About This Role:

Kansas State University College of Agriculture seeks a full-time Program Manager, based in Manhattan, Kansas, to provide operational and administrative support for an international research program focused on global food security and climate resilience.

Kansas State University (K-State) is the Management Entity (ME) for the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Climate Resilient Cereals funded by the US Agency for International Development. The Climate Resilient Cereals Innovation Lab (CRCIL) supports research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building activities for germplasm enhancement in the target crops of millet, rice, sorghum, and wheat. CRCIL is designed to develop synergies across these cereals in multiple global regions including West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. K-State is leading a consortium to apply the most advanced crop improvement science, with partners including Clemson University, Cornell University, Delaware State University, Kansas State University, Louisiana State University, and the University of Florida, as well as national agricultural research programs in partner countries. These efforts will lead to the identification and utilization of novel genetic variation to protect and prepare vital cereals across the globe for changing climatic conditions such as abiotic stress of heat, drought, salinity, and flood tolerance as well as protection from biotic stresses like pests and diseases. CRCIL holds a broad view of developing climate resilient cereals tailored to end user social and economic factors, increasing prospects of adoption and inclusive impact. The Program Manager will be a part of the ME team of 5 staff members, within a dynamic College of Agriculture which has successfully led four other Innovation Labs over the past decade.

Duties/Responsibilities:

This position reports to the CRCIL Program Director. The position administers activities associated with CRCIL which may include:

• Provide strategic support to the Program Director, Associate Director and research partners to ensure that program objectives are met.
• Organize, plan, and lead operational activities of the program, such as supporting development of program workplans and timelines, monitoring partner delivery, setting program meetings, liaising with relevant university administrative partners.
• Manage program reporting, including annual and semi-annual reports, USAID indicator reporting, and other requested reports.
• Manage contracts and sub-awards.
• Manage donor, state and university compliance.
• Manage program monitoring, evaluation and learning activities.
• Support development and refinement of program workplans and timelines.
• Support financial management of budgets.
• Management of external relations, publicity, and communication strategy.
• Lead knowledge management for the program, ensuring publications, data and reports are properly recorded, disseminated, archived and made publicly available.
• Proposal development support.

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Worksite:

This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences, business, communications, related social sciences, or other relevant fields.
• Previous experience with international research or development programs.
• Previous experience with USAID or other federal funding agencies.
• Previous experience contributing to project/program communication outputs.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting or overseeing monitoring and evaluating programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office, including creating and using spreadsheets.
• Capability to be proactive and productive in a fast-paced environment, sourcing relevant input from appropriate sources and identifying innovative solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Self-directed learner and active problem solver.
• Proven ability and commitment to work across multiple cultural environments.
• Working proficiency in French, Amharic or Bangla an additional plus.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Ability to travel internationally for up to two weeks at a time.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

1. Letter of interest
2. Resume
3. Name, email, and phone number of three professional references. We will only contact your references if you are a candidate finalist.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled.  For best consideration, apply by November 29, 2023. 

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:

$58,000 - $75,000

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.