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Job Description:
The Strategic Program Manager plays a central role in advancing Cal Poly’s major externally funded economic and innovation initiatives, including high-visibility, multi-stakeholder efforts such as the long-term co-use and re-use planning for Diablo Canyon, and Cal Poly’s efforts with Vandenberg Space Force base.
This position combines strategic coordination with disciplined project execution. The Strategic Program Manager translates executive vision into structured workplans, manages complex cross-sector partnerships, oversees consultant and subrecipient deliverables, and ensures initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with university and state priorities.
This role operates at the intersection of higher education, industry, and public policy — supporting initiatives that drive workforce development, regional economic growth, and applied research commercialization. An entrepreneurial mindset is essential to bridge between industry and education.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized strategic operator who is equally comfortable in executive conversations and detailed project tracking. They bring strong analytical and communication skills, experience managing complex multi-partner initiatives, and the ability to synthesize technical, policy, and economic information into actionable plans.
This individual thrives in dynamic environments, anticipates challenges before they escalate, and can manage multiple workstreams simultaneously with minimal oversight. They understand how to navigate public-sector environments, grant-funded programs, and politically visible initiatives with professionalism and discretion
Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Program Coordination
• Translate executive direction into structured program roadmaps and milestone plans.
• Integrate technical feasibility studies, workforce planning, economic modeling, and partnership development into cohesive program strategies.
• Ensure alignment between project outcomes and Cal Poly’s broader Innovation Hub and economic development objectives.
• Develop strategies for project development/execution and identify team(s) to execute strategies.
Project & Workplan Management
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, and deliverable trackers.
• Coordinate internal teams, faculty leads, consultants, and subrecipients to ensure all deliverables are completed on time and within budget.
• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies in coordination with executive leadership.
• Assist with the development of work scopes to select consultants and deliver project deliverables.
Stakeholder & Partner Management
• Lead working group meetings, coordinate agendas, materials, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Support executive briefings, board materials, and state reporting presentations.
• Identify and implement project governance strategies to ensure timely decision making for the project team.
Budget & Grant Coordination
• Assist in the development and tracking of program budgets in partnership with university grants administration.
• Monitor budget expenditures relative to scope and funding requirements.
• Support required reporting to state and federal funding agencies.
• Assist with the development of budget strategies to implement the project deliverables.
Reporting & Impact Measurement
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to track progress, outcomes, and key performance indicators.
• Prepare regular written updates for university leadership and funding partners.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend adjustments to maximize impact
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, business, economics, engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects or strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience working across government, higher education, or industry partnerships.
• Strong financial literacy and experience managing grant-funded budgets.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in project management tools and structured planning methodologies.
• Ability to operate with discretion in politically visible or high-profile initiatives.
Preferred:
• Experience with state or federally funded programs.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Background in energy, infrastructure, workforce development, or economic development initiatives.
Physical Requirements:
• Experience with state or federally funded programs.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Background in energy, infrastructure, workforce development, or economic development initiatives.
Hiring Range:
$70,304 - $90,000
If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.
The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.
Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in public policy, business, economics, engineering, or related field
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects
- Demonstrated experience working across government, higher education, or industry partnerships
- Strong financial literacy and experience managing grant-funded budgets
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- High proficiency in project management tools and structured planning methodologies
What We Do
Cal Poly Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit auxiliary organization dedicated to supporting California Polytechnic State University by providing essential campus resources, including dining, housing, and research support.
