Position Overview
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) at Virginia Tech is seeking a collaborative, execution-focused Program Manager to advance its workforce development mission. Based in CCI’s Arlington, VA operations, the role involves designing, developing, and executing initiatives that connect students with employers through experiential learning, internships, project-based learning, and career preparation. The position reports to the Director of Outreach.

Key Details

• Type: Full-time, restricted appointment, exempt (not eligible for overtime)
• Salary: $96,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience
• Location: Virginia Tech Research Center, Arlington, VA
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid eligible within commutable distance (weekly in-office presence required); occasional travel
• Hours: 40 per week
• Review Date: October 28, 2026
• Category: Career Development and Services

Core Responsibilities

• Lead program execution across a portfolio of projects, managing timelines, budgets, deliverables, and cross-functional coordination
• Design and advance workforce development initiatives based on student needs, employer demand, and labor-market trends
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with public- and private-sector partners
• Identify, recruit, and steward employers offering internships, projects, mentorship, and employment opportunities
• Track engagement and performance metrics; prepare reports for leadership and stakeholders
• Develop systems for measuring student, employer, and program outcomes
• Partner with CCI Nodes and engage with workforce initiatives across the CCI network
• Support partner outreach, marketing efforts, and expansion of program visibility

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree with experience in workforce development, program management, education, business, public administration, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree with demonstrated professional experience in lieu of an advanced degree
• Knowledge of workforce development principles, employer engagement, career pathways, and work-based learning
• Experience designing and managing programs with measurable internship, employment, or career outcomes
• Experience building relationships with employers, industry partners, government agencies, and educational institutions
• Ability to manage programs from planning through completion, including budgets and multiple priorities
• Knowledge of labor-market and industry trends
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and data analysis skills
• Self-starter able to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with office suite tools (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience/education in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, data science, or another technical field
• Experience with internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, or mentorship programs
• Experience developing career-readiness programs or career pathways
• Experience in an academic environment (faculty, students, career services, academic leadership)
• Experience working across government, industry, academia, and economic development
• Networking skills and experience negotiating business-to-business agreements
• Experience securing external funding or sponsorships
• Grant management or proposal development experience

About CCI
A state-funded initiative bringing together more than 40 colleges and universities, industry partners, and stakeholders to strengthen Virginia’s cybersecurity research, education, workforce development, and innovation ecosystem. Organized through a CCI hub and four regional nodes.

About Virginia Tech
A comprehensive land-grant institution dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Offers more than 280 majors to over 36,000 students, with a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington D.C. area, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond. Conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Additional Information

• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
• Virginia Tech is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities
• Accommodation requests for the application process should be directed to Alex Tuuri at alext3@vt.edu at least 10 business days prior to the event