Strategic Project Manager, Office of Innovation, Industry & Economic Development

Cal Poly Partners•Lexington, MA

About The Position

The Strategic Program Manager plays a central role in advancing Cal Poly’s major externally funded economic and innovation initiatives, including high-visibility, multi-stakeholder efforts such as the long-term co-use and re-use planning for Diablo Canyon, and Cal Poly’s efforts with Vandenberg Space Force base. This position combines strategic coordination with disciplined project execution. The Strategic Program Manager translates executive vision into structured workplans, manages complex cross-sector partnerships, oversees consultant and subrecipient deliverables, and ensures initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with university and state priorities. This role operates at the intersection of higher education, industry, and public policy — supporting initiatives that drive workforce development, regional economic growth, and applied research commercialization. An entrepreneurial mindset is essential to bridge between industry and education. The ideal candidate is a highly organized strategic operator who is equally comfortable in executive conversations and detailed project tracking. They bring strong analytical and communication skills, experience managing complex multi-partner initiatives, and the ability to synthesize technical, policy, and economic information into actionable plans. This individual thrives in dynamic environments, anticipates challenges before they escalate, and can manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with minimal oversight. They understand how to navigate public-sector environments, grant-funded programs, and politically visible initiatives with professionalism and discretion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business, economics, engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum of 5–7 years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or strategic initiatives.
Demonstrated experience working across government, higher education, or industry partnerships.
Strong financial literacy and experience managing grant-funded budgets.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
High proficiency in project management tools and structured planning methodologies.
Ability to operate with discretion in politically visible or high-profile initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Experience with state or federally funded programs.
PMP or equivalent project management certification.
Background in energy, infrastructure, workforce development, or economic development initiatives.

Responsibilities

Translate executive direction into structured program roadmaps and milestone plans.
Integrate technical feasibility studies, workforce planning, economic modeling, and partnership development into cohesive program strategies.
Ensure alignment between project outcomes and Cal Poly’s broader Innovation Hub and economic development objectives.
Develop strategies for project development/execution and identify team(s) to execute strategies.
Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, and deliverable trackers.
Coordinate internal teams, faculty leads, consultants, and subrecipients to ensure all deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with executive leadership.
Assist with the development of work scopes to select consultants and deliver project deliverables.
Lead working group meetings, coordinate agendas, materials, minutes, and follow-up actions.
Support executive briefings, board materials, and state reporting presentations.
Identify and implement project governance strategies to ensure timely decision making for the project team.
Assist in the development and tracking of program budgets in partnership with university grants administration.
Monitor budget expenditures relative to scope and funding requirements.
Support required reporting to state and federal funding agencies.
Assist with the development of budget strategies to implement the project deliverables.
Develop dashboards and reporting tools to track progress, outcomes, and key performance indicators.
Prepare regular written updates for university leadership and funding partners.
Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend adjustments to maximize impact