Job Title: Project/Program Manager III

Job Description

The Project/Program Manager III plays a pivotal role in coordinating and executing research investment programs across the Entertainment org. This position involves working with external partners, such as universities, standard bodies, and industry collaborators, to establish unified processes and guidelines. The role requires organizing regular reviews with high-level scientists and leadership, and making strategic recommendations to align research investments with business outcomes. Additionally, the manager drives the publishing and conference engagement for the org.

Responsibilities

Drive strategy coordination and execution of research investment programs.Establish common processes, guidelines, and goals across multiple teams and geographies.Host regular reviews with high-level scientists and leadership to monitor progress.Prepare business reviews and status updates for high-level leaders.Manage research collaboration pipelines, publication coordination, and participation in external standards organizations.Identify efficiency opportunities and drive strategic hiring initiatives.Facilitate cross-organizational discussions on program direction, priorities, and conflicts.Present research reports and manage publications.Organize and execute large events at studios and headquarters.Manage university partnerships and external research collaborations.Negotiate research terms and overhead rates, draft contracts, and manage a multi-million-dollar external research budget.Oversee project setup and execution, ensuring clear deliverables and effective renewals.Support internal science and research operations, aligning research priorities and ensuring visibility.Own the publication process, ensuring timely publication and managing IP, patents, and publishing risks.

Essential Skills

PhD required.5+ years of experience, ideally closer to 10.Significant university-side experience (e.g., Grants Manager, Principal Investigator, Dean).Deep understanding of sponsored research vs. gift funding, grant structures, and payment systems.Contract negotiation experience (minimum 3 years), especially in university research contracts.Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership and ROI awareness.Ability to manage large, fast-scaling scientific organizations without direct reports.Strong executive presence and communication skills, especially translating technical science into business or creative language.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Patent experience and financial management skills are advantageous.Experience with payment and procurement systems (e.g., Coupa).Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint.Familiarity with internal documentation tools (e.g., Quip).

Work Environment

This position is hybrid/onsite in Seattle with some trips to Los Angeles for Science Summits. The role offers flexible working hours to accommodate global meetings, with a Monday to Friday schedule. The team culture emphasizes working independently, and the function supports the org's research organization by building and maintaining university research ecosystems, scaling scientific research, and managing high-visibility research outputs. The position includes organizing showcase events and supporting executive-facing communication.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $68.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job\n classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be\n subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits\n available for this temporary role may include the following:\n\n
• Medical, dental & vision\n
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital\n
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available\n
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)\n
• Short and long-term disability\n
• Health Spending Account (HSA)\n
• Transportation benefits\n
• Employee Assistance Program\n
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

\n

\n\nAbout Aston Carter:\n

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

\n\n

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

\n

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.

\n\n