Research Project Manager


Position Overview

The KU Life Span Institute (KU LSI,) and Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK, www.atk.ku.edu) are seeking a Research Project Manager to support the implementation of the federally funded Statewide Assistive Technology Program delivering technology services and supports to Kansans of all ages and disabilities. Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) coordinates six AT Access Sites, the ATK State Device Loan System, operates the Kansas Equipment Reuse program, Telecommunications Access Program, Dual Party Relay, and KS iCan Connect Deaf Blind program with a staff of 24 AT Specialists. The Research Project Manager will serve as a member of the ATK management team and work closely with AT Access Site staff.

The Research Project Manager develops and monitors budgets, monitors the delivery of services by the AT Access Sites, and provides work direction and technical assistance to designated personnel to achieve the goals of the federal projects. This individual coordinates staff training activities and manages budgets, grants and administrative procedures and monitors progress to ensure successful completion. The successful candidate would enjoy working in an environment that fosters collaboration, provides opportunities for networking, and expands research knowledge and training.

Job Description

The Research Project Manager will work directly with Dr. Sara Sack to plan, coordinate, and deliver education, training, and outreach activities for the Assistive Technology for Kansans (ATK) program. The health of the statewide program depends on well-trained staff at the six Assistive Technology Access Sites across the state. In addition to planning and supervising training activities, the Research Project Manager monitors multiple projects and their budgets and when opportunities arise may propose new initiatives with program collaborators. The Research Project Manager works with state entities to review task orders and initiate contracts for training and services.

ATK emphasizes providing a full range of technology solutions and services for individuals with disabilities and health conditions across the lifespan. The Research Project Manager provides training, as well as coordinates efforts with other technology specialists and vendors, to ensure that ATK AT Access Site staff are knowledgeable about new technologies and have improving skills in the ten categories of technology (vision, hearing, speech communication, environmental adaptations, learning and cognition, mobility, seating & positioning, vehicle modification, daily living, computers & related, and recreation, sports & leisure). The Research Project Manager monitors the performance of the six AT Access Sites and staff, and provides technical assistance/training to AT Staff regarding customer goals and service levels. ATK values the development and maintenance of partnerships with agencies and entities across the state. The Research Project Manager plays an important role in maintaining and developing these relationships.

The person in this role will be tasked with the following responsibilities:
  • 35% - Plan, coordinate, and deliver in-person and online trainings and presentations for AT Access Site staff and key stakeholders. Topics to be discussed and determined by the ATK Management Team (Director, Co-Director, Research Project Manager, and Program Coordinator: Acquisition).
  • 25% - Monitor and supervise staff performance. Provide timely technical assistance to AT Access Site staff regarding assistive technology, funding, and other questions.
  • 25% - Develop and monitor contracts, task order scope of work, budgets, and deliverables. Coordinate data collection and reporting for direct services. Monitor the provision of services and ensure that quality demonstrations are conducted. Maintain the federal requirement that 60% of services provided by an AT Access Site be conducted related to Demonstration, Loan, Device Reutilization, and State Financing activities.
  • 10% - Travel to the AT Access Sites, attend meetings conducted by key stakeholders, and participate in large and small events to increase awareness of ATK services, represent the program, and for professional development.
  • 5% -Assist with the collection of data for responding to requests for proposals, i.e. state and federal grants, that would provide additional resources and opportunities for increasing the acquisition of assistive technology by persons who have disabilities and health conditions.

Position Requirements

  1. This position will be primarily on-site with some telework.
  2. Ability to travel for statewide training and technical assistance. Generally, one to four days a month with occasional overnight as needed.

Required Qualifications

  1. Master’s degree in an assistive technology-related field including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehab engineering, education, or other related area AND a minimum of three (3) years professional experience OR Bachelor's degree in an assistive technology-related field including speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, rehab engineering, education, or other related area AND six (6) years of experience.
  2. Excellent written and oral communication skills as evidenced in application materials and interview.
  3. Strong attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
  4. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills as evidenced by application materials and interview.

Preferred Qualifications

  1. Experience delivering professional development/trainings and/or technical assistance via in-person and/or virtual formats.
  2. Experience with community engagement and outreach.
  3. Experience working with people with disabilities of all ages and/or their families.
  4. Experience working with more than one project at a time.

Additional Candidate Instructions

A complete online application includes:
  • CV/Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Contact information for three professional references.

Application review begins on May 1st, 2023 and will continue until a qualified applicant pool has been identified.

Contact Information to Applicants

Sara Sack or Sheila Simmons
620-421-8367

Advertised Salary Range

$70,000 - $85,000

Work Schedule

40 hours/week

Application Review Begins

Monday May 1, 2023

Anticipated Start Date

Monday July 10, 2023

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Posting Information

  • Posting ID:  24634BR
  • Department:  Bureau of Child Research
  • Primary Campus:  University of Kansas Lawrence Campus
  • Assignment:  Hybrid
  • Reg/Temp:  Regular
  • Employee Class:  U-Unclassified Professional Staff
  • Review Begins:  01-May-2023

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