Program Manager II

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities: 

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is the largest of the seven regional autism programs in Florida. Funded through an annual legislative allocation, the center serves over 25,000 residents of central Florida on the autism spectrum across their lifespan through consultative individual and family support, training and technical assistance, and public awareness, with a mission of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.

CARD is a clinical service center within the College of Health Professions and Sciences.

The Opportunity:

The Program Manager II at the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) is a leadership role responsible for the design, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality programs for individuals with autism and their families. Working closely with the Center Director and clinical team, you will bridge the gap between clinical expertise and community impact, managing a diverse portfolio of activities across seven counties. You will serve as a key liaison to community partners, non-profits, and stakeholders to create an autism-friendly landscape through strategic planning and excellence in execution.

Responsibilities:

Program Development & Management:

• Develop and manage consistent community engagement initiatives, including programs, stand-alone activities, and events.

• Collaborate with ASD Specialists to ensure all programs are evidence-based, effective, and utilize clinical expertise to support client development.

• Manage project timelines, venue selection, registration processes, and curriculum sourcing.

• Operate programs within defined budgets, adhere to university policies, and support fundraising efforts as required.

Implementation & Quality Control:

• Recruit, supervise, and coach program facilitators and operational staff.

• Provide on-site logistical support at large events and programs throughout the community.

• Coordinate with appropriate internal offices for event approvals and processing.

Evaluation & Data Analytics:

• Implement feedback systems to monitor satisfaction and efficacy; identify obstacles and propose strategic adjustments.

• Analyze program data to assess the achievement of deliverables and grant outcomes.

• Prepare formal reports and presentations for the Center Director, Board, and external stakeholders to inform future decision-making.

Communication & Community Engagement:

• Represent CARD to the general public, local agencies, and potential funding sources.

• Support social media campaigns and write promotional materials (flyers, registration listings, etc.) in coordination with communications personnel.

• Act as the primary contact for the CARD Constituency Board and the Providing Autism Links and Support (PALS) board.

• Interface directly with families and participants, communicating specific needs back to clinical staff.

Strategic Collaboration:

• Meet regularly with leadership to align program execution with the Center's long-term goals.

• Develop new internal and external partnerships, including grants and collaborations with other university units to enhance client services.

• Work with ASD Specialists to guide participants toward the best-fit resources when specific program opportunities are unavailable.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree 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). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Education, Hospitality, or Nonprofit Management.

• Proven track record in high-impact community outreach, and/or previous experience in fundraising or donor relations.

• Demonstrated success in planning and executing signature programs and community events, underpinned by strong analytic thinking.

• Skilled in managing complex relationships with internal and external stakeholders and delivering professional presentations that drive community support.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities:

• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to pivot priorities in a fast-paced environment to meet strict grant deadlines and project milestones.

• Ability to work with a high degree of independence while maintaining a collaborative spirit within a multidisciplinary team.

• A record of project management that demonstrates creativity, efficiency, and proactive problem-solving with meticulous attention to detail.

• Strong command of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams), Adobe Creative Suite, and event registration platforms.

• Experience generating data-driven reports and high-quality presentations; familiarity with databases (e.g., FileMaker) and graphic design software is a plus.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft marketing materials and formal grant-related documentation.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

• This is a Contract and Grant (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.

• This position requires a Level 2 Background Check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Clearinghouse prior to employment. For more information, please visit the FDLE Clearinghouse: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

• Position requires a valid Class E driver’s license. This position may involve driving to various locations on and off campus to conduct University business. Frequent travel with personal vehicle in the Central Florida area (Volusia, Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole and Sumter counties), with mileage and toll reimbursement at state rate.

• The anticipated salary range for this position is $64,518 - $80,000. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

• Applicant must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, as sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as needed to support events and programs (Willingness and availability to work a varied schedule when needed).

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.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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.

Department

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM preferred with flexibility on weeks with weekend events.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$64,518.00 to Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

03-20-2026-12-00-AM

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. 

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

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