Program Manager - MARAD

Years of Experience: 10 years of maritime experience

Degree(s): Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Studies or related field (preferred)

Location: Kings Point, NY (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy) with travel to State Maritime Academies nationwide

Tools/Systems:

• Database management systems for graduate tracking
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management software
• Federal reporting and compliance systems
• Virtual meeting platforms

Other Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of U.S. maritime workforce landscape including workforce aging, recruitment challenges, vessel technology advancements, and impacts of global trade and national security
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard licensing requirements
• Comprehensive understanding of federal contract obligations for students
• Established relationships with maritime stakeholders including:
• International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (IOMM&P)
• American Maritime Officers (AMO)
• Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA)
• Maritime unions and associations
• Maritime employers and shipping companies
• Strategic Sealift and Navy Program Knowledge, particularly Strategic Sealift Midshipmen Program (SSMP)
• Experience with federal maritime programs and Student Incentive Program (SIP)
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to travel domestically (estimated 25-35%)

Job Description

The Program Manager serves as the Key Personnel for this critical maritime career services and workforce development contract supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and State Maritime Academies (SMAs). This position leads all aspects of program execution including career services delivery, workforce development initiatives, and optional K-12 outreach activities. The Program Manager reports directly to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Contracting Officer's Representative and is responsible for ensuring contract compliance, managing deliverables, and maintaining strategic relationships across the maritime industry.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Contract Management:

• Develop and manage comprehensive Project Management Plan (PMP) within 4 weeks of contract award, including midshipmen/cadet outreach component, timelines, and milestones
• Oversee all contract deliverables including monthly reports, bi-annual assessments, annual reports, and database management
• Ensure compliance with all contract requirements and federal regulations
• Serve as primary point of contact with MARAD, USMMA, and SMA leadership
• Lead quarterly progress and planning meetings with government stakeholders
• Manage contract performance standards and quality assurance processes

Career Services Program Management (Part A):

• Direct individualized support services for undergraduates prior to senior year including internship guidance, resume assistance, and career counseling
• Oversee personalized senior year support for interview preparation, employment advice, and maritime career network hiring trends
• Manage development and maintenance of graduate database tracking interactions, information dissemination, and employment outcomes
• Ensure bi-annual written assessments of afloat job availability across maritime industry are completed, including factors impacting employment and future opportunity forecasts
• Coordinate predetermined number of PDCS presentations/workshops and SMA career fair visits
• Direct information dissemination services to graduates regarding maritime employment, trends, and opportunities
• Ensure annual reports to USMMA/MARAD (due January 1st) contain complete data on graduate contacts, employment placements, positions, and employers

Workforce Development Leadership (Part B):

• Oversee bi-annual workforce assessments analyzing employment trends, gaps, and future workforce needs
• Direct development and maintenance of workforce model identifying industry trends, employment projections, and skills gaps
• Ensure delivery of detailed quarterly performance reports with strategic recommendations addressing workforce sustainability, recruitment challenges, and industry best practices
• Manage monthly workforce activity reports summarizing hiring trends, employment outcomes, and retention/attrition factors
• Lead engagement efforts with educators, students, and industry professionals to disseminate maritime career pathway information
• Oversee development of educational materials including brochures, multimedia presentations, and digital learning tools

Optional K-12 Outreach Program (Part C):

• Develop promotional materials supporting maritime academies, merchant marine, and SIP program outreach
• Create implementation plan for outreach events promoting federal programs and maritime education at K-12 level
• Manage collaboration with educational institutions and not-for-profit maritime associations
• Oversee monthly, bi-annual, and annual reporting of outreach activities

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Maintain and strengthen relationships with maritime unions (IOMM&P, AMO, MEBA)
• Collaborate with shipping companies and maritime employers regarding hiring trends and opportunities
• Engage with USMMA and SMA career services departments and leadership
• Coordinate with government agencies traditionally hiring maritime academy graduates (NOAA Corps, USPHS, U.S. Armed Forces)
• Build partnerships with K-12 maritime-focused educational institutions (if Part C funded)

Team Leadership:

• Supervise Program Leads for Career Services, Workforce Development, and K-12 Outreach (if applicable)
• Manage Outreach Specialists and Administrative Support staff
• Ensure team members meet education, certification, and experience requirements per contract
• Conduct performance evaluations and professional development planning

Job Requirements

Essential Duties:

• Strategic Planning & Execution:
• Develop comprehensive Project Management Plan addressing all contract requirements
• Establish timelines, milestones, and quality control measures
• Implement risk management strategies to ensure successful contract performance
• Adapt plans based on quarterly performance reviews and stakeholder feedback
• Database & Information Management:
• Create database framework within 90 days of contract award
• Ensure database tracks all required graduate interactions, information dissemination, and contract activities
• Submit monthly reports and data files to USMMA/MARAD
• Maintain data security and confidentiality in accordance with federal requirements
• Ensure all database contents remain property of MARAD
• Reporting & Documentation:
• Prepare and submit monthly reports detailing student engagement levels and workforce activities
• Deliver bi-annual assessments of afloat job availability (January 1 and July 1)
• Complete annual reports by January 1 with graduate contact and employment data
• Provide quarterly progress updates on all contract activities
• Prepare quarterly performance reports with strategic recommendations (Part B)
• Submit monthly engagement reports and annual executive placement reports
• Maritime Industry Expertise Application:
• Apply deep knowledge of U.S. maritime workforce dynamics to program strategies
• Advise graduates on Coast Guard licensing requirements and career pathways
• Provide insights on service obligation requirements for USMMA and SMA graduates
• Counsel graduates on vessel types, salary expectations, and specialized sectors (offshore energy, towing, harbor pilotage, commercial sealift)
• Support graduates pursuing U.S. Navy Strategic Sealift Officer positions
• Assessment & Analysis:
• Conduct bi-annual workforce assessments using quantitative and qualitative methods
• Analyze employment trends, workforce gaps, and future needs through surveys, industry reports, and stakeholder interviews
• Forecast employment opportunities identifying shortages, growth areas, emerging trends, and declining sectors
• Evaluate factors impacting afloat employment now and in future
• Assess workforce demographics, labor market changes, retention patterns, and training/credentialing needs
• Employment Determination Request (EDR) Support:
• Assist graduates navigating EDR process for non-US Flag Afloat employment
• Coordinate with MARAD to verify graduate employment search efforts
• Document graduate pursuit of afloat positions for MARAD approval processes
• Maintain records supporting employment availability determinations
• Travel & Event Coordination:
• Travel to USMMA, State Maritime Academies, and career fairs as required
• Attend maritime industry gatherings and labor union meetings
• Participate in academy annual briefings and meetings
• Represent program at educational institution outreach events (Part C if funded)
• Manage travel budget not to exceed specified contract amounts
• Quality Assurance:
• Implement quality management approach for all work and deliverables
• Monitor team performance against contract requirements
• Ensure all deliverables meet government standards for completeness and timeliness
• Conduct internal reviews prior to submission of reports and assessments
• Compliance & Ethics:
• Ensure all information and data gathered remains property of government
• Protect all data from unauthorized release
• Obtain written approval from Contracting Officer before any press releases or marketing materials
• Maintain confidentiality of student and graduate information
• Adhere to all federal regulations governing service obligations and employment programs
• Performance Standard Achievement:
• Meet annual target of 200 cadets engaged by contractor
• Ensure bi-annual and annual reports submitted on time with all required details
• Maintain clearly defined, on-time PMP with quarterly updates
• Achieve low to moderate risk rating for contract performance

Success Metrics:

• On-time delivery of all contract deliverables (monthly, bi-annual, annual reports)
• Engagement of 200 undergraduates/graduates annually
• Successful placement of graduates in maritime positions meeting service obligations
• High satisfaction ratings from USMMA/MARAD and SMA partners
• Accurate workforce trend forecasting and strategic recommendations
• Maintenance of comprehensive, accurate graduate database
• Strong stakeholder relationships evidenced by continued collaboration
• Effective team management with all positions filled by qualified personnel

Work Environment:

• Office setting with extensive travel requirements (25-35%)
• Regular virtual meetings with stakeholders across multiple time zones
• Occasional evening/weekend work for career fairs and academy events
• Fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent deadlines
• Collaboration with diverse stakeholders including students, graduates, union representatives, employers, and government officials

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel domestically via air and ground transportation
• Capable of attending multi-day conferences and career fairs
• Ability to work extended hours during peak recruitment and reporting periods

Job Type: Contract

Pay: From $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000