Project Manager

The IRIS Center is a federally funded project located within the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. The center is an international leader in the development of free, open-access resources used for training and ongoing professional development of current and future teachers and other education professionals.

Position Summary

The Senior Project Manager has responsibilities across two projects: 1) IRIS Center, a federally funded technical assistance center, and 2) IRIS+, an online platform that generates center revenue via annual subscriptions for K-12 schools and districts.   Both the IRIS Center and IRIS+ are located within the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. 

Responsibilities for the IRIS Center include: Resource development (e.g., writing, reviewing, and providing feedback on IRIS materials); coordinating related events (e.g., classroom video shoots; expert interviews).

Responsibilities for IRIS+ include: Overseeing the conversion of IRIS Center content to the IRIS+ platform; recruiting and initiating new school and district accounts; client management, training and technical assistance; and account management. 

This position can be performed via an alternative work arrangement (i.e., remote work). The position reports directly to the administrative manager. 

Please Note: Applicants will be asked to complete writing and presentation assignments as part of the application and selection process. 

Required Equipment and Software: N/A

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

IRIS+: Recruiting and initiating new school and district accounts; client management, training and technical assistance

• Recruit new clients (i.e., schools, districts) for annual platform subscriptions 

• Meet virtually with potential clients to demonstrate the platform, discuss their needs, identify potential resource content to meet those needs

• Oversee client contracts, payments, account setup and activation

• Build and maintain client relationships

• Monitor and track subscription expiration dates and actively offer and seek expansions and renewals

• Keep abreast of similar industry offerings and standards

• Contribute to the successful delivery of marketing programs and operational initiatives. 

• Research, recommend, and integrate new project management tools and technologies to improve team workflows and enhance productivity.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for IRIS+, ensuring a professional relationship that reflects positively on Vanderbilt, Peabody College, and IRIS+.

• Provide training on the platform to school and district administrators

• Based on client needs, develop and train on personalized learning pathways for schools and districts

IRIS+: Direction and Project Management

• Develop, implement, and track detailed project plans, monitor progress against project milestones, identify issues to be addressed, and take corrective actions to ensure alignment with project goals and deadlines.

• Manage and coordinate teams to keep efforts on track. 

• Independently develop and manage complex workflows under supervision of the Director or delegate, ensuring effective communication with internal and external stakeholders regarding the status of projects and proposals.

• Create and implement established protocols and procedures for processes related to recruiting and programming to ensure consistency and compliance.

• Develop project plans that identify resource needs and timelines of various projects

• Review and manage change orders

• Ensure that all project tasks are documented accordingly

• Prepare project reports for weekly communication to IRIS leadership, as needed

• Host project meetings at least weekly with the IRIS+ and Finance