The Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center seeks a highly organized, proactive, and versatile Project Coordinator for the Global China Initiative (GCI) to support the programmatic, finance, and administrative functions of the Global China Initiative (GCI). The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and background in China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with global institutions. In this role, the Project Coordinator will ensure that all GCI research deliverables and outreach activities are executed effectively and efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. If you have experience in project coordination, strong organizational skills, and an interest in global development issues, we encourage you to apply.

The GDP Center is a University-wide research center that focuses on policy-oriented research for financial stability, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. We conduct rigorous policy research, provide a platform for scholars and stakeholders, engage in policy dialogue with policymakers and civil society, and offer experiential learning for Boston University students.

GCI examines how Chinese overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions contribute to a more stable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable world economy. GCI has three research programs: Energy and Climate, Forestry, Agriculture, and Indigenous Rights in the Belt and Road Initiative, and China and the International Economic Order. GCI also manages a suite of interactive public databases tracking Chinese loans and investments in sectors such as energy and infrastructure development.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative and project support to the GCI Program Manager, facilitating the effective and timely execution of all GCI research activities while ensuring strict adherence to predefined standards and requirements.
• Monitor project timelines, financial allocations, and deliverables, employing formal project management techniques and tools to ensure comprehensive oversight of both scheduling and budgetary compliance.
• Assist the GCI Program Manager by preparing agendas, organizing meeting logistics, providing support during GCI planning meetings, and actively participating in facilitating smooth and effective meetings, workshops, and research events.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between the Communications and Research Teams to schedule research outreach activities and report production efficiently, operating under the guidance of the GCI Program Manager.
• Support the GCI Program Manager and Associate Director for Finance & Administration in managing the recruitment and onboarding processes for GCI fellows, research assistants, and other GCI staff members, ensuring a smooth integration into the team.
• Under the supervision of the Program Manager, support both the Program Manager and the GCI Team Leads in facilitating collaborations with internal and external research and policy partners, including but not limited to scheduling meetings.
• With guidance from the Program Manager, take charge of planning, organizing, and coordinating all logistical aspects of research-related events and meetings from inception to conclusion. This includes managing travel and accommodation arrangements for the GCI team and guests, securing catering services, sourcing event suppliers, coordinating with venue staff, arranging audiovisual equipment, and overseeing the setup and takedown of events.
• Assist in managing project finances and budgets and maintaining expense records under the supervision of the GCI Program Manager and Associate Director, Finance & Administration.
• Coordinate with the Finance & Admin Team on contracting activities and payments to research partners and vendors.
• With supervision from the GCI Program Manager, draft interim and final grant reports with accuracy and completion and support the preparation of project proposals.

Qualifications

• Exceptional Organizational Skills: Able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize to keep projects on track.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for project updates, task delegation, and addressing concerns.
• Attention to Detail: Must have a keen eye for tracking documentation and identifying risks.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to facilitate teamwork and resolve conflicts while maintaining performance.
• Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Quick, efficient issue resolution and the ability to adapt to changing project needs.

Required Skills

Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in international development, sustainable development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Language: Fluent in Mandarin.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years in project coordination in academia, at think tanks, or research/policy institutions.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools plus a professional or educational background in China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with global institutions.
• Tech Proficiency: MS Office, especially Excel; Monday Project Collaboration; Canva; Adobe
• Other: Must be available to travel locally and internationally. Must be willing to work occasionally beyond regular working hours to staff events or online meetings with partners in different time zones.

Boston University employees and their families have access to a range of exceptional benefit programs, including comprehensive health and dental plans, long-term disability coverage fully paid by the University, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, accident insurance for work-related travel, valuable tuition remission, and a generous paid time off plan.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Required Experience

Requirements

• Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in international development, sustainable development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Language: Fluent in Mandarin.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years in project coordination in academia, at think tanks, or research/policy institutions.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools plus a professional or educational background in China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with global institutions.
• Tech Proficiency: MS Office, especially Excel; Monday Project Collaboration; Canva; Adobe
• Other: Must be available to travel locally and internationally. Must be willing to work occasionally beyond regular working hours to staff events or online meetings with partners in different time zones.

Boston University employees and their families have access to a range of exceptional benefit programs, including comprehensive health and dental plans, long-term disability coverage fully paid by the University, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, accident insurance for work-related travel, valuable tuition remission, and a generous paid time off plan.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.