NSF Engine Program Manager — Grid Modernization

South Carolina Research Authority; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) seeks a Program Manager to organize and track activities for the Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine, coordinating among SCRA, UNC Charlotte, Engine partners, industry stakeholders, investors, and state agencies.The role emphasizes developing processes, managing timelines, monitoring milestones, and maintaining governance and reporting.

Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for success across multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, engineering, technology management, economic development, or a related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project management, innovation ecosystem development, economic development, entrepreneurship support, research administration, or related fields.
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives to deliver objectives involving academic, industry, government, and/or nonprofit partners.
• Experience developing reports, tracking metrics, and managing program performance measurement systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, project management software, CRM platforms, and reporting tools.
• All duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engine Translation Manager and Director of Cross-Sector Partnerships in planning, coordinating, and executing NSF Engine activities, including partner meetings, working groups, stakeholder engagements, technology demonstrations, investor events, site visits, and special initiatives involving Engine partners.
• Develop, implement, and maintain project management processes, work plans, schedules, task trackers, reporting tools, and governance frameworks to ensure effective execution of SCRA responsibilities under the Engine.
• Track, coordinate, and monitor SCRA commitments, deliverables, milestones, performance metrics, and strategic objectives, ensuring deadlines are met and program activities remain aligned with Engine goals.
• Update and maintain the Engine CRM and official records to track stakeholder engagement, partnership agreements, grant and investment activities, translation and commercialization activities, entrepreneurial program participation, program outcomes, and other documentation necessary to support reporting, compliance, and program management.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among Engine partners, project leadership, SCRA Member Companies, and external stakeholders; support outreach activities through Website updates, newsletters, Press Releases, social media, and other communication channels.
• Serve as the primary administrator for SCRA to collect, validate, analyze, and report program data, outcomes, and performance measures to UNC Charlotte and RTI; prepare dashboards, status reports, executive summaries, and briefing materials for project leadership and stakeholders.
• Identify program risks, challenges, and dependencies; develop mitigation strategies and recommend corrective actions to support successful program execution and achievement of desired outcomes.
• Support preparation for NSF reviews, site visits, stakeholder briefings, audits, and other program oversight activities; ensure compliance with NSF requirements, Engine governance processes, and SCRA policies and procedures.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder coordination

Reporting & metrics

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration/engineering/technology management/economic development

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

CRM platforms

Job description

South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) seeks a Program Manager to organize and track activities for the Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine, coordinating among SCRA, UNC Charlotte, Engine partners, industry stakeholders, investors, and state agencies.The role emphasizes developing processes, managing timelines, monitoring milestones, and maintaining governance and reporting.

Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills are essential for success across multiple priorities.