The Contractor Program Manager (CPM) serves as the primary management and operational interface between the Contractor and the U.S. Department of State for the SPAS Subject Matter Expert (SME) Course Instructors BPA. The CPM is responsible for ensuring high-quality, timely, and compliant delivery of instructional services, honoraria support, and course content development in accordance with the Performance Work Statement (PWS), BPA Orders, and Department of State policies.
The CPM provides day-to-day program leadership, oversees contractor personnel and subcontracted instructors, manages quality control and reporting, and maintains continuous coordination with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), Alternate COR (ACOR), and Government Technical Monitors (GTMs). The CPM is mission-critical to SPAS. This role directly influences instructional quality, student experience, and the Government's ability to prepare U.S. foreign affairs professionals to advance national interests worldwide. The CPM is not administrative overhead-this is an execution and leadership role with direct visibility and impact
Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership & Government Interface- Serve as the single point of contact for the Government on all matters related to daily BPA execution.
- Interface routinely with the COR, ACOR, and GTMs to ensure alignment on schedules, priorities, budgets, and performance expectations.
- Exercise full authority to act on behalf of the Contractor for day-to-day contract operations during NFATC core hours.
Operational Management- Plan, coordinate, and oversee delivery of in-person, virtual, and blended learning courses across SPAS divisions.
- Ensure contractor personnel and Course Instructors perform within scope, schedule, and quality requirements of each BPA Order.
- Maintain instructor coverage, including primary and backup instructors, to ensure continuity of training delivery.
Instructor Oversight & Workforce Management- Recruit, vet, onboard, and manage a community of SME Course Instructors and guest speakers.
- Coordinate instructor approvals with SPAS Course Chairs/Coordinators and Deputy Course Chairs.
- Monitor instructor performance through observation, student evaluations, and feedback loops; initiate corrective actions when required.
Quality Control & Compliance- Develop, implement, and maintain the Quality Control Plan (QCP) and oversee its execution.
- Conduct continuous quality monitoring, trend analysis, and corrective action tracking.
- Ensure all deliverables, instructional materials, and course execution comply with NFATC curriculum standards, Section 508 requirements, and DOS policies.
Reporting & Communication- Submit required monthly activity reports, annual status reports, and other contract deliverables.
- Lead weekly and ad-hoc coordination meetings with Government stakeholders.
- Conduct after-action reviews and incorporate lessons learned into future course delivery.
Administrative & Security Support- Oversee contractor compliance with badging, public trust investigations, system access, and facility access requirements.
- Ensure proper timekeeping, personnel accountability, and adherence to Government directives.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
- Minimum five (5) years managing a federal contract or six (6) + years of progressively responsible management experience within a government or government-support environment.
- Demonstrated experience in education, training, or adult learning environments.
- Proven leadership ability coordinating with multiple Government stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and operate under time constraints.
Highly Desired Qualifications- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Prior experience supporting Foreign Affairs agencies (e.g., Department of State, USAID, Intelligence Community).
- Knowledge of embassy operations, overseas environments, and cross-cultural or global workforce management.
Work Location & Presence Requirements- Full-time CPM with physical presence at NFATC at least two days per week during planning phases and up to five days per week during in-person course delivery.
- Availability during NFATC core hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EST, Monday-Friday).
Clearance / Suitability- Public Trust required (Government-sponsored).
- No security clearance required; contractor must support all badging and access coordination.
