Program Manager

Overview

:

Princeton University's Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD), based in the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), seeks a dynamic and highly motivated Program Manager. Reporting to the Co-Director and working closely with the Director, this position provides broad administrative and operational support to institute leadership and serves as a central coordinator for programs, events, visitors, and communications activities.

 

The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively while exercising initiative, sound judgment, and discretion. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.

 

For more than 25 years, LISD has supported research, teaching, and policy outreach related to self-government, sovereignty, security, diversity, human and democratic rights, group identity, and cooperative international solutions among national, nonstate, and international actors.

Responsibilities

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Administrative Support and Operations

• Provide administrative support to the Director and Co-Director, including calendar management, prioritization of meetings, and coordination of correspondence.
• Draft memos, briefing materials, biographies, talking points, and other supporting documents.
• Respond to inquiries and communicate with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of institute leadership.
• Coordinate staff meetings, prepare agendas, document action items, and monitor follow-up.
• Lead or support special projects and institute initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and operational efficiency.

 Financial Administration

• Monitor institute expenditures and maintain internal budget tracking records.
• Review and reconcile expenses, collect receipts and supporting documentation, and prepare materials for submission through university financial processes.
• Coordinate with the SPIA finance team and institute staff to support forecasting, expense monitoring, and adherence to spending guidelines.
• Assist with event and travel budget planning and help ensure activities remain within approved funding levels.
• Prepare routine financial summaries and reports for institute leadership.

International Policy Associate (IPA) Program Coordination

• Serve as the primary administrative contact for undergraduate participants and program stakeholders.
• Coordinate student office hours, internships, assignments, and other forms of engagement.
• Manage annual application processes, schedule interviews, maintain applicant records, and support selection logistics.
• Coordinate program events and meetings involving faculty, students, and high-level speakers.
• Support program evaluation activities and program development initiatives.
• Accompany one to two domestic or international student trips annually, as needed.

Event and Visitor Management

• Coordinate institute and co-sponsored events from planning through execution.
• Liaise with guest speakers, academics, government officials, and visitors.
• Arrange meeting logistics, venue reservations, catering, travel, and audiovisual support.
• Develop event materials and oversee post-event follow-up.
• Maintain detailed schedules for official visitors and special events.

Europe Initiative (ICEA) Administration

• Coordinate visiting appointments, including student research collaborators, scholars, and professional specialists.
• Assist with appointment documentation, visa-related processes, and eForms submissions.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for ICEA visitors.
• Coordinate with faculty leadership and relevant university offices regarding ICEA administrative activities.
• Oversee ICEA operational activities and communications in collaboration with the Communications and Events Assistant.

Oversight of Communications Activities

• Establish priorities and provide operational direction for communications activities carried out by the Communications and Events Assistant.
• Review and approve website updates, event communications, and promotional materials to ensure consistency with institute goals.
• Coordinate with communications staff to maintain listservs, calendars, and institute messaging.

Other Duties

• Assist with responsibilities normally handled by other staff members during periods of absence or high demand to ensure continuity of operations.

Qualifications

:

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work independently.
• Strong judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with university administrative systems (e.g., Drupal, PRIME, Concur) preferred.
• Experience supporting events, visitors, or academic programs.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally, as needed.

Preferred Qualification:

• Interest in international affairs, public policy, and LISD's mission.

 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

 

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

 

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

: 36.25

Eligible for Overtime: No

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Probationary Period: 180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail): No

Physical Capacity Exam Required: No

Valid Driver’s License Required: No

Experience Level: Entry Level

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Salary Range: $80,000 to $92,000