Strategic Programs and Projects Manager

Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Positions Posted On: Fri Nov 21 2025 Job Description:

The Strategic Programs and Project Manager leads the implementation and executes on high-level strategic initiatives for the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORIED), focusing primarily on major competitive SUNY-wide System funded programs such as the Empire Innovation Program, the SUNY Research Seed Grant Program, and Departments of AI & Society. The position is critical to administrative management of the SUNY STRIVE research initiatives.

This role requires expertise in program management to align complex grant funding with executive priorities, including managing the entire grant lifecycle from proposal review and funding recommendation to rigorous post-award administration and making critical determinations on continued funding.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Incumbent will lead the implementation of projects related to the Empire Innovation Program, the SUNY Research Seed Grant Program, and SUNY STRIVE related initiatives
• Will serve as a project manager for major initiatives within ORIED, including key liaison responsibilities with internal and external academic and industry partners
• Will use expert communication skills to communicate research-related project details with campus faculty and research leaders in support of ORIED project/center-level programs
• Program Management:
• Managing multiple, competitive grant programs to align funding with priorities of executive leadership
• Leading all post-award grant administration activities and recommending Go/No-Go on continuation of funding per project deliverables and PI performance
• Serving as ORIED's primary administrator, technical assistance resource, and liaison with the grant management system vendor to support ORIED program operations
• Making determinations of assigning technical merit reviewers for competitive grants and leading proposal review processes
• Reviewing SUNY System initiative grant proposals, providing feedback and recommending funding levels, as needed
• Maintaining records and document management systems
• Execute strategic initiatives to advance the ORIED mission
• Determining most appropriate project management tools and resources applying to assignments
• Leading, planning, and coordinating meetings and events of varying sizes and objectives
• Providing coaching and support to colleagues on process and project management
  

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 3 years in Higher Education grant/research administration
• 3 years project management experience
• Must be a strong, professional communicator, both in writing and in meetings
• Reliable, professional, detail oriented
• Ability to sustain independent work, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in teams
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced, team environment.
• Experience working with high-visibility, priority projects
• Strong prioritization and time-management skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
• PMP certification, or extensive project management experience
  
  

Additional Information

• Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $100,000-$118,000 annually.
• State Title: Assistant to Director (Grade MP4) and is a Management Confidential position.
• Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation, and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our MC benefits summary for additional information.
• Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
• Occasional short-term travel (mostly in-state) will be required.
• Occasional night and weekend availability may be required.
• This position is primarily in-person. Flexible working arrangements and hybrid schedules are available.
  
  

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. VISA sponsorship is not available for this position.

SUNY System Administration Benefits

SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:

• Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
• Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
• Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
• Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
• Explore our full benefits offerings here: www.suny.edu/benefits