New Worlds Reading Operations Manager - University of Florida

Project Manager II

The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning’s mission is to improve the quality of teaching, learning, and childcare. We research, develop, and scale equitable educational innovations for adults and children that put all learners on trajectories for lifelong success. Specifically, the Center targets kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, and algebra proficiency as critical milestones in children's educational trajectory that are predictive of success in school and life. The Center works at the nexus of research, practice, and policy to develop sustainable systems that leverage educational technologies and improve the implementation of research-based practices. Housed in one of the nation's elite public research universities, the Center operates as a dynamic, entrepreneurial workplace focused on executing UF's service mission to strengthen the human condition and improve the quality of life. The Lastinger Center is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent by valuing diversity of thought, skill, and experience. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe in fostering environments where team members feel included, valued for their differences, and empowered to do their best work.

Responsibilities:

Project Operations and Logistics

• Support the process of defining project scope, timing, deliverables, resources, and key measures of success and prioritizing responsibilities.
• Develop and communicate a strategic project plan, including timelines and milestones, for stakeholders and team members.
• Create and manage all project-related tools, including project plans, timelines, communication channels, and internal asset management sites.
• Ensure adherence to high-quality standards, best practices, and UF policies and procedures.
• Create recommendations to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
• Facilitate the analysis and resolution of issues that impede project progress.
• Drive and execute strategies for operational efficiency and productivity.
• Create a risk management strategy to proactively and promptly identify, assess, and prioritize potential risks that could impact the project's objectives and then develop strategies to mitigate, avoid and manage those risks, and remove roadblocks that impede project progress.
• Troubleshoot challenges and address them as they arise providing implementation support to ensure consistency and efficiency

Management & Supervision

• Supervision of Operations team (Operations Coordinator, Senior Operations Specialist, Operations Specialists) providing project management support for all New Worlds Reading Operations.
• Effectively set and communicate project expectations to team members and stakeholders.
• Lead project meetings, developing and delivering progress reports, proposals, requirements documentation, and presentations.
• Proactively manage and communicate ongoing changes in project scope, identify potential crises, and devise contingency plans
• Lead the development of best practices and resource utilization to optimize project execution and success.
• Create and revise programs and policies including updating existing policies as well as creating new ones.
• Responsible for the monitoring and communicating project progress, changes in project scope, time, or budget.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with subject matter experts, Instructional Designers, Graphic Designers, and Communications team and other key team members to ensure seamless integration of Agile practices into the project workflow
• Foster collaboration and encourage a culture of learning and adaptation within the team.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to define roles, prioritize tasks, and track progress.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders through communication and proactive relationship management.

Other Duties as Assigned

    • Support executive leadership as requested

Hybrid work location policy:

Lastinger Center for Learning supports and promotes a healthy work-life balance. To achieve this, the Lastinger Center offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule that aligns with the university’s Flexibility in the Workplace Policy. Allowing employees to stagger arrival and departure times as necessary and to vary the number of workdays in the office so long as an employee’s FTE commitment is fulfilled within the university workweek. This policy also allows for occasional, incidental remote work based on individual circumstances.

Will travel for assigned business purpose minimally (1-2/quarter)

$85,000-$95,000

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

• 5 Years of Experience in project coordination and management
• PMP Certification or equivalent credential
• Experience in management/coordination of multiple tasks and projects within a cohesive system
• Strong relational, organizational, and communication skills

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.