Project Manager III

Job Title

Project Manager III

Agency

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Department

Autonomy Research Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

TAMU-CC is a dynamic university designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority-Serving Institution (MSI) with approximately 11,000 students from 47 states and 54 foreign nations. We employ over 1,400 full-time and 2,000 part-time Islanders (including students/GAs). The University attracts highly talented faculty and staff and offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.  As a member of the Texas A&M University System, TAMU-CC benefits from a range of resources, increased visibility and influence, and opportunities to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways with peers across member institutions and associated agencies.

PURPOSE

The Project Manager III, under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Finance, manages large and complex project activities including developing and monitoring budgets, tracking project timelines, deliverables, and milestones, and preparing periodic evaluations, reports, and other project documentation. The position provides project management support for multiple concurrent initiatives that range from small to large in scope and complexity.

The Project Manager III possesses the knowledge, experience, adaptability, and professionalism required to effectively engage with the Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) executive leadership. The Project Manager III must demonstrate the ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and effective communication. As a member of ARI, this position contributes to a dynamic and fast-paced environment that requires a strong commitment to productivity, accountability, and service excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Management: 60%

• Develop, maintain, and monitor integrated master schedules for assigned projects, including contracts, grants, sponsored research, and other sponsored activities, while supporting pre-award planning and post-award project administration requirements.

• Manage project portfolios in alignment with organizational objectives and project management internal control guidelines throughout the project lifecycle.

• Tracks the status of projects regarding milestones and deliverables.

• Compile and analyze project and financial data, prepare reports, and present findings and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders.

• Support project delivery objectives by collaborating with contract personnel and applying best practices in vendor selection, contract administration, and project lifecycle management.

• Coordinate project activities, cost estimation, project controls, and close-out actives.

• Analyze project processes and recommend improvements and implementation strategies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

 

Financial Operations: 30%

• Ensure project activities, expenditures, and deliverables comply with applicable sponsor requirements, contractual obligations, institutional policies, and Texas A&M University System regulations.

• Support pre-award and post-award activities including proposal coordination, budget development, sponsor guideline review, and proposal routing in collaboration with principal investigators and research administration personnel.

• Assign and coordinate project tasks among internal teams and stakeholders while assisting with project scheduling, workload management, and resource allocation to support project objectives and deliverables.

• Develop, maintain, and analyze project performance databases and tracking systems to monitor project progress, budget utilization, grant performance, and achievement of key milestones and deliverables.

• Compile, analyze, and present operational, financial, project, and sponsored program information to support informed decision-making by the Assistant Director, Finance.

• Utilize project management and financial tracking tools to monitor project hours, budgets, expenditures, resource utilization, and project performance metrics.

• Identify and communicate project risks, funding concerns, and compliance issues; recommend corrective actions and address issues as needed.

• May serve as a primary point of contact for assigned projects and sponsored activities, communicating project status, timelines, deliverables, and funding requirements to project participants and stakeholders.

Administrative/Other: 10%

• Support coordination of activities with senior university leadership and external shareholders.

• Demonstrate sensitivity, discretion, judgement, and negotiation in operations and communications for ARI.

• Monitor and maintain detailed calendars, schedules, deadlines, reporting requirements, and key milestones for projects, grants, contracts, and operational activities.

• Assist in the development and monitoring of departmental budget planning.

• Prepare and interpret flowcharts, schedules, and step-by-step action plans.

• Prepare meeting agendas, record minutes, track action items, and coordinate follow-up activities for meetings led by the Assistant Director, Finance.

• Serve as a point of coordination for staff, project activities, and operational matters during the absence of the Assistant Director, Finance.

• Safely operate university vehicles/machinery.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field.

• Seven (7) years of experience in project management, program management, research administration, or sponsored project administration or related experience.

• Additional education may be used as a substitution for the minimum experience requirement:

  • Master’s degree in Business Administration or related field, and five (5) years of experience in project management, program management, research administration, or sponsored project administration or related experience.

  • Doctoral degree in Business Administration or related field, and three (3) years of experience in project management, program management, research administration, or sponsored project administration or related experience.

• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities and deadlines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Maintain valid driver license

• Experience in coordinating teams and clients

• Experience in project management, from conception to delivery

• Exceptional organizational skills, including multitasking and time-management

• Strong client-facing and teamwork skills

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database software (e.g., Smartsheet, Laserfiche, etc.)

• High level of articulation and professionalism

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving

• Ability to travel as needed

• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement 

• Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance

• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Project Management, or applicable field.

• Project Management Institute (PMI) Certification.

• More than seven (7) years of experience in project management, program management, research administration, or sponsored project administration.

• Previous hands-on experience with project management tools or similar.

• Experience with grant management, contract administration, sponsored research administration, and budget management.

• Extensive financial experience.

• Familiarity with aviation, autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), or related technology sectors.

• Experience working in higher education.

• Experience with pre-award and post-award sponsored project administration.

SALARY: $6,708.34 - $7,500.00 Monthly ($80,500.08 - $90,000.00 Annually, Approximately)

Note: ​Employment may be impacted by the Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025 and the moratorium issued by Texas Governor Abbott on January 27, 2026.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

From our generousbenefits packageand professional development opportunities, to our retirement programs and our commitment to service excellence, the Island University is an engaging and rewarding place to work.

INSURANCE:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM

ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Public Loan Forgiveness

• Book scholarships

• 100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year (other rules may apply).

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Time Off:

• 8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.

• 8 hours of sick leave time off every month.

• 8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.

• 12-15 paid holidays each year.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.