GIS Program Manager

Job Summary

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Program Manager provides 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. The program manager reports to the Director of Geoinformatics and supervises the geoinformatics staff while serving as the senior technical lead for geospatial analysis, data management, and visualization in support of community-engaged and academic research initiatives. The position establishes work priorities, assigns technical resources across multiple projects, provides technical guidance and mentoring, and ensures the delivery of high-quality geospatial products and services.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Supports applied research and community initiatives through innovative geospatial solutions that advance the Center's mission.
• Performs advanced GIS analysis, spatial modeling, geospatial data management, cartographic production, and data visualization in support of complex research and community initiatives
• Establishes, maintains, and promotes technical standards, methodologies, and best practices for GIS analysis, data management, visualization, and documentation across the GIS team
• Reviews GIS products (e.g., analyses, maps, dashboards, StoryMaps, and other technical deliverables) to ensure consistency, technical accuracy, quality, and adherence to established standards
• Provides technical leadership in addressing complex geospatial challenges, identifying appropriate analytical approaches, and resolving technical issues encountered during project implementation
• Guides GIS analytical methods and recommends appropriate tools, technologies, and workflows to support project objectives and organizational needs
• Ensures the quality, integrity, and reliability of GIS data, analytical methods, and geospatial products through quality assurance and peer review processes
• Serves as the senior technical resource for GIS staff, providing consultation on geospatial technologies, data sources, analytical methods, and emerging industry practices
• Supervises GIS staff, providing day-to-day leadership, guidance, coaching, and performance feedback
• Establishes work priorities for the GIS team based on project needs, organizational priorities, staff capacity, technical complexity, and deadlines
• Assigns GIS staff resources to projects and initiatives, balancing workloads to ensure efficient use of team expertise and timely completion of deliverables
• Monitors staff workloads, project assignments, and resource utilization, adjusting as priorities and project needs evolve
• Conducts performance evaluations, establishes performance expectations, and supports employee growth through regular coaching and professional development
• Mentors GIS staff in technical competencies, problem solving, project execution, and best practices in geospatial analysis and visualization
• Participates in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of GIS staff while fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment
• Collaborates with directors, project coordinators, faculty, and project teams in understanding GIS requirements and determining appropriate technical approaches and staffing needs
• Maintains productive working relationships with existing community partners, government agencies, faculty, researchers, contractors, and other stakeholders engaged in GIS-supported initiatives
• Provides technical expertise during project planning by assessing GIS requirements, identifying resource needs, and recommending appropriate analytical methods and deliverables
• Advises leadership on GIS project scope, staffing capacity, technical feasibility, and resource allocation to support successful project implementation
• Communicates technical progress, project risks, staffing considerations, and implementation challenges to leadership and project stakeholders, recommending solutions when appropriate
• Supports proposal development project planning, and status reporting by providing technical input related to GIS methodologies, staffing estimates, timelines, and project deliverables
• Identifies opportunities to improve GIS workflows, technical processes, documentation, and operational efficiency within the GIS team
• Develops, maintains, and promotes documentation, standard operating procedures, templates, and technical guidance supporting consistent GIS practices
• Evaluates emerging GIS technologies, software, analytical techniques, and industry best practices, recommending adoption where appropriate to improve team capabilities and project outcomes
• Promotes continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and technical consistency across the GIS team to strengthen organizational capacity and service quality
• Fosters a collaborative, high-performing team environment

General Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day leadership and supervision of staff responsible for administering and supporting institutional programs; establishes priorities and ensures effective execution of program activities and services
• Implements and administers program policies, procedures, and operational practices; interprets guidelines and resolves operational issues affecting program delivery and performance
• Monitors program operations and service outcomes; identifies challenges, risks, and opportunities for improvement and implements corrective actions within established authority
• Uses program metrics, operational data, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate performance, inform decisions, and improve program effectiveness and consistency
• Evaluates employee performance; provides coaching, feedback, performance management, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and accountability
• Participates in staffing activities, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, workforce planning, and scheduling, to maintain effective program operations
• Collaborates with leadership and stakeholders to implement program priorities, coordinate resources, and address operational needs that support program objectives
• Communicates operational updates, emerging issues, resource needs, and recommendations to leadership and contributes to planning efforts that strengthen program delivery and team performance

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

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