Program/Project Manager I

Kansas State University (K-State) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic Program/Project Manager to join their team for a five-year U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) project. The project, titled "Sustainable Irrigation and Climate Adaptation in Southern High Plains: A Satellite-Enabled and Peer-Led Model", addresses critical challenges facing agricultural producers, industries, and communities impacted by declining groundwater. This initiative will deliver innovative technologies, policies, outreach, and education programs to support sustainability.

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  Project Coordination:

  
  
  
  
  • Develop and ensure compliance with the project's rules of engagement and data-sharing agreements.
  • Coordinate internal and external communications across print (e.g., publications, summaries, flyers) and digital formats (e.g., website, social media, newsletters).
  
  
  
  
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  Team and Partner Support:

  
  
  
  
  • Organize and support team meetings and external events for objective and sub-objective groups.
  • Manage relationships with partners and sub-awardees to maintain productive and compliant collaborations.
  
  
  
  
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  Evaluation and Data Management:

  
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with the project's evaluation team to provide updates and documentation.
  • Implement the data management plan, ensuring high-quality data and metadata records.
  
  
  
  
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  Mentorship and Student Engagement:

  
  
  
  
  • Manage networking and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral fellows.
  • Ensure effective implementation of the mentorship plan.
  
  
  
  
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  Compliance and Budgetary Oversight:

  
  
  
  
  • Provide guidance on K-State and USDA-specific policies and regulations.
  • Support budgeting, financial planning, and reporting efforts for the project.
  
  
  
  
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  Field Engagement:

  
  
  
  
  • Travel to assist team members and partners with technical and operational implementation.
  
  
  
  
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  Reporting and Analysis:

  
  
  
  
  • Prepare work plans, reports, and budget forecasts.
  • Contribute to analyzing project successes and lessons learned.
  • Lead the team's reporting to USDA.
  
  
  
  

The K-State Office of Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development is part of the Senior Vice President of Executive Affairs, Engagement & Partnership college. At Kansas State University, we know that complex issues take the collective thinking of well-rounded experts across disciplines who are dedicated to shared values. Pursuant to our mission and bold vision to serve as a standard-setting next-generation land-grant university, Kansas State University is fostering new interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, research and outreach by launching new interdisciplinary institutes. These institutes will serve students, community members and industry alike through innovative collaborations and bold new ideas.

This position is Hybrid and/or Remote eligible. Work may be performed on employer premises, designated assignment location and/or performed fully in a remote capacity. Employee in this role is expected to be available for on-campus for scheduled meetings approximately 1 day per week.

An employee who is working remotely must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review. Review K-State's remote work policy details for more information.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience with federal government awards - preferred experience with USDA projects focused on U.S. agriculture systems
* Experience working with U.S. farmer groups and product/service supplier organizations
* A demonstrated knowledge of agriculture practices - ideally how those practices and systems contribute to sustainable food production
* Comfortable working in a flexible, high-paced environment and able to work well in teams and independently
* Ability to work with a broad range of partners and participants respectfully and productively
* Ability to manage overall project operations and workflow effectively, to track and meet deadlines for multiple tasks

Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Screening begins immediately and continues until position is filled.

$75,000 - $85,000