Project Manager for Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute (OADII) (Project Management)

The Project Manager for OADII will be responsible for ensuring all day-to-day, short, and long-term projects / operations, set by the Director of Sustainment and Modernization, are handled on time and to specification.  The Project Manager will work with OADII's Director of Sustainment of Modernization, project Principal Investigator, and affiliated OU faculty and staff, to ensure research and funding opportunities are set to task and internal faculty teams and Institute projects are led and managed with excellence. The Project Manager will lead the execution of the sustainment and modernization research and development program, a multi-million-dollar initiative that will utilize metal additive manufacturing (AM) to revolutionize the sustainment of aircraft and engines at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex (OC-ALC), with the potential to manufacture the required parts on-site for maintenance and repair. The Project Manager should be eligible to possess a security clearance from the U.S. Department of Defense. 

Typical Functions May Include:

• Project Management: Manages all phases of a project from inception to completion.
• Manages major projects and interface with all customers (internal and external), OADII senior leadership, and staff of the Gallogly College of Engineering.
• Manage day-to-day aspects of the project, including task/schedule management, issue resolution/escalation, and communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Conducts project reviews to ensure that product elements meet all contractual and business requirements.
• Manage budget, equipment and supply acquisition, and ensure that laboratory has the infrastructure and resources required to perform its role.
• Monitors progress on strategic plans and reviews; preparing and completing action plans; implementing production, productivity, and quality.
• Plans, manages, and executes all external communications and supervises laboratory tours and VIP visits. 
• Assist all laboratory Research Associate Professors with the execution of day-to-day mission objectives, development of research proposals, and provides liaison services with internal and external partners.
• Forecasts budget requirements and scheduling expenditures, analyzing variances, and initiating corrective actions.
• Interpret Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements, as needed, and lead work directly with staff from the staff of the Office of the Vice President of Research and Partnerships.
• Provide monthly budget, schedule, and project status summaries/updates to leadership as prescribed by the project Principal Investigator and Director of Sustainment of Modernization.
• Monitor and manage facility-based service plans and equipment preventive maintenance schedules.
• Provide active tracking tools and risk management summaries for all projects designated by senior leadership.
• Monitor department timelines to ensure resources are available and applied appropriately to achieve desired performance goals in a timely manner.
• Provide timely information to executives and senior leadership.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

This position is contingent on sponsored funds, which are anticipated through June 2028.

Required Education: Bachelor's degree, AND: 

• 60 months experience managing/leading multiple projects.

Equivalency/Substitution:  Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of the bachelor's degree for a total of 108 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information.
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty, and staff.
• Able to produce reports and complete work within deadlines.
• Sound reasoning and decision-making ability; strong analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills including verbal, written and presentation skills for internal and external customers.
• Ability to work both independently and with interdepartmental teams on various initiatives.
• Must have proficient professional writing skills for drafting correspondence, summaries, and other required reports.
• Develop and refine the program's scope in response to evolving organizational and industrial requirements.
• Inclusive management style: Experience in leading and motivating team members and be comfortable with raising issues and developing solutions in a timely manner.
• Proficient in all Microsoft suite of applications.

Certifications:

• None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

• Must engage in repetitive motions and communicate effectively.  
• Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
• Ability to communicate, including expressing oneself or exchanging information with others.
• Ability to use a computer daily.

Departmental Preferences:

• Experience in Project Management, Business, or Engineering field.
• 3-5 years or 60 months of project or operations management experience.
• Certified as a Project Management Professional.

Supervision: None

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy.  To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma fosters an inclusive culture of respect and civility, belonging, and access, which are essential to our collective pursuit of excellence and our determination to change lives. The unique talents, perspectives, and experiences of our community enrich the learning, and working environment at OU, inspiring us to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, and health care services that the University operates or provides.