IT Project Manager II

Graduate and Research Information Technology (GRIT):

Graduate and Research Information Technology (GRIT) is the dedicated information technology organization supporting UCF’s research enterprise. GRIT delivers specialized technology services, enterprise solutions, and strategic guidance to faculty, staff, and research administration units across the university. Operating within the Office of Research, GRIT encompasses key functional areas such as research administration systems, data and analytics, application development, systems integration, and customer support.

GRIT partners closely with academic and administrative stakeholders through established governance structures and collaborative working groups to ensure that technology initiatives align with UCF’s research priorities. With a commitment to innovation, security, and excellent service delivery, GRIT advances the university’s mission by enabling efficient research operations, supporting compliance and reporting needs, and strengthening technology capabilities that empower discovery and institutional growth.

The Opportunity:

The GRIT team within UCF's Office of Research is seeking a dynamic IT Project Manager II to spearhead a variety of complex enterprise technology projects from initiation through implementation. Step into a pivotal role where strategy meets execution and innovation drives impact! The IT Project Manager II is responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, maintaining project documentation, mitigating risks, and ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with institutional goals.

Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional project teams to deliver defined project scopes within established timelines and budgets. Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, schedules, and work breakdown structures. Assemble and guide project teams by assigning responsibilities and securing necessary resources.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and thorough documentation throughout all phases of the project lifecycle. Serve as the primary liaison among stakeholders, including senior leadership, business units, and technical teams.
• Present project updates, risk assessments, and status reports to executive leadership and other key stakeholders.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks; escalate issues as needed to ensure project success. Monitor project budgets and capital procurement to ensure alignment with funding and compliance requirements.
• Manage vendor relationships and oversee contract deliverables, in coordination with procurement and legal teams.
• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and alignment of project portfolios with organizational priorities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 8 years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certification in project management, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) from PMI.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience leading complex IT or enterprise-level initiatives, serving in a hybrid role encompassing project management, business analysis, and/or technical functions.
• Proven experience resolving disagreements among peers and stakeholders through data driven analysis, structured discussion, and persuasive communication.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentation capability, the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and the confidence to articulate and defend recommendations under scrutiny.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder engagement in a technical or enterprise environment.
• Proven ability to develop and manage project documentation, budgets, schedules, and risk mitigation plans.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, JIRA, Azure DevOps, or similar platforms.
• Experience working within higher education, healthcare, government, or other large, complex, and decentralized organizational environments.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $85,000 to $94,000. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

This role requires the successful candidate to maintain residence within driving distance of UCF and be available to report to campus as needed. On-site presence for occasional meetings, special projects, and other business-related activities is an essential function of this role.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H‑1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 12 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills, and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance
• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

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The University of Central 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.

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer. 

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please email onac@ucf.edu.