Senior Program Manager

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Program Manager to lead the Advise Pillar. This role will be responsible for overseeing the development and management of key initiatives that support professional growth, academic involvement, and strategic engagement in the national security space primarily for students as well as faculty, scholars, fellows and other Institute partners.

About Us:

The Vanderbilt Institute of National Security is committed to advancing research, policy, and education in the realm of national security. Our Advise Pillar is central to creating programs that connect academia with the broader national security ecosystem, offering valuable opportunities for students, faculty, and external partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advise Pillar Program Development

• Organize and execute hiring fairs and regular semester networking opportunities for students to engage with national security employers.

• Develop and implement an internship program to provide Vanderbilt students with critical hands-on experience in national security organizations.

• Help develop student experiences to align with Vanderbilt’s Immersion Program requirements.

• Create and manage a sabbatical program that fosters collaboration between faculty and external partners within the national security field, government and private sector.

• Establish and oversee a Fellows Program to cultivate a strong community of national security experts and practitioners associated with the Institute.

• Expand and enhance the Distinguished Visiting Professor Program to bring esteemed visiting professors who contribute to research, mentorship, speaking engagements and contribute in the planning of annual Institute events.

• Lead the development and publication of the Institute’s periodical, showcasing significant research, insights, and contributions from the national security community.

• Develop a mentorship program for students to receive mentorship from National Security and related industry professionals.

Strategic Partnership Development and Management

• Collaborate with University partners and Institute executive leadership to research, identify, develop, implement, and manage strategic partnerships with external organizations aligned with the Institute objectives and overall institutional goals.

• Actively identify potential partnership leads.

• Cultivate a comprehensive database of prospects.

• Meticulously track and monitor all outreach efforts and subsequent steps to ensure the successful development of partnerships.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Proactively cultivate and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support collaborative efforts and promote initiatives.

• Strategize ways to align the Institute with industry and government needs and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Contribute to designing key marketing materials and monitoring and evaluating engagement initiatives' effectiveness, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and optimize resource allocation.

Operational Management

• Responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Advise Pillar, overseeing budgetary allocations, resource management, and administrative functions.

• Implement efficient processes and procedures to streamline operations, maximize productivity, and optimize resource utilization.

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to ensure the smooth functioning of all Pillar activities, including scheduling, logistics coordination, and documentation management.

Project Management

• Lead and manage multiple projects and initiatives within the Advise Pillar and Institute.

• Assess each project's urgency, impact, and dependencies to prioritize effectively, allocating resources and attention accordingly.

• Develop detailed project plans for each initiative, outlining objectives, milestones, timelines, and resource requirements, and define clear roles and responsibilities for team members, adopting applicable project management methodologies.

• Oversee program and project development, program evaluation, and partnership engagements from conception to completion.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Gather, analyze, and interpret data pertaining to strategic partnerships, utilizing insights to inform strategic decision-making and track progress toward established goals.

• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for the Institute team and University partners.

• Utilize data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and inform the development of strategic initiatives and policies.

Communication

• Confident speaking in public and comfortable delivering presentations, updates, and reports to diverse audiences.

• Welcomes feedback and embraces a mindset of continuous learning.

• Works effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners, prioritizing team success.

• Values open dialogue, fosters trust, and builds strong relationships by listening, learning, and engaging respectfully with others.

• Comfortable interacting with students, faculty, and academic leadership, fostering productive and professional relationships.

Qualifications

• Project Management Experience: Two to three years of experience in project management is preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Master’s degree or equivalent is preferred.

• Relationship-Building Skills: Proven ability to build and maintain strong connections with academic, government, and industry partners.

• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing and executing strategic initiatives effectively.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders.

• Collaborative Leadership: Strong team player with a capacity to lead and work collaboratively.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous organizational skills with an emphasis on high- quality program execution.

• Ability to accept instruction and feedback.

• Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. 

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.