University of South Florida in
Program Director Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO)
University of South Florida in, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, 33739
Program Director Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) (Finance)
The Program Director coordinates, manages, and monitors the science activities across the Florida Center of Excellence Research Grants Program (FLRACEP)-funded Centers of Excellence at the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). This position assists the FIO Director and the external FLRACEP Program Management Team in fulfilling the mission objectives as defined under the RESTORE Act as applicable to the FLRACEP established and defined in section 1605, RESTORE Act of 2012.
The Program Director consistently demonstrates organizational and communication skills; engages with colleagues in academia, Federal, state and local government agencies, and industry to identify emerging research needs and design and execute research programs; and facilitates the application of research findings and products to address challenges confronted by coastal and natural resource planners, managers, regulators and marine industries in the Gulf of America. This position ensures program tasks and activities are aligned with the service mission of the FIO. While the position is focused on FLRACEP science activities and guidance, this position will regularly develop new state-wide science initiatives that brings the full capacity of the FIO membership to bear on issues critical to the State of Florida and by leveraging the membership's ocean science and technology capacity around the gulf coast states.
This position reports directly and serves at the pleasure and discretion of the Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the FLRACEP Program Management Team. The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) ensures sustained excellence in marine research and education through the advancement and availability of infrastructure, development of partnerships, and the enabling of outcomes that benefit the citizens of Florida, the United States, and the global community.
About the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) A University of South Florida institute housed at the College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, Florida, FIO facilitates and enables ocean science and education through the convening power of its 34-member consortium and through the resourcing of field-based activities. The research vessels R/V Western Flyer, R/V Hogarth, R/V Weatherbird II, and the land-based Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) support thousands of undergraduate and graduate students statewide over the past decades.
The FIO also resources ocean science in the Gulf of Mexico through the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act; Subtitle F of Public Law 112-141) Center of Excellence Program. The Act established the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury Department and designates FIO as the Gulf Coast Entity that administers the Center(s) of Excellence for Florida.
This position also coordinates and manages large multi-institutional and public-private ventures, leveraging the membership's ocean science and technology capacity across the state, addressing pressing issues such as water quality, fishing, habitat loss, climate change and sea level rise.
Minimum Education & Experience
Demonstrated experience in business, program management, science, or technology relevant to coastal ecosystems and restoration.
Familiarity with the Gulf Coast Region and its environmental and research landscape.
Senate Bill 1310: The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree;
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deep understanding of coastal sustainability, fisheries, and ecosystem monitoring.
Ability to evaluate scientific proposals and strategic plans.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of federal grant processes and RESTORE Act guidelines.
Working Conditions
Primarily remote with periodic in-person meetings (at least annually).
Participation in teleconferences, webinars, and ad hoc meetings as needed.
Supported by FLRACEP staff for logistics, communications, and documentation.
Environment: Typical indoor environment/office setting.
Physical Requirements: climbing, standing, stooping, and/or typing; ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed.
Travel: Ability to travel to other USF campuses and/or other locations as requested.
Working at USF 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.
About USF 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. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). 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.
Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In consultation with the FIO Director and external FLRACEP Program Management Team, develop and set strategic research priorities, goals, and objectives for the FLRACEP that address the mandated program mission as defined in section 1605 of the RESTORE Act of 2012.
Coordinate technological, scientific, and research related activities and actions of the Centers of Excellence (CoE) grantees.
Support and conduct public scoping that engages stakeholders in goal setting as necessary; develop and release Request(s) for Proposals based on strategic priorities set by the Program Management Team and the needs of the FLRACEP program.
Engage with colleagues in academia and stakeholders in Federal, state and local government agencies, and industry to identify emerging research needs, recommend and design and execute future research programs, funding competitions, and partnerships to address them.
Develop and oversee new state‑wide science initiatives that bring the full capacity of the FIO membership to bear on issues critical to the State of Florida.
Facilitate the application of research findings and products to address challenges confronted by coastal and natural resource planners, managers, regulators, and marine industries in the Gulf of America.
Ensure program tasks and activities are aligned with the service mission of the FIO.
Communicate and collaborate with partners at various levels to share and leverage program activities and results.
Serve as primary liaison between FIO and the Department of Treasury's Office of Gulf Restoration, sponsor agency for FLRACEP; serve on state and federal commissions, committees, and panels relevant to the FIO; and develop and maintain outreach tools and activities to disseminate program results to stakeholders.
Represent FIO and the FLRACEP CoE grantees in Gulf‑wide coordination activities with other programs funded to support Gulf research and restoration (e.g., Gulf of Mexico Restoration and Science Programs Coordination Forum, Center of Research Grant Program coordination group (CERGP)).
Develop and enact procedures for evaluating and demonstrating progress of all research program funded activities; evaluate effectiveness of any CoE long‑term monitoring research programs; facilitate program assessment and required reporting; establish and submit required reports that integrate all program activities, including semi‑annual report to Treasury and annual report to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council; monitor grantees/sub‑grantees meet required compliance requirements as defined in 2 CFR 200; conduct quarterly reviews, site visits, or perform other monitoring practices as necessary.
Coordinate process for Science Review Panel and Program Management Team to evaluate proposals; draft Award sub‑agreements to meet Treasury and FIO standard terms and conditions; monitor FLRACEP program and CoE's conflict of interest for compliance; develop and maintain a Program Information Management Plan/system that describes how the program will handle project information and datasets resulting from science and technology projects; prepare and review intermediate and final reports for accuracy and relevance to stated objectives to ensure accountability for all program activities; develop, implement, and maintain a Data Management Plan that meets Treasury's terms and conditions.
Coordinate with FIO's Office of Administration and Finance on grants management and performance; create and submit applications to Treasury for Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund for additional awards and reporting; jointly participate in FLRACEP audits.
Supervise a team of science coordinator(s).
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director and PMT.
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The Program Director consistently demonstrates organizational and communication skills; engages with colleagues in academia, Federal, state and local government agencies, and industry to identify emerging research needs and design and execute research programs; and facilitates the application of research findings and products to address challenges confronted by coastal and natural resource planners, managers, regulators and marine industries in the Gulf of America. This position ensures program tasks and activities are aligned with the service mission of the FIO. While the position is focused on FLRACEP science activities and guidance, this position will regularly develop new state-wide science initiatives that brings the full capacity of the FIO membership to bear on issues critical to the State of Florida and by leveraging the membership's ocean science and technology capacity around the gulf coast states.
This position reports directly and serves at the pleasure and discretion of the Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the FLRACEP Program Management Team. The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) ensures sustained excellence in marine research and education through the advancement and availability of infrastructure, development of partnerships, and the enabling of outcomes that benefit the citizens of Florida, the United States, and the global community.
About the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) A University of South Florida institute housed at the College of Marine Science in St. Petersburg, Florida, FIO facilitates and enables ocean science and education through the convening power of its 34-member consortium and through the resourcing of field-based activities. The research vessels R/V Western Flyer, R/V Hogarth, R/V Weatherbird II, and the land-based Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) support thousands of undergraduate and graduate students statewide over the past decades.
The FIO also resources ocean science in the Gulf of Mexico through the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act (RESTORE Act; Subtitle F of Public Law 112-141) Center of Excellence Program. The Act established the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund in the U.S. Treasury Department and designates FIO as the Gulf Coast Entity that administers the Center(s) of Excellence for Florida.
This position also coordinates and manages large multi-institutional and public-private ventures, leveraging the membership's ocean science and technology capacity across the state, addressing pressing issues such as water quality, fishing, habitat loss, climate change and sea level rise.
Minimum Education & Experience
Demonstrated experience in business, program management, science, or technology relevant to coastal ecosystems and restoration.
Familiarity with the Gulf Coast Region and its environmental and research landscape.
Senate Bill 1310: The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree;
(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree;
(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree;
(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree.
Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer.
Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deep understanding of coastal sustainability, fisheries, and ecosystem monitoring.
Ability to evaluate scientific proposals and strategic plans.
Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
Knowledge of federal grant processes and RESTORE Act guidelines.
Working Conditions
Primarily remote with periodic in-person meetings (at least annually).
Participation in teleconferences, webinars, and ad hoc meetings as needed.
Supported by FLRACEP staff for logistics, communications, and documentation.
Environment: Typical indoor environment/office setting.
Physical Requirements: climbing, standing, stooping, and/or typing; ability to lift up to 20 lbs as needed.
Travel: Ability to travel to other USF campuses and/or other locations as requested.
Working at USF 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.
About USF 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. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). 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.
Compliance and Federal Notices This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of South 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
In consultation with the FIO Director and external FLRACEP Program Management Team, develop and set strategic research priorities, goals, and objectives for the FLRACEP that address the mandated program mission as defined in section 1605 of the RESTORE Act of 2012.
Coordinate technological, scientific, and research related activities and actions of the Centers of Excellence (CoE) grantees.
Support and conduct public scoping that engages stakeholders in goal setting as necessary; develop and release Request(s) for Proposals based on strategic priorities set by the Program Management Team and the needs of the FLRACEP program.
Engage with colleagues in academia and stakeholders in Federal, state and local government agencies, and industry to identify emerging research needs, recommend and design and execute future research programs, funding competitions, and partnerships to address them.
Develop and oversee new state‑wide science initiatives that bring the full capacity of the FIO membership to bear on issues critical to the State of Florida.
Facilitate the application of research findings and products to address challenges confronted by coastal and natural resource planners, managers, regulators, and marine industries in the Gulf of America.
Ensure program tasks and activities are aligned with the service mission of the FIO.
Communicate and collaborate with partners at various levels to share and leverage program activities and results.
Serve as primary liaison between FIO and the Department of Treasury's Office of Gulf Restoration, sponsor agency for FLRACEP; serve on state and federal commissions, committees, and panels relevant to the FIO; and develop and maintain outreach tools and activities to disseminate program results to stakeholders.
Represent FIO and the FLRACEP CoE grantees in Gulf‑wide coordination activities with other programs funded to support Gulf research and restoration (e.g., Gulf of Mexico Restoration and Science Programs Coordination Forum, Center of Research Grant Program coordination group (CERGP)).
Develop and enact procedures for evaluating and demonstrating progress of all research program funded activities; evaluate effectiveness of any CoE long‑term monitoring research programs; facilitate program assessment and required reporting; establish and submit required reports that integrate all program activities, including semi‑annual report to Treasury and annual report to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council; monitor grantees/sub‑grantees meet required compliance requirements as defined in 2 CFR 200; conduct quarterly reviews, site visits, or perform other monitoring practices as necessary.
Coordinate process for Science Review Panel and Program Management Team to evaluate proposals; draft Award sub‑agreements to meet Treasury and FIO standard terms and conditions; monitor FLRACEP program and CoE's conflict of interest for compliance; develop and maintain a Program Information Management Plan/system that describes how the program will handle project information and datasets resulting from science and technology projects; prepare and review intermediate and final reports for accuracy and relevance to stated objectives to ensure accountability for all program activities; develop, implement, and maintain a Data Management Plan that meets Treasury's terms and conditions.
Coordinate with FIO's Office of Administration and Finance on grants management and performance; create and submit applications to Treasury for Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund for additional awards and reporting; jointly participate in FLRACEP audits.
Supervise a team of science coordinator(s).
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director and PMT.
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