The Program Manager will provide overall leadership and oversight for the work of the USDA-NEXTGEN funded Grant Program entitled SAPLINGS (Systems Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next GenerationS). Led by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T), the nation's largest historically black university in the country and host of the 1890 Center for Student Success and Workforce Development (SSWD)1 , SAPLINGS partners and stakeholders include local communities and K-12 educators across 7 states, 12 universities (7 1890 and 5 1862 LGUs), 6 non-profits, 9 federal and state agencies, and 5 industries from national corporations to small URM farmers. In partnership with the SSWD Centers' leadership team at N.C. A&T State University, the Program Manager will provide leadership for the overall NEXTGEN Grant Program, including (1) coordination of day-to-day operations (2) oversight of the reporting process for funded projects (request, receive and analyze quarterly reports); (3) data collection and analyses of specific quantitative/qualitative metrics aligned with the Center's objectives for reports, (4) communication with all grant partners to create synergy across the consortium, (5) scheduling and management of meetings and agendas, and (6) service as the main point of contact for the Grant Program. (7), ensure the financial and budgeting oversight of the program.

This position is a permanent full-time ; 5 year appointment.

The USDA NextGen Grant Program, housed within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at NC A&T State University, envisions leading the 1890 land-grant universities (LGUs) and the nation in growing the next generation of underrepresented minority (URM) workers, leaders, and innovators for food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH) careers. Primary goals are to: (1) improve the pipeline via early outreach, family engagement, recruitment, and marketing research, (2) establish a program consisting of six modules to enhance student learning, training and success (Box 1); (3) build collaborations at local, regional, and national levels, and (4) establish mechanisms to enable sustainability. In doing so, SAPLINGS will prepare URM students across the educational continuum–4-H youth, Grades 5-12 (G5-12), and college—for USDA and other federal and private sector employment. Supported activities include formal and informal outreach and engagement, integrated recruitment, training and retention initiatives, scholarships, experiential learning, and other student supports.

Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in the area of assignment, of which at least one is supervisory or in a lead-worker capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.



All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Must have earned a Bachelor's degree in Food, Agriculture, Agribusiness or a closely related field; or equivalent combination of project management training and experience. Experience with project management and team leadership. Ability to complete work independently and efficiently.

Ability to assess the needs of the project and work towards successful completion of tasks. Experience working effectively as a team member.

Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills and team-spirit. Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

Ability to manage time and resources. Experience with budget development and management (preferred). Experience using Doodle, Zoom, Webex, Banner, Aggie Mart, EPAF (preferred) Data analysis and Computer skills i.e. experience with data analysis software, Microsoft office, other productivity software.

Preferred Years' Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

Earned MS degree in Food, Agriculture, Agribusiness or a closely related field. Three years of experience with project management, coordination and or team leadership.