Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Program Development

Universities Space Research Association • Houston, TX

46d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Program Development is a key member of USRA’s Education Programs Office (EPO), based in Houston, Texas. Reporting to the Director of Education, the role advances strategic growth opportunities and supports the successful execution of workforce development and STEM education initiatives. The position supports the AFRL Scholars Program and other workforce development initiatives conducted with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and federal agencies nationwide.

The Program Manager leads program operations, proposal development, strategic planning, partner engagement, and business development. Responsibilities include identifying and pursuing funding and growth opportunities, developing competitive proposals and grant submissions, cultivating stakeholder partnerships, and supporting program implementation and continuous improvement across multiple AFRL installations. The role helps ensure effective implementation, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and reporting across multiple federally funded initiatives.

The position calls for a professional with strong analytical, writing, and relationship-management skills who can work strategically while managing complex program activities and competing priorities. The work takes place in a professional office environment, is largely sedentary, involves extensive online usage and standard office equipment, and requires travel of up to 40% depending on program needs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, STEM Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, education, workforce development, strategic partnerships, proposal development, business development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success developing competitive proposals, grants, contracts, or other funding opportunities.
• Experience cultivating partnerships and stakeholder relationships across government, higher education, nonprofit, or research environments.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and transition between complex projects requiring simultaneous attention.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Flexibility and ability to maintain professional and effective public relations in daily communications with USRA management, government sponsors, teammates, mentors, and students.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and its applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead program operations, proposal development, strategic planning, partner engagement, and business development activities for the Education Programs Office.
• Identify and pursue new funding and growth opportunities.
• Develop competitive proposals and grant submissions.
• Cultivate stakeholder partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders to expand program impact and organizational reach.
• Support execution and continuous improvement of STEM education and workforce development programs across multiple AFRL installations.
• Ensure effective program implementation, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and reporting across multiple initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior