Program Manager

About The Opportunity JOB SUMMARY

The Intelligent Networked Systems Institute (INSI) at Northeastern University is a leading research center, think tank, and technology incubator in the area of networked wireless systems, IoT, 5G and 6G, and future spectrum exploitation with unrivaled talent, federal funding, industry collaborations, and access to venture capital, creating a highly fertile environment for innovation and tech-based economic growth. Areas of excellence include AI for wireless systems, Open RAN, AI-RAN, spectrum sharing, mmWave and Terahertz systems, Internet of Things, network security, network management and orchestration, wireless systems in extreme environments;

tech policy, entrepreneurship, and innovation. INSI seeks a Program Manager to support a major new federally funded cooperative agreement in the area of advanced wireless communications technology for next-generation data center infrastructure, and related post-award activities. This multi-year, multi-institution project is led by Northeastern University in partnership with academic and industry collaborators across the United States. The project involves close coordination with multiple industry partners for technology development, demonstration, and deployment.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary Program Manager for the project, responsible for:

• Coordinating project activities across multiple universities and industry partners, ensuring alignment and progression of milestones and deliverables.
• Managing all sponsor reporting requirements, including monthly progress reports, quarterly update meetings, annual reports, and PI workshop participation.
• Overseeing day-to-day project operations, including the operating budget, subaward monitoring, and procurement.
• Assisting the PI and co-PIs in structuring project phases, developing internal processes, and ensuring compliance with university policies, federal grant regulations, and cooperative agreement terms.
• Coordinating demonstration and deployment activities with industry partners, including site visits and technology showcases.
• Developing and maintaining the project website for public dissemination of research activities and outcomes.
• Assisting faculty with preparation and submission of new grant proposals and management plans.

The Program Manager will report to the Associate Director Finance and Administration, and will work strategically and collaboratively with the PI, faculty, staff, and students from the University and external stakeholders. This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. One-year contract, renewable contingent on availability of funding and positive performance reviews.

This position will be based on the Boston campus of Northeastern University with some local travel required (including visits to partner facilities).

• CV, description of 3 previous projects that may be related, and name/contact information for 3 references.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.

Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position. The first three months are mandatory in person, five days a week. A successful performance during this period could lead to the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, which would involve three days in the office. For a detailed description of INSI’s vision and activities, please refer to the INSI webpage theastern.edu/ins

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in project management, research/grant administration, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of federal grant regulations (2 CFR 200); skilled in grant budgeting, application development, and account reconciliation.
• Experience managing multi-institutional and/or multi-disciplinary research projects preferred.
• Well-rounded project management skills including excellent organizational skills, analytical ability, financial management, risk identification, planning, and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail.
• Strong…