Program Manager Jobs in Lakeland, FL (NOW HIRING)

The Department of Microbiology invites applications for a Program Manager II, a key administrative role supporting the Department Chair's Office. This position is ideal for a highly organized, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in a dynamic academic environment and enjoys managing a wide range of responsibilities with initiative, discretion, and care.  In this role, you will contribute directly to the department's research, service, and educational missions by ensuring smooth daily operations, anticipating needs, and supporting faculty, staff, and leadership. We are seeking someone who brings strong technical skills, excellent communication, and the emotional intelligence needed to build positive working relationships across a complex organization.   

Responsible for administratively managing a large or complex University program or multiple programs. Provides input in the development of program plan and objectives with responsibility for achieving objectives within defined parameters. Typically supervises small staffs and are responsible for long range planning. Responsibilities include budgeting, networking/public relations, technical training and assistance, grant and report writing. May handle regulatory responsibilities, contract submissions and identify research funding. May handle event planning and oversight of construction projects. 

Under minimal supervision, the Program Manager II provides diverse and complex administrative support to the Department of Microbiology, the Department Chair, and the Executive Administrator. This role requires independent judgment, initiative, and professionalism, particularly when working with sensitive information and high-level internal and external contacts.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Serving as Department Equipment Accounting Officer, managing approximately $14M in departmental equipment 
• Preparing and submitting the annual departmental space survey (approximately 530 rooms / 77,000 sq. ft.) 
• Coordinating travel, itineraries, and reimbursements for the Department Seminar Series (36 internal and external speakers, September-May, plus three endowed lectures) 
• Organizing faculty recruitment visit itineraries and assisting with onboarding new faculty 
• Overseeing department equipment cores, including preventive maintenance agreements and payments 
• Monitoring Education Fund expenditures and supporting lab space optimization 
• Managing the reservation calendar for two departmental conference rooms 
• Serving as a liaison between laboratories and Employee Health  Safety, Facilities, and Maintenance 
• Supporting department events, committees, surveys, and special projects as needed  

Salary Range: $51,270 - $83,300

Bachelor's degree in a related field and five (5) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement. 
 

Preferred:

• Experience working for complex or academic organizations 
• Event and program coordination experience - advanced administrative proficiency 
• Bachelor's degree in related fields: anything business/operations related, operations, management, communications, general studies, sociology, psychology, English, history, political science, any science-adjacent field if paired with admin or research administration.
• Previous experience working in or supporting a scientific research laboratory 

Skills/Competencies: 

• Excellent email and calendar management, scheduling, and travel coordination 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including document review 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, set deadlines, and anticipate next steps
• High level of organizational skill, discretion, and attention to detail 
• Proficiency with office software and willingness to learn new systems
• Professional judgment and adaptability in a fast-paced environment  
• Results-driven and dependable, with strong planning and follow-through 
• Emotionally intelligent, flexible, and service-oriented  
• Calm under pressure with the ability to resolve issues independently 
• Collaborative relationship-builder with excellent interpersonal skills

Physical and Work Environment Requirements:

This position involves regular movement throughout departmental and campus facilities, including walking between buildings and standing for extended periods during events. The role requires the ability to assist with event setup and logistics, including occasional lifting or transporting of materials related to seminars, meetings, and departmental activities. These functions are considered essential to the role and can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.