Research Program Manager

Job Description Summary

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability.

Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and many in other Colleges, such as the College of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences (CMNS), use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of eight facilities located across different regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research.

The Program Manager reports to the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Director of MAES. This position is responsible for comprehensive administration, reporting, and coordination of federal capacity and competitive research grants for MAES.

The role serves as the primary liaison between MAES, faculty, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and campus administrative units, ensuring compliance with federal requirements while supporting faculty throughout the full grant lifecycle.

Responsibilities include capacity grant management, USDA-NIFA reporting, intramural grant administration, multistate research coordination, faculty support, Graduate Program coordination, and organization of research-related meetings and workshops.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. from an accredited college or university
• Prior experience working with USDA and/or a Land Grant University
• Prior experience with research administration and/or grant reporting in higher education
• Prior experience with graduate program coordination in higher education
• Prior experience planning and managing meetings and events
• Demonstrated ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders and experience with committee participation

Physical Demands

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to walk short distances and to drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Three (3) years of professional program management or higher education experience.
• Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, List of Three Professional References

• Best Consideration Date: 11/30/2026
• Posting Close Date: N/A
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Job Risks
• Not Applicable to This Position
• Financial Disclosure Required
• No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

• Department
• AGNR-AES-Agriculture Experiment Station
• Worker Sub-Type
• Staff Regular

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.