Program Manager, Center for Peace Technology

Department: Carter School

Classification: Program Admin Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Arlington, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: 

About the Department:

The Center for Peace Tech aims to foster sustainable peace in conflict-prone and -affected communities through incentivizing entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic use of technology.

About the Position:

The Center for Peace Technology and Entrepreneurship is seeking a full-time dynamic and strategic Program Manager to support leadership in executing its vision and operational goals. This role involves a combination of high-level administrative support, program development, and management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal abilities, experience in cross-cultural communication and a commitment to advancing the Center's mission

Responsibilities:

Strategic Support

• Assists the Directors in strategic planning and decision-making processes;
• Coordinates and prioritize initiatives, ensuring alignment with the Center’s goals:
  • Vision Alignment:
    • Collaborates closely with leadership to ensure that program initiatives align with the Center's strategic goals, emphasizing the integration of technology in peacebuilding efforts;
  • Policy and Strategy Development:
    • Participates in crafting and refining policies, operational frameworks, and strategies that drive the success of peace tech initiatives;
  • Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Engages and maintains relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as academic institutions, tech innovators, community leaders, NGOs, and other partners, to build a robust network of support and collaboration; and
  • Strategic Planning and Monitoring:
    • Contributes to the development and implementation of multi-year plans that establish clear objectives, key milestones, and performance indicators to track progress and measure impact, ensuring the Center’s projects contribute to broader peace technology advancements. 

Program Management

• Monitors program budgets, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring effective use of resources; Facilitates collaborations with faculty, staff, and external partners to enhance program outcomes;
• Manages tasks and track project progress from ideation to implementation:
  • Project Oversight:
    • Leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of multiple programs simultaneously, including in-house programming and collaborations;
    • Coordinates with project leads to ensure each initiative meets its goals, timelines, and budget constraints;
  • Resource Allocation and Budgeting:
    • Manages budgets for each program, allocating resources effectively and ensuring transparency and accountability in financial practices;
    • Prepares and submits budget reports and funding proposals as needed; and
  • Monitoring and Evaluation:
    • Performs M&E design and execution to ensure program completion and goal focus remains efficient and effective. 

Administrative Oversight

• Manages the Center’s operational functions, including scheduling on behalf of the Directors;
• Prepares reports, presentations, and other materials for meetings and stakeholders:
  • Operational Efficiency:
    • Oversee day-to-day administrative operations, including scheduling, event planning, document management, and coordination with internal and external teams, ensuring the smooth function of all program activities;
  • Team Coordination and Development:
    • Supports and mentors project teams and fellows, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment that emphasizes skill development and knowledge sharing;
  • Documentation and Reporting:
    • Prepares reports, summaries, and documentation for stakeholders, detailing project achievements, challenges, and lessons learned;
    • Ensure that records are well-organized, accessible, and comply with institutional policies; and
  • Process Improvement:
    • Identifies and implements administrative improvements to enhance efficiency, from digital tools to workflow optimization, with a focus on supporting the Center's mission through streamlined operations. 

Communication and Coordination

• Acts as the primary liaison between the Center’s staff and the Directors, effectively streamlining communications to optimize the Directors’ time;
• Oversees internal and external communications strategies, ensuring alignment with the Center’s goals and fostering engagement among stakeholders;
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with international partners, stakeholders, and organizations;
• Represents the Center at global conferences, workshops, and meetings, including delivering presentations and fostering collaborative opportunities; and
• Facilitates effective communication across diverse cultural contexts, ensuring that messaging is clear and appropriate for various audiences. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• This position may require occasional domestic and international travel to attend conferences, workshops, and meetings with external stakeholders. Travel is essential for establishing and maintaining collaborations, representing the Center at key events, and gathering insights from peers in the field. The ability to engage with partners and attend relevant conferences will enhance the Center’s visibility and support its mission;
• Experience in program management (typically 1+ years), administration, or a related field, preferably in an academic or nonprofit setting;
• Excellent oral and written communication;
• Strong leadership, project management and organizational skills;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and project management software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Bachelor’s Degree specializing in international relations, conflict resolution, or other social science with a focus on peace and conflict resolution;
• Experience studying or researching abroad;
• Willingness to travel for conferences, meetings, and partnership development field sites including in conflict-affected or -prone areas;
• Proficiency/fluency in a language other than English;
• Experience working with global teams, communicating reliably and effectively with remote partners, and managing time zone and language barriers;
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience managing partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly in academic and/or nonprofit spaces; and
• Strong interest in the work of the Center for Peace Tech and the ability to represent the Center externally.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Program Manager, Center for Peace Technology at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: November 13, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  November 27, 2024

Open Until Filled:  Yes