Program Manager/ Assistant Project Director

Position Information Position TitleProgram Manager/ Assistant Project DirectorDivisionCollege of AgricultureDepartmentAgricultural ScienceNumber of hours per week37.5Days to be workedMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, FridayMonths per yearFiscal (12 months)If modified, list monthsJob TypeFull-TimeCampusMain CampusIf other location, please indicatePosition Number115995Advertised Salary81,955Pay BasisMonthlyJob DescriptionTennessee State University (TSU) is seeking a highly self-motivated and experienced scholar and researcher to join a large project team from TSU and subaward institutions. The PM/APD will report directly to the NEXTGEN Principal Investigator/Project Director (PI/PD), Dr. John C. Ricketts. The PM/APD must have excellent organization, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, and attention to detail and have a track record of excellence. They must be able to work independently and in team settings. Some travel will be required. This is a grant-funded, full-time temporary position for 21-months. The Project Manager & Assistant Project Director (PM/APD) is expected to assist with any and all aspects of a multi-million-dollar United States Departure of Agriculture (USDA), National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) project to recruit and engage the NEXT Generation of workers in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences.Specifically, the PM/APD will perform the following job duties:Assist the PI/PD is managing the NEXTGEN project funded by USDA-NIFA.Liaise with the PI/PD, the Project Coordinator & Account Manager, the Student Engagement Coordinator, External Evaluator, Co-PIs at TSU, external PIs, and TSU administration in preparing quarterly, semiannual, annual, and summative reports for the NEXTGEN grant.Collaborate with PI/PD, Co-PIs, external PIs, students, youth, educators, and the community to ensure successful completion of NEXTGEN projects and timely data sharing.Liaise with the PI/PD and Project Coordinator and Account Manager to process contracts, track recipients and disbursements, and ensure billing is up to date.Coordinate and publish survey, qualitative, and impact research for the NEXGEN project and support Dr. Alyssa Rockers in project communications.Develop and submit grant proposals to enhance NEXTGEN goals through sustainability. Although this is a short assignment, there is an opportunity to continue in this position if the candidate is successful in securing future grant funding for workforce development.Contribute to project-related knowledge creation and instruction activities in the areas of positive youth development, community development, and service-learning; and manage project activities, schedule meetings, and develop agendas for meetings; Participate in entity/program strategy development, long-range planning, and partnership development (including some travel) and perform other duties as assigned in support of the project and students and constituents at TSU and partner institutions.Minimum QualificationsPhD in agricultural leadership, education, business, communication, community development, and program evaluation, or a PhD in business, finance, communications, or related fields. Experience working on grants and excellent accounting, social, communication, and project management skills. Dedication to professionalism and a positive attitude. Demonstrated leadership and community development skills. A collaborator and critical thinker. Sound time management and problem-solving skills. Experience with multitasking.Special Instructions to ApplicantsEmployment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.Open Date07/30/2026Close Date08/29/2026Job CategoryAdministrative/ProfessionalRequisition NumberBenefitsTennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.Quick Link