Universities Space Research Association

Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Program Development

Houston, Texas, US

Role snapshot

Universities Space Research Association is hiring a Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Program Development on a full-time basis. This is a role based in Houston, Texas, US.

Company: Universities Space Research Association
Location: Houston, Texas, US
Job type: Full-time
Experience: 7+ years
Posted: Nov 6, 2026

Who this role suits

Experienced professionals who can lead projects, set direction and be accountable for outcomes, not just tasks.

How to prepare your application

Prepare examples of decisions you drove, how you measured the result, and how you worked with other teams.
Be ready to discuss trade-offs and scope, not only the tools you have used.
Read what Universities Space Research Association publishes about its product or team, so you can say clearly why this role and this company.

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About the role

Job Description

Purpose

The Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Program Development serves as a key member of USRA's Education Programs Office, responsible for advancing strategic growth opportunities while supporting the successful execution of workforce development and STEM education initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Education, this position provides leadership in proposal development, business development, strategic partnerships, program administration, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will leverage strong analytical, writing, and relationship management skills to identify and pursue new funding opportunities, develop competitive proposals, cultivate stakeholder partnerships, and support the implementation of high-impact education and workforce development programs. This role requires the ability to operate strategically while managing complex programmatic activities across multiple federally funded initiatives.

Position Summary

USRA seeks an accomplished and entrepreneurial professional to serve as Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives & Program Development within the Education Programs Office (EPO) in Houston, Texas. This position supports the AFRL Scholars Program and other workforce development initiatives conducted in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and federal agencies nationwide. The Program Manager will lead program operations, proposal development, strategic planning, partner engagement, and business development activities that advance USRA's education and workforce development portfolio. The individual will identify and pursue new growth opportunities, lead the development of competitive proposals and grant submissions, and collaborate with stakeholders to expand programmatic impact and organizational reach.

In addition, the Program Manager will support the execution and continuous improvement of STEM education and workforce development programs operating across multiple AFRL installations, ensuring effective program implementation, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and reporting.

Education

Master's degree required in Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy, Organizational Leadership, STEM Education, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in program management, education, workforce development, strategic partnerships, proposal development, business development, or related fields.
Demonstrated success developing competitive proposals, grants, contracts, or other funding opportunities.
Experience cultivating partnerships and stakeholder relationships across government, higher education, nonprofit, or research environments.
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with multiple competing priorities.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and transition easily between complex projects requiring simultaneous attention.
Ability to effectively work as part of a team.
Possess a high degree of flexibility and ability to maintain professional and effective public relations during daily communications with USRA management, government sponsors, teammates, mentors, and students.

Technology

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and its applications.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, etc. Extensive online usage. This is largely a sedentary role.

Travel

Up to 40%, depending on programmatic needs/demands.