Program Manager - Convergence Lab Initiative - Virginia Commonwealth University

Position Description:

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, real-world engineering education to Central Virginia. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city, and commitment to diversity and access, the college is a front-runner in academics and research.

Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has received funding from the Department of Defense for research and development of electro-optics, infrared, radio frequency and edge security technologies. The Convergence Lab Initiative (CLI), created from this funding and housed in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, is a
cross-disciplinary institute that will bring together scientists, engineers and technicians to solve pressing defense challenges for the U.S. 

 The CLI is seeking a motivated professional to provide high-level programmatic support to all deliverables and goals of CLI. As the program manager, this position will be responsible for serving as the programmatic contact between the VCU CLI, CLI researchers, and their partners both internal and external to the university, and other stakeholders, as well as facilitating, managing, and supporting communication with those partners. The Program Manager will work independently to coordinate CLI event/outreach logistics and support leadership in the planning and execution of short and long-term strategic goals. They will regularly communicate and collaborate with others to arrange meetings, confirm program schedules, and discuss any program problems. The position will work with the PI to assist with forecasting potential schedule delays and develop alternate plans. Evaluate CLI performance, summarize findings, communicate results, and form action plans. This position will work collaboratively with the Engineering Sponsored Programs Office, who will manage the financial and contractual aspects of CLI. This position will also supervise administrative staff hired for the CLI project.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and relevant professional experience as a program manager or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience managing and coordinating program/project deadlines and logistics.
• Experience supporting leadership in the planning and execution of short and long-term strategic goals
•  Ability to be precise, thorough, reliable, and work independently while anticipating and meeting rigorous deadlines
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and independent judgment in accordance with program, university, state, and federal policies
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to frequent changes in work priorities and workload fluctuations.
• Excellent planning, organizational, coordinating, and interpersonal skills with the ability to maintain and communicate project schedules/timelines
• Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with senior industry executives, engineers, students, university faculty, administrative personnel
• Experience working collaboratively with and articulating specific information to internal and external stakeholders, including outside industry partners and vendors.
• Experience as a point of contact and subject matter expert to various stakeholders.
• Must be team-oriented, while dealing with a wide range of people with flexibility and open-mindedness. Listening to and considering the viewpoint of others.
• The College of Engineering at VCU champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Cultivating an ecosystem where differences are celebrated and our faculty, staff, and students have the opportunity to thrive is at the core of how we operate. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience that shows their commitment to fostering such an environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of appropriate program and/or project management and analysis procedures
• Ability to manage some reporting requirements as needed.
• Supervisory experience
• Experience in higher education
• Experience working with PIs in a research-based environment 

Additional Information:

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• ORP Eligibility: Yes
• Job Title/VCU Job Code:  Program Manager GA 1-3  (19221 - 19223)
• Additional information about the department programs and faculty may be found at https://egr.vcu.edu/about/dean/

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

Position Details:

Department: Convergence Lab Initiative- College of Engineering
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: Yes
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Exempt

Contact Information:

Contact Name: Sierra Cloud

Contact Email: cloudse@vcu.edu

Contact Phone: