Position Overview

The Project Manager / Research Operations Coordinator provides overall contract management and operational support for the CCQDER Mission Support Services contract. This role serves as the primary interface with CDC leadership and ensures the successful coordination of technical staff, contract deliverables, respondent remuneration activities, and recruitment advertising coordination.

The position supports project management activities as well as operational functions related to participant payments and advertising logistics for CCQDER cognitive interviewing studies and research activities.

Key Responsibilities

Contract and Project Management 

• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Government Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

• Manage contractor personnel performing mission support services

• Coordinate project schedules, deliverables, and milestones

• Conduct project kickoff meetings and ongoing program coordination

• Manage contract activities in secure and confidential research environments

• Coordinate with CDC IT offices including:

  • Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO)

  • Cyber Security Program Office (CSPO)

  • NCHS Office of Informatics, Governance & Assurance

• Oversee project timelines, priorities, and performance reporting

• Submit monthly activity and status reports summarizing all contract activities

• Coordinate system architecture decisions and implementation strategies

• Ensure staff complete confidentiality training and nondisclosure requirements

Respondent Remuneration Management 

• Manage the distribution of remuneration payments for research participants

• Coordinate funding requests for cognitive interview studies and focus groups

• Track and distribute cash and/or eGift card payments to participants

• Maintain documentation of all remuneration transactions

• Ensure participant confidentiality is maintained throughout payment processes

• Coordinate with CCQDER Operations Team to manage participant payment requests

• Maintain financial records for remuneration activities and contract reporting

CCQDER studies typically involve 300–400 respondents annually across multiple projects, requiring careful management of participant payments.

Recruitment Advertising Coordination

• Coordinate payments for approved recruitment advertisements

• Process advertisement payments on platforms such as:

  • Google

  • Facebook

  • LinkedIn

  • Craigslist

  • YouTube

  • Instagram

• Work with CCQDER Operations Team to manage recruitment advertising campaigns

• Track advertisement budgets and payment documentation

• Ensure advertising efforts support recruitment for cognitive interviews, focus groups, and usability studies

Approximately 8–12 recruitment campaigns per year may require advertising coordination.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Information Systems, Public Health, or related field

• Minimum 8 years of project or program management experience

• Experience managing federal contracts or government programs

• Experience coordinating multi-disciplinary teams

• Strong financial tracking and administrative management skills

• Experience handling confidential research or survey data

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

• Experience supporting federal statistical or research programs

• Experience managing participant incentives or research operations

• Familiarity with CDC or HHS program environments