Senior Project Lead (6257C) - #84479

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Departmental Overview

The Possibility Lab is composed of a team of policy researchers and practitioners who work with state, local and nonprofit partners to design, pilot, and scale new models of community participation for public-sector problem solving. We are a mix of faculty, led by Professor Amy Lerman, full-time staff, and students who value integrity, rigor, curiosity, and communication. Together, we celebrate our wins, learn from our missteps, and help each other-and our partners-find solutions. Through our work, we are focused on community-engaged public policy research that is co-designed in collaboration with government and community partners using evidence-based and rigorous research methods.

At the Possibility Lab, we believe that communities need to have a voice in the policies that affect them. The lab's I.M.P.A.C.T. Model offers a systematic process for clarifying the purpose of civic engagement, identifying partners and participants, choosing the appropriate design, and carrying out evidence-based strategies to arrive at community-informed policy solutions for public sector leaders.

Position Summary

The Possibility Lab seeks a Senior Project Lead to oversee civic engagement and community-engaged research, including providing leadership and vision for the portfolio, overseeing project implementation and managing project teams, as well as designing and managing pilot projects for partnerships with high-level state and local partners.

The incumbent will work directly with both government agencies and community organizations in project scoping conversations, exploring research and project design possibilities, and representing the Possibility Lab externally. They will manage the day-to-day aspects of various projects from design to analysis, implementation, reporting, and presentation of results. They will also monitor deliverables and have responsibility for ensuring all projects meet their stated timelines and goals. The incumbent has a specific expertise in community-engaged research.

The incumbent will mentor staff and assume responsibility for professional development of staff and/or graduate students. Some travel may be required.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 03/04/2026.

Responsibilities

• Provides thought-leadership and technical guidance to the civic engagement team to design, implement, and evaluate instruments, tools, and training related to the initiative.
• Designs, coordinates, and conducts projects or broad complexity and impact.
• Manages high-level external partner relationships and project management for assigned projects.
• Develop and track project goals, budget, and timeline, along with internal and external facing deliverables.
• Supports researchers in gathering, compiling, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative community-engaged data.
• Contributes to the formulation and prioritization of civic engagement pilot projects based on existing evidence.
• Provides consultation, mentorship, and technical guidance on this work.
• Works with communications and multimedia team to develop written and verbal presentations of processes and findings.
• Evaluates community engagement methods and makes improvements as necessary.
• Designs pilot studies and data collection tools in partnership with research team, government, and non-government partners.
• Works with research team to use data to analyze and interpret findings.
• Documents procedures to institutionalize evidence-based practices in community engagement methods, analysis of results, presentation of findings, and collaborating with partners.
• Leads project and research staff.
• Coordinates with other project teams and across initiatives
• Provides training, guidance, coaching, and mentorship of project team members.
• Promotes team building and cohesion.

Required Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of research function.
• In-depth knowledge of community-engaged research gained from experience in designing and implementing community-engaged research projects.
• Experience designing, implementing, and/or overseeing a complex program, organization, and/or initiative.
• Thorough skills in research management and use of research tools.
• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Ability to lead and influence within and external to the project team.
• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
• Skills in project management.
• Skills in policy analysis and experience working directly with community and/or government partners.
• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations.
• Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to research.
• Some travel may be required; Ability to reliably travel to and from the primary work location and other designated sites as required to fulfill job responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience with diverse civic technology, tools, and platforms.
• Advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted annual salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $115,500.00 - $120,000.00.

• This is a 1-year, full-time (40 hours/week), contract appointment that is eligible for UC benefits.
• This is an exempt monthly-paid position.

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This position will be governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Research and Public Service Professionals, represented by the UAW.
• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is eligible for up to 50% hybrid work. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs, and are subject to change.

Misconduct

SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.