Summary: The Program Manager will lead the day-to-day implementation of the Next Engineers program in Grand Rapids, a global initiative funded by the GE Aerospace Foundation and managed by FHI 360. As part of a broader project team responsible for overall program oversight, this role focuses on execution and coordination of Engineering Discovery and Engineering Academy programming, ensuring high-quality delivery, strong partnerships, and achievement of program targets. The Program Manager recruits and supports facilitators and coordinates college student assistants, serving as the central point of coordination across university staff, community partners, GE Aerospace volunteers, and FHI 360. This is a full-time, year-round position that includes regular travel within the Grand Rapids area and program delivery during evenings and some weekends, including monthly Saturday sessions during the academic year and summer programming.
About Next Engineers Program:
Next Engineers is a global initiative funded by the GE Aerospace Foundation and managed by FHI 360, designed to expand student awareness of and pathways into engineering careers. The program includes two core components: Engineering Discovery and Engineering Academy. Engineering Discovery introduces middle and early high school students to engineering through hands-on, short-form experiences designed to build awareness and interest in engineering careers. Engineering Academy is a multi-year program for high school students that provides immersive design challenges, career exploration, and college readiness support to prepare students for engineering pathways after graduation. Curriculum for both programs is provided through the Next Engineers framework, and implementation is expected to align with established program design and delivery expectations.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Implementation Leadership: Leads day-to-day execution of Engineering Discovery and Engineering Academy to ensure alignment with the Next Engineers framework, approved work plan, and performance targets.
Student Recruitment and Enrollment Management: Oversees outreach and recruitment from targeted schools, application review, and selection processes to meet enrollment goals and ensure participation from target student populations.
Facilitator Management and Support: Recruits, onboards, schedules, and supports facilitators, ensuring high-quality instruction, strong classroom management, and fidelity to program design.
Volunteer Coordination: Collaborates with GE Aerospace partners to coordinate volunteer engagement and integrate industry exposure into program activities.
Program Operations and Logistics: Manages all operational components including scheduling, venue coordination, transportation, meals, materials, and event logistics to ensure smooth program delivery.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Maintains strong relationships with FHI 360, schools, community organizations, and families to support implementation, recruitment, and program success.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Management: Ensures implementation of data collection processes including attendance tracking, surveys, and program metrics, maintaining accuracy, compliance, and alignment with evaluation requirements.
Reporting and Compliance: Prepares and compiles required programmatic reports and supports financial documentation to meet subgrant and university requirements.
Communications and Outreach Coordination: Works with communications staff to support marketing, website updates, social media, and outreach efforts to promote program participation and visibility.
Continuous Improvement and Work Planning: Monitors progress toward program goals, leads annual and ongoing work planning, and adjusts strategies based on data and stakeholder feedback.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Bachelor’s degree in education, engineering, STEM-related field, nonprofit management, or a related discipline
Demonstrated experience coordinating logistics in program coordination, program management, or youth development programs
Demonstrated experience coordinating logistics for programs, events, or multi-day activities
Experience working with middle school and/or high school student populations
Experience supporting recruitment, outreach, or participant engagement efforts
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines
Experience working with community partners, schools, or external stakeholders
Ability to collect, manage, and report program data with attention to accuracy and detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support program delivery
Salary/Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $60,000
Benefits are effective on the first day of employment!
Medical: High deductible plan with HSA or a standard PPO plan available
Tuition is waived for undergraduate and graduate courses
Work Life Program to assist in achieving a balanced life between work and personal needs
To see more: https://www.gvsu.edu/hro/benefits/adjunct-eap-staff-benefits-465.htm
How to Apply:
A complete application must include:
a cover letter addressing qualifications, your motivation to take this position, and your approach to supporting and engaging students from a variety of backgrounds in this role
résumé
contact information for three professional references
The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location. If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Email questions about the position to Larry Wyn at wynlar@gvsu.edu
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Application Deadline: EOB May 15, 2026. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/equalopportunity/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.