Project Manager – Internships, Outreach & Digital Programs - Office of Naval Research

Description

The Project Manager will lead the execution and delivery of ONR’s internship, outreach, and digital program initiatives , supporting mission-critical STEM talent pipelines and engagement programs.

This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of internship programs (e.g., SEAP, NREIP, HBCU/MI) , overseeing outreach and communications strategies, and ensuring the performance, security, and reliability of program websites and application platforms.

The Project Manager serves as the primary interface with Government leadership , ensuring all program, technical, and administrative deliverables are executed in accordance with contract requirements, timelines, and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program & Contract Management

• •Lead overall execution of the ONR internship and outreach contract across all task orders
• •Develop and implement a comprehensive program management plan covering:
• •Internship lifecycle management
• •Outreach and engagement initiatives
• •Website and digital platform operations

• •Manage cost, schedule, performance, and risk across multiple concurrent efforts
• •Ensure compliance with contract requirements, QASP standards, and federal regulations

2. Internship Program Lifecycle Oversight

• •Oversee end-to-end management of internship programs, including:
• •Marketing and outreach campaigns
• •Application intake and evaluation processes
• •Participant onboarding and coordination
• •Mentor matching and engagement

• •Ensure smooth execution across programs such as:
• •Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP)
• •Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP)

Monitor program metrics including applicant volume, placements, and participant outcomes

3. Outreach & Communications Strategy

• •Direct development and execution of STEM outreach initiatives
• •Oversee creation of:
• •Marketing campaigns
• •Digital content and messaging
• •Stakeholder communications

• •Coordinate with Government stakeholders to align outreach with mission objectives
• •Drive engagement with students, universities, and underrepresented communities

4. Website & Application Platform Management

• •Oversee management of program websites and application portals, ensuring:
• •System availability and uptime
• •Data integrity and security
• •User experience optimization

• •Coordinate technical teams responsible for:
• •Website updates and maintenance
• •Application processing systems

Ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity and data protection requirements

5. Financial & Operational Oversight

• •Implement systems and controls to ensure:
• •Financial accuracy
• •Budget tracking and reporting
• •Timely execution of program funding

• •Monitor contract performance and resource utilization
• •Provide data-driven recommendations for program improvements

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• •Serve as primary liaison to ONR Contracting Officer, COR, and program leadership
• •Lead program reviews, status meetings, and executive briefings
• •Deliver:
• •Regular progress reports
• •Performance metrics
• •Risk and issue updates

Ensure transparency and proactive communication across all stakeholders

7. Team Leadership & Staffing

• •Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team supporting:
• •Program operations
• •Outreach and communications
• •IT and web support

• •Develop staffing strategies, including:
• •Recruitment
• •Retention
• •Backfill planning

Ensure team performance aligns with contract deliverables and timelines

Requirements

• •Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, STEM, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• •8–12+ years of experience in:
• •Program or project management
• •Federal government contracting

• •Demonstrated experience managing:
• •Large-scale programs (multi-million dollar, multi-year preferred)
• •Workforce or internship programs

• •Strong knowledge of:
• •Program lifecycle management
• •Federal contract execution and compliance

Preferred Qualifications

• •Experience supporting:
• •Department of Defense (DoD) or Navy programs
• •STEM outreach or education initiatives

• •Familiarity with:
• •Applicant tracking systems or program management platforms
• •Website/application portal management

PMP or similar certification preferred