The Secure Energy Institute (SEI) at Kansas State University is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Program/Project Manager I to support the institute’s mission of leading the advancement of energy security by developing affordable, accessible, reliable, and resilient energy solutions, integrating advanced nuclear technologies with complementary power sources. This position plays a critical role in coordinating institute operations, managing events and stakeholder engagement activities, supporting communications and outreach efforts, and assisting with budget and administrative processes.
The successful candidate will serve as a key point of contact for faculty, university administrators, corporate partners and external stakeholders while helping to build strategic connections that expand the Institute’s impact across Kansas and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Event Planning and Program Coordination
• Independently plan, coordinate, and execute SEI-sponsored events, workshops, conferences, meetings, and outreach activities.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, schedules, registration systems, and event logistics to ensure successful delivery of objectives and exceptional participant experiences.
• Prepare event materials, presentations, reports, agendas and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate in-state and out-of-state travel arrangements, including transportation, lodging, conference registrations, and detailed travel itineraries.
Communications and Outreach
• Maintain and enhance the Institute’s website and social media platforms to support engagement, outreach, and participation.
• Create, edit, proofread, and distribute written and electronic communications, publications, reports, presentations, event flyers, and promotional materials.
• Assist in building strategic partnerships and connections that strengthen the Institute’s visibility and impact.
Data Management and Reporting
• Design and maintain systems for tracking event participation, engagement metrics, and program outcomes.
• Analyze participation and engagement data and prepare reports to support leadership decision-making and strategic planning.
• Develop and implement processes for tracking faculty and researcher SEED grant applications, ensuring accurate data collection, monitoring, and reporting.
Budget and Financial Administration
• Coordinate event-related expenditures, including venue rentals, catering, travel expenses, and operational expenses.
• Ensure expenditures are allocated to appropriate funding sources and comply with university policies and guidelines.
• Process invoices and coordinate payment activities to ensure timely and accurate financial transactions.
• Work closely with the Director to monitor budgets, track expenditures, and provide recommendations regarding resource utilization and event planning.
Stakeholder Relations and Administrative Support
• Serve as a primary point of contact for Institute activities and inquiries.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with university leadership, faculty, researchers, corporate partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Provide recommendations to Institute leadership regarding operational improvements, event planning, and program initiatives.
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase operational efficiency and effectiveness.
The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is dedicated to driving innovation and preparing the next generation of technological leaders. With 15 undergraduate, 11 master’s and 8 doctoral degree programs, the college is meeting growing demand for skilled professionals and advancing knowledge to benefit society. As a premier institution, our mission is to educate and empower students to tackle the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Learn more at https://engg.k-state.edu/ .
The Secure Energy Institute at Kansas State University is building a new model for solving real-world energy challenges across Kansas and the Great Plains. Our work brings together advanced nuclear systems, resilient grid infrastructure, distributed energy solutions, and energy manufacturing to create deployable, community-centered systems. We integrate cutting-edge digital engineering and workforce development with strong partnerships across industry, government, and local communities. By focusing on implementation, scalability, and regional impact, the Institute is positioning Kansas as a national leader in secure energy systems.
This position is Hybrid eligible. It is expected that this position will require at least 20 hours per week on site. Hybrid arrangements may be negotiated depending on specific circumstances. All remote work must be performed in the United States. On-site participation will be generally required to support events and meetings. The employee's specific circumstances will be considered when scheduling these events and meetings to facilitate on-site presence. Other than IT equipment, the employee must procure all necessary equipment, materials, supplies, and services required to perform duties off-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
Applications close on: July 15, 2026
$60,000-$70,000
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
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.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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