Program Manager

UIDP; Columbia (SC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

UIDP is seeking a Program Manager to shape high‑value programs and initiatives that strengthen university–industry partnerships. You’ll design and deliver programs across sponsored research partnerships, workforce development, and innovation ecosystems, aligning with UIDP’s strategic vision.

Located in Columbia, SC, this hybrid role involves collaborating with sponsors, members, and staff to drive progress, manage risks, and produce impactful reports for leadership and external communities.

Qualifications

• 5 years of program management, relevant research, or professional business experience.
• Advanced degree or higher in STEM is preferred, with proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience with learning management and content development is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sponsors, UIDP members, and staff to plan scope, deliverables, resources, timelines, and work plans for initiatives.
• Set ambitious program goals and deliver on business objectives with measurable impact.
• Work with volunteers to brainstorm and operationalize innovative projects and compile progress reports.

Skills

Program management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Communication

Leadership

Education

BS/BA in STEM fields

Master’s in STEM fields

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

UIDP is seeking a Program Manager who is energized by the opportunity to make a lasting impact through innovative collaborations between universities and companies worldwide. In this role, you’ll help shape forward‑thinking programs, services, and initiatives that not only strengthen university‑industry partnerships but also contribute to advancing the human condition.

As a Program Manager, you will play a central role in designing and delivering high‑value programs that align with UIDP’s strategic vision. Working alongside a collaborative team and highly engaged stakeholders, you’ll transform bold ideas into meaningful action—supporting efforts in sponsored research partnerships, workforce development, innovation ecosystems, and more.

This is an especially exciting time to join UIDP. With national priorities evolving through significant developments such as the CHIPS and Science Act and our own ambitious SAMI initiative to modernize university‑industry collaboration, you’ll be stepping into a moment of transformation and opportunity. If you’re motivated by mission‑driven work and thrive at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and impact, we’d welcome your interest.

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 synthesize insights for leaders who understand deeply the topics we seek to address. These reports will help communicate our successes and areas for growth.
• Champion Our Initiatives: Promote UIDP's ongoing initiatives and key learnings to 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.
• Other Duties as Assigned: This position may be responsible for a variety of additional tasks to support the effective operation of the organization. These may include general administrative functions, clerical support, document preparation, data entry, scheduling assistance, meeting coordination, filing, supply management, and other office‑related activities. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential.

Examples of some of our programs

• ERVA, The Engineering Research Visioning Alliance
• Contracting Forum

The Ideal Candidate

You’re a dynamic program manager who thrives in evolving environments and adapts effortlessly to shifting priorities. Hungry to learn and contribute, you take initiative and move ideas into action with minimal supervision, consistently driving efficiency and meaningful results. Your humility is evident in the way you collaborate, listening attentively, valuing diverse perspectives, and supporting others to succeed. You’re also people‑smart, building strong relationships and communicating with clarity and empathy. Highly organized and dependable, you manage deadlines with precision while fostering a positive and solutions‑oriented atmosphere for the team.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• 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.
• Expert at 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.
• 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, Master’s) 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.

Location

This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.

Compensation and Benefits

This full‑time, exempt position offers a competitive salary that reflects the value we place on our team members’ contributions. In addition to financial compensation, we provide a generous benefits package designed to support your overall 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 our employees’ professional development by providing opportunities for training, workshops, and mentorship programs that support their professional growth.