Program Manager

Job Summary

We’re looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Program Manager to oversee all aspects of grant and private program management. This includes developing systems for grant and program evaluation, application, project management, and reporting, while working closely with both internal teams and external partners. You’ll ensure compliance with federal regulations, manage budgets, track expenses, and keep everything audit-ready. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in nonprofit grant administration and private sector funding, including federal and state-level awards, corporate funding, cooperative agreements, and private farm programs. A creative, entrepreneurial mindset and solid financial skills are key, as well as the ability to tackle challenges in a fast-paced, growing environment. 

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and maintenance of efficient, streamlined systems for managing the full grant lifecycle—from evaluation and application to project development, execution, and reporting, collaborating seamlessly with both internal teams and external partners

• Drive founders' success in securing private program participation, guiding them through the entire process of evaluation, application, and negotiation to unlock new opportunities

• Take full ownership of all private program projects, managing development, execution, and reporting, while working closely with internal and external teams to ensure everything runs smoothly

• Act as the go-to point of contact for all grant and program collaborators, ensuring a seamless, positive experience at every stage of the process

• Communicate clearly and consistently with internal teams, setting clear expectations, managing timelines, and coordinating cross-team tasks to keep everything on track

• Design and optimize scalable systems and processes to manage grants and programs effectively, ensuring the organization can keep pace with rapid growth and ever-changing needs

• Ensure strict compliance with federal grant regulations, keeping documentation organized, thorough, and audit-ready for all awarded grants and programs

• Monitor and manage budgets, expenses, and financial reporting, ensuring all costs are allowable and reports are accurate, so funds are used efficiently and responsibly

• Collaborate with internal teams, like Farm Services and Finance, to assess the effectiveness and impact of grants and programs, ensuring proper evaluation metrics are in place to demonstrate success

• Represent Propagate at industry conferences and attend in-person meetings, as needed

• Take on additional responsibilities and special projects as they arise, contributing to the organization’s ongoing success and growth

Job Requirements

• Frequently working at a desk and sitting for long periods of time

• Continual use of computer, including long periods of viewing a screen

• Frequent attendance and participation in virtual meetings

Requirements

•  3–5 years in grant administration, ideally that includes managing federal and state level awards, cooperative agreements, and compliance with 2 CFR 200 regulations; or experience managing private farm enrollment in private programs

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail

• Proven ability to manage budgets, monitor spending, and ensure compliance with funding guidelines

• Strong understanding of finance, accounting, and bookkeeping principles 

• A proactive, innovative approach to overcoming challenges, especially in unstructured or startup-like environments

• Entrepreneurial and creative mindset, especially as it relates to working with landowners and determining grant or program support for achieving their goals 

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business, finance, or equivalent

• Program related sales experience in agriculture or similar field

• Familiarity with HubSpot or other sales or grant management platforms is a plus

• Strong preference for candidates located in or near Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY in the United States

Application Process (Interview Plan)

• Submit your application for review. We aim to get back to candidates in 3-5 business days regardless of if we decide to move forward or not.

• Screening Interview: 30-minute Zoom interview with our Chief of Staff, Sara Jane Hess

• Manager Interview: 60-minute Zoom interview with our COO, Jeremy Kaufman + Head of Finance, Phil Aiken

• Founder Interview: 30-minute Zoom with Co-Founder and CEO, Ethan Steinberg

Salary: Depending on the level that you come in as, your experience and expertise, we are able to offer an annual salary between $90,000 - $115,000 USD + Equity.

Benefits & Policies

• 🥦Health Care Plan: Our Health Care Plan covers medical, dental, and vision options provided at 99% of employee, 25% of dependents for medical (Anthem); 99% of employee, 25% of dependents for dental and vision (Guardian).

• 🥕Unlimited PTO: Our unlimited PTO policy allows you the flexibility to take time off when you need it, whether it's for vacation, sick days, or public holidays.

• 💰 401(k): Build your retirement savings utilizing our company-sponsored 401(k).

• 🌞Stock Option Plan: As a part of our team, you will also be eligible for our Stock Option Plan, allowing you to share in our success.

• 🚜Universal Stipend: As an employee, you’ll enjoy an annual stipend to put towards professional development, office needs, or wellness costs.

• 🐓Work Remote: As a remote-first company, we embrace asynchronous work and offer a work-from-home role with the possibility of travel to farm sites or conferences up to 10% of the time. Join us and experience the benefits of a flexible, supportive, and empowering work environment.

• 🍓This role is only available to candidates legally authorized to work in the United States and we do not provide visa sponsorship at this time.

Who we are

At Propagate 🌿, we believe that by providing individuals with the right tools, we can work together to overcome significant challenges. We're always on the lookout for talented individuals who share our passion for building a more sustainable future. As a venture-backed start-up founded in 2017, we have the support of esteemed investors such as The Nest, Agfunder, TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good, The Grantham Foundation, Techstars and Elemental Excelerator. Propagate is also a partner of USDA's Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities.

Propagate is firmly dedicated to promoting equity in all aspects of our policies, practices, and programs. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as people of color, women, LGBTQ, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. To ensure equal opportunity, we will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application process, job performance, and other employment benefits.

For any accommodation requests, please reach out to us at hiring@propagateag.com.