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Mpa Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$112K - $113K/yr

Masters of Public Administration (MPA) About Freese and Nichols At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values ( L earn continuously, E ngage as family, A ct with integrity, D eliver quality, and S ...

Senior Program Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

Masters of Public Administration (MPA) About Freese and Nichols At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values ( L earn continuously, E ngage as family, A ct with integrity, D eliver quality, and S ...

Mpa information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do mpa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for mpa in Raleigh, NC is $16.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an MPA?

MPAs, or Marine Protected Areas, are regions of oceans, seas, and Great Lakes that are set aside for long-term conservation of nature and the ecosystem services they provide. These areas restrict human activity to various degrees, with the goal of preserving biodiversity, supporting fisheries, and protecting cultural resources. MPAs can range from fully protected reserves where no extraction is allowed, to areas that permit sustainable use of resources. Management and enforcement of rules vary depending on the specific objectives and designations of each MPA.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an MPA?

To thrive as an MPA professional, you need a solid understanding of public policy, organizational management, and budgeting, typically supported by a Master of Public Administration degree. Familiarity with data analysis tools, government databases, and performance measurement systems is often required. Strong leadership, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills help professionals stand out in complex public sector environments. These competencies are vital for efficiently managing public resources, driving policy implementation, and serving communities effectively.

What types of projects or policy areas do MPAs typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

MPAs (Master of Public Administration graduates) often work on projects related to public policy analysis, program evaluation, budget management, and organizational leadership within government agencies, nonprofits, or international organizations. They frequently collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, including policy analysts, economists, legal advisors, and community stakeholders, to design and implement effective public programs. Teamwork and cross-functional collaboration are essential, as MPAs regularly participate in meetings, present findings, and coordinate efforts to achieve policy objectives. This collaborative environment also provides valuable opportunities to develop leadership and project management skills.

What is the difference between Mpa vs Mba?

AspectMpaMba
Primary FocusPublic administration, policy, government, non-profitsBusiness management, leadership, finance, marketing
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, often with relevant experienceBachelor's degree, often with work experience or undergraduate background in business
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, public sector organizationsCorporations, consulting firms, private sector businesses
Industry UsagePublic sector, government, non-profit organizationsPrivate sector, corporate management, entrepreneurship

The main difference between an Mpa and an Mba lies in their focus and career paths. An Mpa is geared toward careers in public administration and government, while an Mba prepares individuals for leadership roles in the private sector. Both degrees share some foundational business knowledge but serve distinct industries and professional goals.

What is a master of public administration degree good for?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree prepares individuals for leadership roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public service sectors. It provides skills in policy analysis, management, and public administration, often requiring knowledge of budgeting, organizational behavior, and relevant software tools.

What jobs can a master of public administration get you?

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) prepares individuals for roles in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and public sector management. Common jobs include city manager, policy analyst, public affairs director, program coordinator, and administrative manager, often requiring skills in leadership, policy analysis, and public budgeting.

What job categories do people searching Mpa jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Mpa jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Mpa jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Mpa job openings:

Infographic showing various Mpa job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,856 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Senior Program Manager

Freese and Nichols, Inc.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Senior Program Manager

Freese and Nichols is currently seeking a Senior Program Manager to join our team in Raleigh, Charlotte, or Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The role involves leading complex capital programs, overseeing the full lifecycle from initial setup through execution, performance tracking, and close-out.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Ensure quality client services, clarity on work products, and delivery of high-quality services within budget and schedule constraints.
  • Support business development with client relationship and management services.
  • Coordinate assigned work to ensure continuity, consistency, and quality.
  • Direct and supervise complex studies and investigations.
  • Investigate new areas of technology or new applications of existing techniques.
  • Define tasks for others, and provide general supervision, review, and approval.
  • Collect, correlate, and prepare recommendations and conclusions for final reports.
  • Determine and schedule required program/project resources.
  • Evaluate and analyze program/project decisions to ensure objectivity, soundness of design or approach, and impact on schedule, budget, and success.
  • Maintain established schedules.
  • Communicate program/project activities to the Program Management Group Manager and/or Regional Lead, responding promptly to needs, problems, or requests.
  • Stay current on existing and pending regulations and related technical advancements.
  • Participate in the administration, interpretation, and implementation of contracts, solicitations, and public sector procurement activities.
Qualifications
  • 8+ years’ experience in Program Management, Municipal/County Engineering or Administration oversight, and engineering or project management.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to become registered within 6 months.
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and manage a project team and oversee excellent quality of work.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Preferred: Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
  • Preferred: Masters of Public Administration (MPA).
Benefits

Beyond a comprehensive benefits package, we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We provide a flexible work environment with a hybrid schedule up to 40% remote and an alternative work schedule program that gives employees a day off every other Friday.

About Freese and Nichols

Freese and Nichols has been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need for more than 130 years, including water supplies, roadways, bridges, and disaster preparedness. Our culture is built around the LEADS values: Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, Serve always. Our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and employees live our values.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

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