Program Manager I

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute (VTNSI) was formed in 2021 with the aspiration to become the nations 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 Institutes 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 Institutes 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.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in a related technical or professional field with significant relevant professional experience or a Masters 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.
Given the nature of work conducted by VT NSI and requirements from federal sponsors candidates must be US Citizens.
An active TS clearance with SCI eligibility with the ability to maintain the clearance level.

Preferred Qualifications

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.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $120000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 hours per week

Review Date

6/3/2026

Additional Information

Due to the nature of the work of this position position is restricted to US citizens having an active TS clearance with SCI eligibility. Must be able to maintain the clearance level.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.