University of Tennessee dba Space Institute (UTSI) - Program Manager

The program manager plays a critical role in the expansion of UTSI research opportunities and workforce development for local industries. The university wants to take the lead in workforce development for the Huntsville/southern middle Tennessee region and plans on achieving this by increasing its presence in the Huntsville area.The program manager role is an entry level position critical for the growth of the university’s research portfolio in aerospace and defense. This position will work, in conjunction with the current UT sponsored project team members and the Huntsville team, to increase customer growth/satisfaction, project management, and oversight for one of the four business areas inside the UTSI Huntsville Research office. This role will play an important role in championing UTSI and its research capabilities.

The Program Manager will be responsible for customer growth, service delivery, and project management and oversight for one of four business areas inside the University of Tennessee Space Institute- Huntsville Research office. The focus of this position is to develop relationships with government, industry, and academia to drive growth, create research opportunities and execute projects to support the University of Tennessee and its customers. The manager will use their knowledge of customers, industry, and competition to identify and pursue opportunities for growth for the University of Tennessee in the Huntsville Alabama region. They will also work with team members within UT to manage communication and coordination needs of projects and administer the fiscal, administrative and data management responsibilities. Primary Responsibilities: Project oversight and management in one of the following four areas: U.S. Army (AvMC, AMC, SMD, Redstone Military Community, etc), NASA, Civilian Military Contract Entities, Civilian Space Entities. Establish and promote multi-disciplinary, multi-investigator teams across organizations and disciplines for the purpose of competing successfully for large scale projects, research centers, and training program opportunities. Establish, develop, and sustain working relationships and serve as a key contact for federal agencies and corporations in Huntsville including Program Managers, Advisory Panels, Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), etc. Use situational awareness to fully understand the specific research priorities and personnel needs of potential sponsors and partners in the Huntsville region. Prepare and present university research capabilities to potential sponsors and partners. Facilitate connections between university investigators and potential customers including arranging for meetings, conference calls, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, collaborations, and proposer's days participation. Work with staff and provide input to develop marketing materials, research agreements, and contract agreements, as necessary. Maintain a current inventory of prospects and projects. Attend and participate in agency sponsored meetings and conferences. Coordinate and manage the logistics of outreach activities, to include but not limited to personnel exchanges between sponsor and university personnel (undergraduates, graduate students, post docs, staff, and faculty). Coordinates with university and partner organization to prepare proposals, business plans, proposal work statements, operational budgets, and specifications. Strong judgment and decision-making abilities. The ability to multi-task, manage multiple projects, and work well in a high-intensity environment with strict attention to detail and deadlines.

Project management experience or familiarity with aerospace and defense research is preferred but not required. Bachelor's degree (or higher) is required. Must be able to get and maintain secret security clearance.