OPS - Project Manager I

The Project Manager I is responsible for the overall management of a project, grant, or contract. The Project Manager I is responsible for assembling the project team, assigning responsibilities, and managing schedules and resources to ensure timely completion of assigned projects. The position ensures that the institution meets the requirements of the project(s) including all operational requisites, reporting obligations, and related deliverables.

The Project Manager I is primarily responsible for the planning, organizing, and managing of resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. Typically, this position must adhere to definite timelines, reporting requirements, and meet deadlines for specific deliverables. This position may act as a principal project consultant to other agencies or subcontractors and may write reports for senior management and/or funding agencies. The position works with funding agencies and service providers to design the research, define project scope, and disseminate results. While the Project Manager I may or may not be the direct supervisor of the staff assigned to a project, the Project Manager I is responsible for the effective management and direction of those staff when their time is allocated to a project under the Project Manager’s supervision. Work at this level meets the FLSA criteria for a professional exemption since the primary duties are work that requires advanced knowledge which is predominantly intellectual in character and requires the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment. They differ from non-exempt staff by interpreting project documents in order to develop project procedures, oversee and update management on the status of project resources, establish quality control standards, composing and directing project related policies and operations, and acting as primary/lead liaison with regulatory agencies and project stakeholders.

This position is Time-Limited. Grant-Funded.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.