Program Manager, Public/Social Service Programs

Department: Public Policy and Management Center

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Begins at $70,689/yr, commensurate with qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, hours vary based on projects/events; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: No export control requirement.

Job Story

The Program Manager serves as a senior client-facing leader responsible for managing and delivering consulting services that advance the Public Policy & Public Management Center's mission of strengthening public service and improving outcomes for communities. Working closely with local and state governments, nonprofits, associations, and public-private partnerships, this role provides strategic leadership for client initiatives including strategic planning, community engagement, organizational development, and public service improvement projects.

The Program Manager leads cross-functional project teams, oversees client relationships, manages project scope and budgets, and ensures successful delivery of consulting services. This position also plays a critical role in business development by identifying opportunities, securing new clients, and supporting growth of the Center's portfolio.

Reporting to the Assistant Directors, the Program Manager leads project teams but does not serve as a direct supervisor of staff. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong facilitation skills, knowledge of government/nonprofit processes, curiosity for the unique challenges organizations and communities face, and a genuine passion for public service.

Travel throughout the state is required and may include day and overnight visits with clients approximately monthly or as project needs dictate.

Desired Qualities

Positive Energy:

• Brings enthusiasm, optimism, and momentum to teams and client engagements.
• Helps energize colleagues, clients, and community stakeholders.
• Approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Discernment:

• Able to evaluate multiple options and identify practical, achievable solutions.
• Understands the realities of budgets, timelines, political environments, and organizational capacity.
• Exercises sound judgment under uncertainty.

Passion for Public Service:

• Deep commitment to improving communities and strengthening organizations.
• Believes in the value and impact of effective public service.
• Demonstrates genuine interest in helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes.

Accountability & Ownership:

• Takes initiative and follows through on commitments.
• Assumes responsibility for outcomes and project success.
• Proactively identifies problems and develops solutions.
• Maintains high standards of professionalism and responsiveness.

Community Mindset:

• Understands how communities, stakeholders, volunteers, advocacy groups, and residents engage around public issues.
• Values collaborative relationships and inclusive engagement.
• Maintains awareness of community dynamics and public perspectives.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a seasoned public-sector professional who combines strategic thinking, facilitation expertise, and relationship-building skills with a genuine commitment to public service. They are comfortable leading clients through complex challenges, navigating governmental environments, managing multiple projects, and generating new business opportunities. They bring the judgment, energy, accountability, and presence necessary to help communities and organizations achieve meaningful results.

Job Summary

Manages assigned public service, environmental finance, environmental, or social service program(s) to meet Center objectives. May develop and implement program plans. Oversees the day-to-day program, initiative and/or Center activities including project schedules, budget tracking and development, and project and/or program administration.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates with senior leaders and internal teams to develop program, initiative and/or Center goals and infrastructure to align with defined business, initiative and/or Center strategy. May troubleshoot and improve upon existing processes, procedures or systems to meet program, initiative and/or Center goals.
• Manages program or initiative through creation of program plans, management tools and reporting capabilities. Performs project research and develops plans to effectively use program, initiative and/or Center resources. Develops metrics to measure program success against program goals.
• Manages, trains and leads cross-functional teams and/or agency partnerships and ensures resources are appropriately assigned to meet goals. Creates strategic partnerships with new or cultivates existing customers.
• Proposes and outlines program or project budget according to needs based on customer and/or leadership consultation. Monitors and adjusts project and program plans as resource requirements change.
• Communicates and documents program, initiative and/or Center quality outcomes and progress metrics to senior leader and/or customers.
• Addresses and resolves moderately complex issues and escalates to senior leadership, as necessary.

Job Duties

Client Management & Strategic Consulting

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned client engagements.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with clients across government, nonprofit, and community sectors.
• Assess organizational and community needs and translate them into actionable project strategies.
• Advise clients on planning, implementation, stakeholder engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide strategic counsel to support client decision-making and project success.
• Ensure projects align with client objectives, organizational priorities, and available resources.

Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional project teams consisting of project specialists, project coordinators, and student employees.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, timelines, deliverables, and reporting.
• Align team resources and activities to meet project goals and client expectations.
• Monitor project performance, scope, budgets, risks, and outcomes.
• Hold project team members accountable for deliverables and project commitments.
• Identify challenges and proactively develop solutions to maintain momentum and project success.

Facilitation & Community Engagement

• Design and facilitate meetings, workshops, strategic planning sessions, and community engagement activities.
• Guide discussions among community leaders, elected officials, stakeholders, volunteers, and residents.
• Foster productive dialogue and build consensus among diverse interests and perspectives.
• Apply facilitation and engagement techniques that advance project goals and support informed decision-making.
• Represent the Center at public meetings, conferences, and community events.

Business Development & Organizational Growth

• Identify opportunities for new business and expanded client services.
• Support proposal development, presentations, and client onboarding activities.
• Contribute to growth strategies that strengthen the Center's market presence and impact.
• Assist in developing project scopes, budgets, and service approaches.
• Balance business development activities with management of existing client relationships.

Organizational Leadership

• Demonstrate leadership across projects and organizational initiatives.
• Support positive team culture through collaboration, accountability, and professionalism.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and representative of the Center's mission and values.
• Contribute ideas and solutions that improve organizational effectiveness and client impact.

Required Education and Experience

• 60 hours of college coursework in social science, applied science, or natural science.
• Four (4) years of experience in applicable program management or related field. An additional 60 hours of college coursework can be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Required License/Certifications/Training

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Leadership

• Ability to lead with confidence, credibility, and professionalism.
• Strong presence in group settings and public forums.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams and drive results.
• Ability to influence outcomes without formal supervisory authority.

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to evaluate complex situations and determine actionable paths forward.
• Strong judgment regarding organizational priorities, political realities, resource limitations, and project risks.
• Skilled at connecting strategy to implementation.

Facilitation & Engagement

• Advanced facilitation and meeting management skills.
• Strong active listening abilities.
• Ability to manage diverse stakeholder perspectives and navigate sensitive discussions.
• Experience designing collaborative engagement processes and strategic planning sessions.

Business Acumen

• Understanding of consulting services, project budgeting, and business development.
• Ability to identify new opportunities and contribute to client growth strategies.
• Sound decision-making regarding resource allocation and project management.

Government Knowledge

• Strong understanding of local and/or state government structures and processes.
• Knowledge of public-sector decision-making environments.
• Familiarity with the intersection of government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.

Communication

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop clear reports, presentations, proposals, and client communications.
• Comfortable communicating with elected officials, executive leaders, community members, and project teams.

Project Management

• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to oversee project scope, budgets, schedules, and deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Public Administration (MPA), Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of professional experience in public administration, government, nonprofit leadership, public affairs, community development, social services, consulting, or a related field.
• Experience working within or closely alongside local or state government agencies.
• Demonstrated exposure to senior-level decision-making environments involving political, governmental, or community influence.
• Experience managing complex projects and multiple client relationships simultaneously.
• Leadership experience directing teams, projects, initiatives, or organizational efforts.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder meetings, planning processes, and community engagement activities.
• Consulting experience serving public-sector clients.
• Experience working with community initiatives, strategic planning, and organizational development projects.
• Familiarity with public-private partnerships and collaborative governance models.

Preferred License/Certifications/Training

Kansas Driver's License

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position. Frequent 60-90%
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Frequent 60-90%
• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Frequent 60-90%

Additional Physical Requirement