Program Manager Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager
Job no: 510654
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 194100 - Advanced Composites Institute
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: May 18 2026
Position Function:
Manages and executes complex, often multi-organizational programs for the Advanced Composites Institute. Develops and implements program plans from inception through execution and evaluation, with a focus on workforce training and education initiatives. Responsible for fiscal, operational, and administrative management of both externally and internally funded programs. Leads the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of training programs and curricula aligned with workforce and industry needs. Serves as a principal point of representation and liaison with external partners, including industry, community, and education stakeholders, to build sustainable relationships and advance program impact.
Salary Grade: 17
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Will serve as program director on large externally funded programs, including workforce training and education initiatives.
2. Develop and manage external partner relationships necessary to implement programs benefiting MSU and advancing workforce development and training objectives.
3. May provide program management and leadership support for the MSU Advanced Composites Training Center and other affiliated operations, including coordination and delivery of training programs.
4. Oversee and coordinate with various teams (state, community, industry, and education) as needed to support program execution and training delivery.
5. Manage program communications in coordination with workforce team members.
6. Provide technical and/or professional coordination and leadership in the execution of day-to-day program/project and training activities, as appropriate to program objectives and area of expertise.
7. Develop program and project budgets, approve spending, and monitor compliance.
8. Establish program goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures, including participant engagement and completion targets for training initiatives.
9. Develop program and project reports, including documentation required for externally funded programs.
10. Coordinate with leadership team to develop press releases and postings on social media accounts.
11. Ensure that executive leadership is informed of impacts, priorities, deadlines, and challenges.
12. Track internal and external contacts and maintain a contact database.
13. Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of training curricula and program content aligned with workforce and industry needs.
14. Deliver training classes and facilitate hands-on learning experiences for program participants across workforce, education, and community audiences.
15. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.
Supervisory Responsibility:
May supervise others as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum Focus
Education Bachelor's Degree
Experience 6 years Directly related to the job duties and responsibilities specified
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's Degree
• Workforce development experience
• Advanced manufacturing experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with industry partners, educators, students, and stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated leadership and program management abilities, including the coordination of complex, multi-participant initiatives.
• Ability to translate technical or industry-related concepts into accessible training and educational experiences for varied audiences.
• Experience supporting or leading workforce training, professional development, or educational program delivery.
• Strong written communication skills, including development of reports, presentations, and program documentation.
• Ability to develop, adapt, and evaluate curriculum or training materials to meet evolving program and workforce needs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent programs and deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of program evaluation methods, including tracking participation, outcomes, and performance metrics.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Requires frequent travel.
• No unusual physical requirements. It requires some lifting of objects less than 50 lbs.
• Frequent externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work without certainty beyond a few days; meeting deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to the position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress regularly.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
• Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online by submitting a cover letter and resume.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
Advertised: May 18 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:
Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App