Associate Director of Project Initiatives, Engineering (Finance)

Position Title: Associate Director of Project Initiatives
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Department: Engineering Dean's Office
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College: College of Engineering
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Supervisor: Dean
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Job Code: 9517
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Pay Grade: EX12032E
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Salary Range: $81,889 - $100,000
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Classification: Associate Director
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Position Number: 330105371Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of related exempt-level experience, including 2 years managing exempt-level employees.
• Equivalent experience may substitute for education per Florida Senate Bill 1310 guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree and 5+ years of directly relevant experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience in higher education administration, strategic planning, and budget management.

Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.Position Summary:

The College of Engineering (CoE) at The University of South Florida seeks a dynamic and experienced Associate Director of Project Initiatives to support the Dean in advancing the college's strategic and operational priorities. As one of the most complex academic units on campus, the CoE comprises 11 degree programs, 617 departments, and several interdisciplinary centers and research institutes.

Reporting directly to the Dean, this position will serve as a key advisor and strategic partner, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and execution of initiatives across the college. The role requires a high level of discretion, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on strategic planning and long-term initiatives.
• Coordinate and manage the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with college goals and budget.
• Facilitate internal and external communications on behalf of the Dean.
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Director of Development to support Advisory Council engagement and public relations efforts.
• Oversee planning and follow-up for leadership meetings, retreats, and special projects.
• Respond to high-level, sensitive inquiries directed to the Dean's Office.
• Represent the Dean in meetings with university leadership, faculty, and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.