Program Manager I

Virginia Tech•Arlington, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in 2021 with the aspiration to become the nation’s preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development to advance national security. The Institute grew from the Hume Center, which was launched in 2010 thanks to an endowment from Ted and Karyn Hume. VTNSI is a national leader in advancing security and resilience through innovative and applied research, empowering the next generation of experts, and building strategic alliances to address evolving national security challenges. We bring together exceptional interdisciplinary faculty, unique research infrastructure, and deep partnerships with industry and government sponsors to execute impactful research and development. Today VTNSI encompasses three research divisions - Intelligent Systems, Mission Systems, and Spectrum Dominance - as well as the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, which aims to cultivate the next generation of national security leaders by developing and executing research and experiential learning opportunities to engage students. As part of the Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s Program Management Office (PMO), the Program Manager will work in coordination with Principal Investigators (PI) and Director of PMO. This position will report to the Assistant Director, Program Management in Arlington, VA. The Program Manager provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of sponsored research programs in support of PIs, who are responsible for the technical direction and execution of research efforts. This role will oversee a large project with a strong focus on Agile project execution, team alignment, and delivery of technical outcomes. The Program Manager is responsible for facilitating program execution through Agile methodologies, including leading Scrum teams, organizing and running sprint ceremonies, and ensuring continuous progress against technical milestones. The Program Manager I has responsibility for the day to day programmatic administrative, budgetary, compliance and contractual aspects of sponsored research programs in support of principal investigators who are responsible for both the development and execution of research programs. They will manage program budgets, coordinate team meetings, compile reports, manage program personnel loading, maintain and track status of technical milestones and risk, and work with other ORI administrative units to ensure that all technical requirements are met including the Office of Sponsored Programs the Office of Export and Secure Research, and Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance office. This role coordinates cross-functional teams, manages program schedules and deliverables, tracks risks and dependencies, and ensures effective communication across stakeholders. The position requires the ability to operate in dynamic, fast-paced environments while maintaining alignment between program objectives and execution. Working closely with a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders, including Government Sponsors, Academic Partners, and key university support offices, the Program Manager ensures effective program execution aligned with sponsor objectives and institutional standards. The role emphasizes proactive coordination, clear communication, and the ability to adapt to evolving program needs within a dynamic environment. Operating within an Agile framework, this position helps drive team alignment, maintain delivery cadence, and remove execution barriers to ensure consistent progress against program goals. In close partnership with the PI, the Program Manager interfaces directly with sponsors to provide timely updates, foster transparency, and enable continuous feedback loops. The role plays a critical part in sustaining program momentum, optimizing team performance, and ensuring successful outcomes across the Institute’s research portfolio. Additional responsibilities include mentoring project managers, contributing to external teaming efforts for other major programs, and fostering collaboration across government, industry, and academic partners. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong experience leading Scrum teams and coordinating multi-organization efforts, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders, streamline communication, and drive the successful delivery of complex research initiatives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related technical or professional field with significant relevant professional experience or a Master’s degree in Public or Business administration, Project Management or related technical discipline with some experience in project management.
Excellent communication skills, with demonstrated experience developing and delivering formal and informal presentations, written proposals, and reports.
Demonstrated proficiency with budgetary tasks including planning, expenditures, reconciliation and reporting.
Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills and the ability to work in teams with professionals from other disciplines.
Familiarity with utilizing Agile methodologies in day-to-day activities.
Demonstrated ability to take on broad tasks, independently identify the steps necessary to execute them, ensure their proper execution, and succinctly convey their results.
US Citizens.
An active TS clearance with SCI eligibility, with the ability to maintain the clearance level.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in project management, contracting, financial management, and research proposal development.
Experience managing federally funded research programs.
Certified ScrumMaster Certificate from Scrum Alliance.
Experience working in academic research environment, including with students.
Formal training and certification in project management such as CAPM or PMP.

Responsibilities

Provides day-to-day leadership and coordination of sponsored research programs in support of Principal Investigators (PIs).
Oversees a large project with a strong focus on Agile project execution, team alignment, and delivery of technical outcomes.
Facilitates program execution through Agile methodologies, including leading Scrum teams, organizing and running sprint ceremonies, and ensuring continuous progress against technical milestones.
Manages programmatic administrative, budgetary, compliance, and contractual aspects of sponsored research programs.
Manages program budgets, coordinates team meetings, compiles reports, and manages program personnel loading.
Maintains and tracks the status of technical milestones and risks.
Works with other ORI administrative units to ensure all technical requirements are met.
Coordinates cross-functional teams, manages program schedules and deliverables, and tracks risks and dependencies.
Ensures effective communication across stakeholders.
Interfaces directly with sponsors to provide timely updates, foster transparency, and enable continuous feedback loops.
Mentors project managers.
Contributes to external teaming efforts for other major programs.
Fosters collaboration across government, industry, and academic partners.