Program Manager

UIDP seeks a program manager who wants to make a significant impact by working with representatives from great universities and companies from around the world and desires to create products and services to advance the human condition. In this role, you’ll dive into critical processes like program development, data reporting, and analysis, providing essential support that fuels our ongoing growth and success. If you’re looking for a position where your contributions will be valued and will truly make a difference, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re seeking an exceptional candidate to play a pivotal role in advancing UIDP’s diverse initiatives and programs. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to be at the forefront of transformative work that includes dynamic research partnerships, exciting expansions into talent and workforce development, and innovative government-university-industry collaborations. We are witnessing transformative shifts and unprecedented opportunities in areas such as innovation, technology, and infrastructure. One notable example of this momentum is the CHIPS and Science Act.

As a Program Leader at UIDP, you’ll collaborate with a passionate team of staff, member representatives, and stakeholders to turn strategic plans into reality. You will be instrumental in shaping and implementing programs and projects that align with our partnership’s vision and drive our short- and long-term goals. We have recently embarked on an exciting, comprehensive, bold, and ambitious new initiative to strengthen and modernize U-I Partnerships (SAMI) to advance economic progress and increase national competitiveness.

The Program Manager's duties include:
• Collaborate for Success: Partner with program sponsors, UIDP members, and staff to creatively plan and shape the scope, deliverables, resources, timelines, and work plans for exciting current and new initiatives. Your input will be vital in bringing these projects to life!
• Drive Impactful Goals: Set ambitious goals for programs and take ownership of delivering on established business objectives, ensuring that our initiatives make a meaningful difference.
• Innovate with Volunteers: Work alongside the UIDP community’s passionate volunteers to brainstorm fresh ideas, transform them into innovative projects and programs, and compile compelling work reports that showcase our progress.
• Mitigate Risks and Report Progress: Analyze and evaluate program risks while developing strategies to overcome them. You'll produce insightful program reports that keep management and stakeholders informed and engaged.
• Craft High-Impact Reports: Write clear, impactful reports that reflect a deep understanding of UIDP’s operational areas. These reports will help communicate our successes and areas for growth.
• Champion Our Initiatives: Promote UIDP's ongoing initiatives and key learnings to both our internal teams and external communities, spreading the word about our important work and achievements.
• Lead Learning Initiatives: Support the development of a dynamic learning management program to effectively share UIDP resources with the public, making our valuable knowledge accessible in a cohesive and engaging way.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
You’re a dynamic program manager skilled at navigating change and adapting quickly to shifting priorities. Your ability to pivot focus and resources seamlessly turns ideas into action with minimal supervision, driving efficiency and results. Your organizational expertise ensures you meet deadlines with precision while fostering collaboration and providing invaluable support to your team.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree
• 5 years of program management, relevant research, or professional business experience

Requirements:
• Lead with Confidence: You have a demonstrated ability to spearhead initiatives and work independently, confidently navigating challenges and driving projects to successful completion.
• Data-Driven Decision Maker: You possess proven skills in developing and executing analyses that identify opportunities for program improvement and growth. Your strategic mindset enables you to craft effective plans that enhance overall performance.
• Master of Organization: With strong organizational skills, you excel at creating and implementing practical strategies and solutions to tackle identified issues. You approach problems methodically, ensuring that every detail is addressed.
• Translating Insights into Action: You have the unique ability to take complex project findings and distill them into best practices and guidance that are easily understandable for both academic and general audiences. Your communication skills bridge gaps and foster collaboration.
• Adaptable and Resourceful: Using sound, independent reasoning, and judgment, you establish work priorities and remain flexible in the face of constantly changing demands. You thrive in fast-paced environments, skillfully adjusting to shifting deadlines without losing momentum.
• Exceptional Communicator: Your excellent communication and interpersonal skills allow you to effectively connect with team members, stakeholders, and partners, fostering a positive and productive working atmosphere.
• Tech-Savvy: You are proficient in Microsoft 365 and other computer applications, leveraging technology to enhance productivity and streamline processes.

Qualifications – big pluses:
• Preference for candidates possessing some background/understanding of U-I collaborations; experience in university or corporate strategy driving change initiatives is highly desirable.
• Advanced degree with formal education at some level (BS, Masters) in STEM disciplines.
• Familiarity with federal agencies and how they organize and manage their R&D programs.
• Grant writing experience and post-award management
• Experience with content development for workshops, webinars, and conferences.
• Experience with leading a learning management program

WHO WE ARE
UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.

OUR TEAM
As the quality and impact of UIDP’s work continue to gain recognition, our team has experienced rapid growth over the past five years to keep up with the increasing demand. Despite this growth, we maintain the vibrant spirit and energy of a mission-driven start-up. We’re united by a clear, ambitious vision while embracing the inherent ambiguity and urgency of a highly agile organization.

Exciting growth opportunities await! At UIDP, we believe in investing in our staff to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Team members are encouraged to enhance their skill sets through professional development initiatives, and we actively promote from within, offering pathways for those seeking greater responsibilities. Join us and be a part of our dynamic journey!

LOCATION
This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work 3-4 days/week in the office. The candidate must be a South Carolina resident.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This full-time, exempt position offers a competitive salary, reflecting the value we place on our team members’ contributions. In addition to financial compensation, we provide a generous benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance. This includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you are covered.

We also offer a robust retirement plan to help you plan for your future, along with generous paid time off that encourages you to recharge and enjoy personal time. At UIDP, we are committed to fostering the professional development of our employees, providing opportunities for training, workshops, and mentorship programs to facilitate your professional growth.

The job will be open until filled.

UIDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.

TO APPLY: Please submit your cover letter and resume on Indeed via this link: Program Manager Application