Program Manager, New York Fashion Innovation Center

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Troy, NY

65d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager leads the New York Fashion Innovation Center's operational and project management activities, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with program objectives. This position coordinates cross-functional teams, manages work plans and budgets, establishes efficient processes, and reports outcomes to stakeholders, including New York State. The Program Manager also collaborates and liaises with constituents across academia, industry, and government. Please note this is an in-person role based in Troy, New York

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, management, or a related field
• Three (3)+ years of related & progressively responsible experience, including project management
• Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered
• Strong project management skills: ability to create work plans, manage budgets, and ensure accountability
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across diverse constituencies including academia, government, and industry
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report preparation and professional correspondence
• Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools (MS Office, Google Suite, project management software)
• Analytical skills to track progress, evaluate data, and measure impact
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities

Nice To Haves

• Experience in fashion, textiles, or related supply chains
• Experience managing interdisciplinary research or innovation projects
• Experience working with faculty, students, and industry partners

Responsibilities

• Project & Program Management
• Develop, implement, and manage detailed project plans for all NYFIC initiatives, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and budgets are met
• Establish and monitor program processes, policies, and standards to ensure efficiency and accountability
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and adjust plans to keep projects on track
• Grants & Compliance
• Oversee grant awardee projects to ensure compliance with state requirements
• Track NYFIC activities, spending, and metrics; prepare quarterly and annual progress reports for NY State and internal use
• Track conflicts of interest and their handling
• Cross-Team Coordination
• Facilitate communication and collaboration across NYFIC's consortium partners (RPI, HVTP, FIT, Made X Hudson, SUNY Morrisville, Field to Fiber) to coordinate working groups, integrate team activities, and manage scheduling and conflict resolution
• Events & Engagement
• Plan and manage NYFIC events (e.g., annual meeting) to advance program objectives and increase public visibility
• Coordinate logistics, communications, and follow-up with internal and external stakeholders
• Operational Oversight
• Monitor program budgets, reimbursements, and financial compliance in coordination with the Business Administrator
• Maintain records, participant lists, and tracking systems to ensure program transparency and continuity
• Talent & Mentorship Support
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and mentoring of staff, students, and grantees
• Manage student assistants and ensure alignment of their work with program needs
• Funding & Proposal Development
• Support faculty and consortium members in drafting and submitting research and funding proposals
• Communications & Reporting
• Respond to inquiries, manage internal communications, and maintain administrative correspondence
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.
• Rensselaer's Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan.
• For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees