Senior Operations Manager - Computational Social Science (CSS) Lab and the Penn Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Operations Manager - Computational Social Science (CSS) Lab and the Penn Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy

Job Profile Title

Manager Research Project A

Job Description Summary

The Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Computational Social Science (CSS) Lab and the Penn Center on Media, Technology, and Democracy (MEDIATED), including their research platform infrastructure, contracts and data governance, financial administration, and internal events. The position will also: Administer user access, usage and budget tracking, and subscriptions for the CSS Lab's and Penn MEDIATED’s computational and research platforms. Manage relationships with external data providers and research partners and create and revise data sharing agreements, data use agreements, and research collaborations. Liaise with data providers and research partners to ensure terms of agreements are met as well as identify new opportunities for collaboration. Manage the day-to-day operations of the International Society for Computational Social Science (ISCSS), support organizers of IC2S2 conferences. Finally, the position will oversee purchasing, procurement, expense reconciliation, and budget monitoring for the CSS Lab and Penn MEDIATED.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Direct the strategy and operations of the CSS Lab's computational and research platform infrastructure, including access governance, usage and API spend tracking, cost forecasting, tax-exempt status, and subscription renewals and billing for core Lab software. Establish and enforce policies and procedures for platform access and cost management, evaluate and negotiate with vendors, and advise Lab leadership on long-term infrastructure needs and investment decisions. Serve as primary liaison with the Penn Engineering Computer and Educational Technology department to align Lab computing access with University IT policies and compliance requirements.
• Build, lead, and set the strategic direction for the researcher network in coordination with PCI, data providers, and CSS Lab staff, and manage ongoing relationships with researchers, serving as the point of escalation for data access and compliance issues. Establish governance for and oversee access to datasets and restricted platforms (e.g., National Internet Observatory, Meta Content Library, TikTok API), including intake, onboarding, and security protocols such as deployment of hardware security keys. Lead the design and implementation of the researcher application workflow for the Penn MEDIATED Data Sharing initiative, and oversee study setup and operational coordination for researchers, including with the Wharton Behavioral Lab.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external data providers and research partners, in coordination with other Penn departments, and identify new opportunities for collaboration; lead the negotiation of data sharing agreements, Data Use Agreements, data licensing contracts, and Collaborative Research Agreements from drafting through execution, exercising independent judgment on terms and escalating issues to Lab leadership and University offices as needed. Develop and maintain project-specific data security plans and data governance standards to meet University compliance requirements.
• Lead partnerships and operations for the NOMAD platform, including cultivating data partners, structuring collaborations, and overseeing contracts, as well as designing user application materials, application review processes, and access frameworks. Oversee operational metrics, progress updates, and administrative documentation for NSF grant reporting, and co-develop reporting narratives with principal investigators.
• Direct the operations of the International Society for Computational Social Science (ISCSS), serving as the principal operational advisor to the board, including preparing board meeting materials and minutes, advising the board on operational and governance matters, overseeing community events, and coordinating logistics and website handoff with annual IC2S2 conference organizers. Recruit, supervise, and direct student research assistants on website maintenance, content updates, and backend tasks, including assigning and evaluating their work.
• Oversee CSS Lab and Penn MEDIATED financial administration and purchasing, including purchasing card reconciliation, business justifications, and budget code assignment; vendor contracting, contract amendments, and invoice processing; and compliance with University financial policies. Develop and monitor platform and operating budgets, prepare financial reports and multi-year cost projections, and advise Lab leadership on budget planning, resource allocation, and financial risk.
• Plan and oversee CSS Lab and Penn MEDIATED events, including bi-annual lab meetings, showcases, and team gatherings, shaping agendas and program content in consultation with Lab leadership and directing venue and catering logistics.
• Perform related duties, as assigned.
  

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in research administration, operations, contracts, or data governance in an academic or research setting preferred. Familiarity with University financial, procurement, and research administration systems and policies preferred. Comfort with technical platforms, including research computing and API-based tools. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with diverse populations. Excellent organizational and time management skills. High degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science

Pay Range

$58,506.00 - $75,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements 
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay