Program Manager for Rural Development and Prosperity

Program Manager for Rural Development and Prosperity

The Program Manager for Rural Development and Prosperity will organize rural development Extension and Educational programs in the Southeast and surrounding regions. This position involves working with academic institutions, corporations, faith-based and other organizations. The role will work with faculty, staff, and students involved in the Center for Farming/Food Systems, Rural Prosperity, and Economic Sustainability (CFSRPES) and the Carver Integrative Sustainability Center (CISC) to develop programming primarily in Rural Development and Prosperity based on needs determined by the Center Director and Co-Directors.

The person hired must have considerable experience with small businesses and/or community development and a proven record of accomplishments working with diverse clients. This position requires extensive travel and will be based in a station.

• Participate in meetings and conferences at local, regional, national, and international levels as requested by the Director and/or Co-Directors.
• Provide leadership in planning, monitoring, and evaluation of CFSRPES and related programs in Rural Prosperity.
• Provide information and support to local communities regarding Rural Development and Prosperity program development, implementation, and assessment.
• Develop Tuskegee University and regional/national partnerships to increase impact.
• Provide facilitative leadership in evaluation of CFSRPES and CISC programs related to Rural Development and Prosperity.
• Offer technical assistance in program design, curriculum development, online resources, evaluation planning, and data collection/analysis methods.
• Conduct ongoing evaluations for multiple purposes and audiences.
• Assist in developing professional development experiences in Rural Development and Prosperity aligned with CFSRPES and CISC goals.
• Assist in developing and submitting grant proposals supporting CFSRPES and CISC missions.

• Bachelor’s of Science degree or higher in Business Administration, Management, Policy, or closely related field with noted experience in participatory research, community-based initiatives, grant writing, and program evaluation.
• Familiarity with Tuskegee University’s land‑grant mission and Cooperative Extension model.
• Proficiency in digital tools for outreach and education.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to walk short distances.
• Ability to lift and carry parcels and other items.
• Ability to view a computer terminal.

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to local populations.
• Working knowledge of computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Ability to prepare and analyze data and figures.