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

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  

• 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