ASCEND Program Manager

Location: Hattiesburg, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001, United States. Full-time, grant-funded position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.

About the role

The ASCEND Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the ASCEND AmeriCorps Program in accordance with federal grant requirements, AmeriCorps regulations, and University policies. The position oversees daily program operations, including program administration, budget management, volunteer recruitment and retention, compliance monitoring, data collection and reporting, stakeholder engagement, and community partnerships. The Program Manager collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful program implementation, achievement of grant objectives, and long-term program sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates, and administers all aspects of the ASCEND AmeriCorps Program to ensure compliance with federal regulations, grant requirements, and University policies.
• Develops and implements program policies, procedures, operational plans, and recruitment and retention strategies to support successful program administration.
• Develops, administers, and monitors the program budget; tracks grant expenditures; coordinates reimbursement requests; and assists with required financial reporting and compliance activities.
• Coordinates the recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, and professional development of AmeriCorps members while maintaining participant records and ensuring compliance with eligibility and service requirements.
• Collects, analyzes, and reports program data and performance measures to evaluate outcomes, monitor program effectiveness, and satisfy grant reporting requirements.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations, host sites, governmental agencies, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to support program goals and expand community engagement.
• Represents the ASCEND AmeriCorps Program through meetings, presentations, outreach activities, and other events to promote the program and strengthen partnerships.
• Assists with strategic planning, continuous program improvement, grant sustainability efforts, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Health Administration, Social Work, Education, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in program management, grant administration, volunteer management, community engagement, or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally and throughout the state of Mississippi, including occasional overnight travel, to conduct host site visits, provide training, attend meetings, and support program activities.
• Must successfully complete the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC) and all required University background checks.

Skills

• Knowledge of program administration, project management, grant compliance, and budget management.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal, state, University, and grant regulations.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report program data.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other software used to administer programs.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health or a related field.
• Experience administering federally funded grant programs, particularly AmeriCorps or other national service programs.
• Experience coordinating volunteers, developing community partnerships, and managing program performance measures and grant reporting.

About the University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.