Project Manager III - Office of Research

Office of Research • Gainesville, FL

47d • $90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

The Project Manager III will serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, responsible for driving the execution of high-impact organizational initiatives while ensuring seamless executive operations. This role blends advanced project management expertise with executive-level operational and communication support, managing complex cross-functional projects from conception to completion. The position proactively oversees executive communications, prepares briefing materials and reports, and facilitates decision-making by synthesizing information and aligning stakeholders. Acting with a high degree of autonomy, discretion, and judgment, this position anticipates leadership needs, prioritizes competing demands, and implements scalable processes that enhance organizational efficiency.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree
• Two years of relevant project management experience

Responsibilities

• Drive successful execution of strategic initiatives in alignment with organizational objectives, ensuring follow-through and accountability across functions.
• Lead and coordinate complex, cross-functional projects on behalf of senior leadership, requiring collaboration and problem-solving across technical and non-technical teams.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, resource allocation strategies, and risk mitigation approaches for executive-level initiatives.
• Serve as liaison between senior leadership, department heads, and cross-functional executives, ensuring clear communication on priorities, progress, and risks.
• Monitor project progress, proactively identify potential bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions to maintain deliverable quality and timeline adherence.
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, and documentation for executive leadership and key stakeholders to support decision-making and transparency.
• Manage and prioritize internal and external inquiries directed to leadership, ensuring timely and appropriate responses.
• Monitor and respond to executive communications while proactively identifying and completing tasks that enhance executive effectiveness without requiring specific direction.
• Oversee the rhythm of business operations, including leadership meetings, communications, operating reviews, and cross-functional checkpoints.
• Draft correspondence, prepare briefing materials, and create clear, concise executive communications, presentations, and reports for internal and external audiences.
• Structure and facilitate executive meetings, task forces, and working groups to maximize impact and follow-through, representing leadership in meetings when appropriate.
• Serve as a primary liaison between executives and organizational departments, maintaining professional relationships and ensuring effective information flow.
• Implement and maintain efficient administrative systems and processes to support executive operations.
• Coordinate logistics for executive meetings, events, and strategic initiatives while managing confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Identify operational inefficiencies and develop process improvements to enhance organizational productivity and scalability.
• Support budget coordination and financial administrative tasks as assigned.
• Partner with leadership teams on organizational health, talent planning, and leadership effectiveness initiatives.
• Translate executive priorities into actionable recommendations and coordinate implementation across departments.

Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans : Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Generous Retirement Options to secure your future
• Comprehensive Paid Time Off Packages : (includes over 10 paid holidays, as well as paid family, sick and vacation leave)
• Exceptional Personal and Professional Development Opportunities : Access to UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance through the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees