The Polis Center is looking for an experienced manager to lead a team of talented GIS analysts in producing actionable data and research used by local and state government, community organizations, and academics for community good.

The Polis Center is an applied research center at IUPUI in the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Polis makes data actionable for improving community health, equity, and resilience. We build and use information technology and geographically precise data across a variety of domains and sectors to identify and address our community’s most pressing challenges. We are a convener and connector, collaborating with community and academic partners to translate data and research into action. We build capacity in nonprofits, community-based organizations, government, and researchers to use these resources effectively for community good.

The GIS program manager will provide leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of projects related to multi-hazard mitigation planning, flood mapping, GIS data management, crisis informatics research, and more. These programs apply knowledge of local community and spatial thinking to the analysis and visualization of risk, hazards, and impact. The program manager will also provide operational management of GIS staff across the center.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Provides GIS/Geoinformatics team leadership and ensures smooth operations and staffing.
• Manages and participates in GIS/Geoinformatics program of work to ensure on-time completion according to specifications and within budgeted costs
• Engages with partners and target audiences to gather input, inform plans, provide status updates, etc.
• Develops status reports for funders and partners.
• Coordinates advisory committees as needed to inform GIS analysis needs.
• Supports proposal development and relationship management.
• Works with a multi-disciplinary, cross-functional team to plan and conduct analysis of disasters and other phenomena and their effects on populations.
• Manages a team of GIS analysts and coordinates with other Polis teams for project planning and implementation.
• Identifies and works with contractors, community partners, faculty, and domain experts to support GIS analysis work.
• Ensures the GIS staff applies best practices in spatial data analysis, data visualization, and digital communication.
• Mentors GIS staff in the center and promotes cross-team learning and development.
• Identifies and implements solutions to improve GIS processes and/or operational efficiency; keeps center directors informed of GIS trends as well as significant implementation problems.
• Translates GIS team’s research and analysis findings into various digital expressions, including but not limited to interactive data visualizations, online dashboards, Story Maps, PowerPoints, and written reports.
• Leads or contributes to the design of content for public events and both expert and lay audiences.
• Meets with center directors to review GIS analysis needs in all business areas of the center; formulates and implements operational plans to meet the center’s collective needs for GIS data analysis work.
• Develops and maintains strong community and academic partnerships to support GIS projects and potential new projects for the center.
• Maintains positive relationships with center partners that interface with the GIS team.
• Serves as the Polis point of contact for geoinformatics projects to ensure project requirements are defined and met in a timely manner.
• Provides day-to-day operational management of GIS staff.
• Identifies operational issues and/or areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and/or operational efficiency, particularly in GIS data processing and analysis functions.
• Conducts GIS analysis.

General Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day operational management of support staff.
• Establishes short-term operational objectives.
• Identifies operational issues and/or areas of improvement and implements solutions to improve processes and/or operational efficiency.
• Analyzes, monitors, and evaluates performance of assigned staff; establishes work priorities, conducts performance reviews, and provides corrective action as needed.
• Ensures adequate staffing and effective scheduling; participates and informs employment decisions for assigned staff.
• Provides direct supervision and oversight of assigned staff and activities; impacts, and is held accountable for, the performance of team and/or assigned staff.
• Ensures and provides training to assigned staff to improve user support operations; researches and identifies development opportunities for assigned staff.
• Keeps next-level leader(s) informed of trends as well as significant problems.

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management or related field

Preferred

• Master’s degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years of program management or related experience

Preferred

• 5 years of experience in related field

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent collaboration and team building skills
• Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback
• Instills commitment to organizational goals

Preferred

• Strong project management skills
• Strong GIS and coding skills
• Ability to identify and implement efficiencies
• Ability to QC technical work (GIS, reports, etc.)
• Business development experience
• Experience with FEMA, Risk MAP, mitigation, or CTP strongly preferred
• Existing relationships within the Indiana GIS community, government, and related sectors
• Experience conducting spatial analysis and modeling of crises and their effects on populations; strong knowledge of spatial analysis concepts and application
• Ability to translate research and analysis findings and make data meaningful and accessible to various public audiences
• Private sector experience
• Ability to visualize and communicate analysis results to community and academic audiences
• Substantive knowledge, expertise and experience working and partnering with government, nonprofit, and private sectors
• Proven ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment; able to adapt to changing priorities quickly and efficiently
• Possesses a high degree of initiative
• Ability to proactively identify and solve problems effectively through listening and influence building
• CFM certification

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

This position is grant funded with expected annual renewals. Renewals are contingent on the availability of grant funds.

IUPUI campus

Indianapolis, Indiana

This position is eligible to work a hybrid schedule (mix between remote and in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs. 

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000.

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure.

Career Level: Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: General Administration

Job Family: Program Management

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