Additional information about the Columbus area is available here. Beyond its Columbus campus, Ohio State has four regional campuses including Ohio State Lima, Ohio State Mansfield, Ohio State Marion, and Ohio State Newark, in addition to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.