Position Function:
The Program Manager will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and partnership management for a university-based Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training and outreach program in collaboration with FEMA, the FAA, and other strategic partners. This program is dedicated to equipping First Responders nationwide with the skills and certifications necessary to deploy UAS technology effectively in natural disaster response scenarios. The Program Manager will ensure the program’s success through comprehensive planning, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and continuous improvement under the leadership of the Associate Director, ASSUREd Safe and Executive Director, ASSURE.
Salary Grade: 15
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
ASSUREd Safe is a federated ecosystem to educate, train, test, and certify first responders’ use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States and ultimately across the globe.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of UAS training and outreach initiatives in alignment with FEMA, FAA, and First Responder needs.
• Develop strategic plans to expand program reach, integrate emerging technologies, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate training events, stakeholder engagements, and outreach activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison with FEMA, emergency response agencies, and other external partners.
• Manage daily program operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.
• Prepare, monitor, and manage program budgets, expenditures, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Supervise and mentor staff, instructors, and student employees; direct workflows and support professional development.
• Track and report key performance indicators; collect feedback to inform program improvement.
• Maintain training content and practices consistent with current UAS technologies and emergency response standards.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program goals.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management, Aviation, Public Administration, Education, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in program management, preferably in higher education, public safety, or technical training environments
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs or projects
• Strong knowledge of UAS technology, FAA regulations, and/or emergency management practices
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Experience working with FEMA, First Responder agencies, or federal grant programs
• Familiarity with online learning platforms and instructional design for adult learners
• Experience in outreach, marketing, or partnership development
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Experience with budget management, grant compliance, and reporting
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Standard office environment with occasional travel to training sites, conferences, and partner locations
• Some evening or weekend work may be required to support program activities
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
No unusual physical requirements. Requires no heavy lifting, and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
Requires moderate travel with some overnight stays. Travel to schools in Mississippi and visit to out-of-state partner organizations and schools.
Externally imposed deadlines; set and revised beyond one's control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; may involve conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis. Expectations and job assignments will change frequently.
Job frequently requires driving, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
