Tech Grove Project Manager

University of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Central Florida Tech Grove: The Central Florida Tech Grove is a nationally recognized hub for defense innovation, connecting the Department of War with industry, academia, and entrepreneurs. Located within Orlando’s world-class modeling and simulation ecosystem, Tech Grove accelerates technology transition through collaboration, challenge-based programs, and startup engagement. It serves as both a physical space and virtual platform for solving mission-critical defense challenges. Tech Grove plays a key role in expanding the defense industrial base and driving applied research with real-world impact. UCF’s leadership of Tech Grove helps advance national security, innovation, and regional economic growth. The Opportunity: Join the team behind one of the nation's premier defense innovation hubs. As a Project Manager with Central Florida Tech Grove, you'll lead high-impact projects that bring together government, industry, academia, and entrepreneurs to solve real-world challenges, accelerate emerging technologies, and strengthen national security. This is a unique opportunity to help transform innovative ideas into mission-driven solutions with national significance.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
Must meet all federal security requirements, which may include obtaining a U.S. Government security clearance.
Must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer.
Must reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience in project and program management, including scope definition, resource allocation, risk mitigation, scheduling, and full lifecycle execution.
Demonstrated experience leading programs and initiatives, including strategy development, implementation, and performance tracking.
Proven ability to partner with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to align operational priorities with organizational goals and drive measurable outcomes.
Familiarity with U.S. military culture, traditions, and customs gained through military service, ROTC participation, professional experience, or other relevant exposure.
Strong background in data-driven decision-making, including development of KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to monitor program performance and inform strategy.
Demonstrated success in facilitating meetings, including steering committees, and preparing high-quality briefing materials and reports.
Ability to build and manage networks or teams, including facilitators, project staff, or regional program leaders.
Proven track record of driving process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency with project management, customer relationship management (CRM), design, and AI-powered productivity tools, such as Microsoft Project, Canva, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

Identify and define key stakeholders - internal (UCF and Tech Grove) and external (government, industry, other universities, and non-profits), as assigned by Tech Grove Management. Maintain clear, consistent communication channels with all parties. Address and respond to stakeholder needs and concerns to ensure alignment with project objectives.
Collaborate with assigned stakeholders to help maintain project scope to meet project objectives. Ensure that all project activities remain aligned with the defined scope and make adjustments as necessary, only after approval from all key stakeholders.
Assist with the estimated and manage the resources needed to achieve project objectives. Ensure resources are used effectively and efficiently throughout the project life cycle. Identify and resolve resource-related obstacles that may arise during the execution phase within your given authority. Outside of your authority collaborate with Tech Grove Management. Controls scope of project, keeps team on task with minimal variance from project objectives
Maintain accurate project cost estimates based on the defined scope in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and resource requirements. Monitor project costs and make necessary adjustments (with Tech Grove Management approval) to remain within the allocated budget. Provide financial updates and projections to stakeholders as required.
Create and manage a detailed project schedule (approved by Tech Grove Management) that outlines all necessary tasks, milestones, and deadlines for all projects assigned. Regularly track progress and adjust the schedule as needed to reflect changes or delays. Ensure the team remains on track to meet deadlines with minimal variance from the project objectives. Communicate all schedule variances to Tech Grove Management as soon as recognized, while providing a plan for recovery.
Develop and maintain social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X) content for advertising projects and providing real-time updates, which will need Tech Grove Management and Government Public Affairs Office (PAO) approvals. Develop and maintain project-related social media channels, ensuring active engagement and consistent messaging, again with proper approvals. Utilize HubSpot to manage and execute email campaigns, ensuring timely and relevant communication with customers and stakeholders. Analyze performance metrics for both social media and email campaigns, and recommend options for adjusting strategies to enhance outreach and engagement.
Oversee and coordinate the project team, ensuring all team members are aligned with project goals. Manage contracts with external vendors and suppliers, assigning tasks and ensuring they meet deliverables. Address obstacles that arise, proposing (to the Tech Grove Management ) and implementing approved strategic solutions.
Review project outcomes with Tech Grove Management to ensure all objectives and deliverables have been met. Complete all necessary organizational, contractual, and project documentation, as assigned. Conduct post-project analysis to assess successes and areas for improvement.