Position Summary

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) and is seeking an Institute Program Manager on a regular part-time basis. The Institute Program Manager will be responsible for advancing the programs at The Institute of Underground Science at SURF. This role involves managing programming, outreach, and partnerships. The Institute Program Manager will also work with the SURF Foundation to support fundraising activities. The ideal candidate for this position will have strong leadership, communication, program oversight, and project management skills to ensure the successful launch of The Institute.

Line of Authority

The Institute of Underground Science at SURF Program Manager will report directly to The SURF Foundation Director.

Functional Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

Programming – 60%

• Work collaboratively with the SURF team to identify program priorities and establish budgets for approval.
• Establish criteria for determining "world-class programs" and oversee the transition of programs from SURF to The Institute. Identify areas where Institute programs intersect with other programs and manage those interfaces.
• Develop a plan for monthly science community talks and work with the SURF Communications team and the SURF Science User Association to create and execute an effective promotion and engagement strategy.
• Support the SURF Foundation Director in logistics, event coordination, and fundraising activities for identified topical meetings. Document program costs and requirements to assist in planning future consortiums.
• Develop Institute-branded programs and encourage coordination between science, public, and education programs to maximize their benefit.
• Identify strategic partnerships needed to grow the next phase of Institute programming. Conduct workshops to develop a strategy to align Institute needs with strategic opportunities regarding program partnerships.
• Outline plans for Institute Programs, including recommendations for staffing increases to support growth. Collaborate with SDSTA staff to develop an annual Institute budget that reflects desired staffing and program growth.
• Collect feedback and capture lessons learned from programs by being present during Institute-sponsored programs.
• Manage discussions on Institute program growth, considering community priorities, available funds, and resources.
• Act as the primary contact for both external and internal inquiries regarding The Institute.
• Manage the development of the facility's programs and work collaboratively with the SDSTA Engineering team to meet requirements for both SURF and The Institute.
• Propose necessary staffing growth to align with desired program growth, seeking approval from the SDSTA board or SURF.
• Assist in identifying and coordinating digital marketing needs by collaborating with SURF Foundation and Communications staff.
• Work with partners, collaborations, and SURF staff to support Institute program planning, startup, fundraising, and more.

Outreach – 10%

• Collaborate with the SURF Foundation Director and the SDSTA Executive Director to develop a marketing plan for the ribbon-cutting and launch of The Institute. Assist SDSTA staff in executing the plan for ribbon-cutting events.
• Manage website content and oversee the development of an engaging online presence that aligns with The Institute's mission and goals.
• Facilitate workshops and discussions to build partnerships for future programs and establish a strong network of supporters for The Institute.

Staffing – 10%

• Manage staffing needs for The Institute by working closely with the current staff to ensure seamless implementation until a director is hired.
• Collaborate with Human Resources and other stakeholders to develop job descriptions for new Institute positions and assist in the hiring process as needed. For the Institute Director position, coordinate an external selection committee to support the hiring process.

Fundraising – 20%

• Assist the SURF Foundation Director in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the growth of The Institute's programs, staffing, and facility development.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Foundation teams to gather data and stories that showcase the impact of The Institute's programs, which can be used to support grant writing and fundraising efforts.

Accountabilities

The Institute Program Manager has the following accountabilities:

• To the SURF Foundation Director for oversight and guidance related to fundraising.
• To the SDSTA Board of Directors
• To the SURF Foundation Director for additional oversight and guidance in reference to fundraising

Authorities

The Institute Program Manager has the following authorities:

• To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the health and safety of staff, the public or the environment.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, education or related field is required; Master’s degree is preferred

Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of proven experience directly related to the functional responsibilities of this position is required.

Skills required:

• Strong leadership, communication, program oversight, and project management skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Proficiency in English language including spelling, grammar, and composition

Helpful skills:

• Management consulting experience in science, engineering, or education
• Program evaluation experience
• Non-profit program management

Specific job requirements:

• Program development, including identifying priorities, establishing budgets, developing plans, and coordinating logistics for events
• Staffing, including working with Human Resources to develop job descriptions, assist in the hiring process, update staffing plans, and propose necessary staffing growth for approval
• Outreach and marketing, including collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop marketing plans, manage website content, and facilitate workshops and discussions to build partnerships
• Fundraising, including assisting in the creation of comprehensive fundraising strategies, collaborating with teams to gather data and stories for grant writing, and supporting internal partners in fundraising efforts
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of year

Desired qualities:

• Experience in managing programs with complex logistics and changing priorities, from planning to execution
• Strong written and presentation skills, program leadership, and problem-solving skills
• A spirit of collaboration, innovation, creativity, and positive can-do attitude.

Certifications

• NA.

Competencies

• Attention to Detail – Pays close attention to details, completing tasks accurately, completely, and on time.
• Communication – Clearly and concisely communicates information in writing, in person, and over the phone with tact, patience, friendliness, discretion, and professionalism.
• Cooperation – Establishes and maintains effective, cooperative working relationships with staff, users, and visitors, interacting in a supportive manner.
• Customer Service – Interacts courteously with SDSTA staff, SURF partners, sponsors, and donors, addressing their needs in a pleasant and efficient manner.
• Initiative – Self-motivated, able to persist despite difficult conditions, and offers suggestions for improvements.
• Integrity – Protects and processes sensitive information appropriately.
• Organization – Plans ahead and works in a systematic, organized way.
• Safety – Learns, understands, and complies with SDSTA’s safety program.

Working Requirements

• Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.
• Comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
• Perform work in a typical office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Perform limited physical labor including walking up and down flights of stairs and lifting up to 50 pounds
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Infrequent shift, evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.
• Travel locally and regionally up to 10% of year

The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self-identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.