<p>Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography</p> <p>Location: USF St. Petersburg campus</p> <p>Salary Plan: Administrative</p> <p>Job Code/Title: 9514 / Budget Director</p> <p>Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $75,000.00 - 95,000.00</p> <p>Position Number: 100015811</p> <p>Organizational Summary:</p> <p>The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is engaged in marine research, education, and resource management at the University of South Florida. FIO provides collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach for students and scientists across the state of Florida. The FIO currently operates a fleet of oceanographic research vessels and a marine facility (Keys Marine Lab) which supports and enables research and education across the state of Florida, offering unique opportunities for college level education and research studying marine ecosystems. FIO acquired the Research Vessel Western Flyer in November 2022, which will be used to expand upon educational and research activities through the use of the deep-sea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Taurus.</p> <p>For nearly half a century, Florida's coastline and marine life has been protected and monitored by the Florida Institute of Oceanography providing a shared resource across the State University System (SUS). The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an Institute of the University of South Florida (USF) encompassing a Consortium that consists of 35 members across the State. Established by the Florida Board of Governors, FIO provides support and shares marine science resources between the state's universities and private, nonprofit marine research entities. FIO operates the R/V Western Flyer, R/V Weatherbird II, R/V Hogarth and the Keys Marine Laboratory in Layton, Florida. The Keys Marine Laboratory (KML) is a full-service marine field station and a regional hub supporting academic, research, and restoration for the local, state, and international science communities since 1992. KML is a satellite campus for USF.</p> <p>Combined, these platforms have supported over 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students Statewide since 2009, allowing students to connect first-hand with scientific research conducted along Florida's coast. FIO operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with 34 institutions and agencies engaged in marine research, education and resources management, including all 12 public universities providing collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research and public outreach opportunities for students and scientists across Florida.</p> <p>Position Description:</p> <p>The FIO Budget Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial planning and resource stewardship functions across the Florida Institute of Oceanography. The role establishes fiscal policy, oversees multi-year budget development, manages reporting and compliance, and supports mission execution for research vessels, marine operations, education programs, and state-sponsored initiatives. This include:</p> <p>Leads annual and multi-year budget planning for vessel operations, marine science programs, capital projects, and administrative units. Develops revenue and expenditure forecasts; conducts scenario analyses to guide leadership decisions. Maintains internal budget controls and ensure appropriate cost allocation across vessels, projects, and funding sources. Produces monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for FIO leadership, USF, state agencies, legislative committees, and external partners. Monitors budget vs. actual performance; implements corrective actions and spending controls as needed. Oversees compliance with state regulations, USF fiscal policies, and grant/contract requirements.</p> <p>Supports the integration of sponsored research funding into FIO's financial plan. Coordinates with PIs, USF research administration, and partner institutions to ensure accurate budgeting, invoicing, and cost recovery.</p> <p>Analyzes vessel recharge rates and fee structures; recommends adjustments to maintain financial sustainability. Advises on long-term financial strategies for fleet modernization, dry-dock cycles, major repairs, and future vessel acquisitions. Support capital investment requests with cost-benefit analyses and life-cycle projections. Collaborates with the FIO leadership and partner institutions to align financial resources with operational requirements. Presents budget materials to the FIO Council, USF Finance units, and legislative stakeholders. Performs other duties as assigned.</p> <p>Working at USF</p> <p>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.</p> <p>About USF</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Compliance and Federal Notices</p> <p>This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.</p> <p>Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Equal Employment Opportunity</p> <p>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 affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.</p> <p>The FIO Budget Director provides strategic and operational leadership for all financial planning and resource stewardship functions across the Florida Institute of Oceanography. The role establishes fiscal policy, oversees multi-year budget development, manages reporting and compliance, and supports mission execution for research vessels, marine operations, education programs, and state-sponsored initiatives.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications:</p> <p>This position requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of five years related exempt experience, including two years of experience managing exempt-level employees.</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <p>Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, or related discipline. Experience with marine science or maritime operational budgeting (e.g., fleet management, research programs). Familiarity with USF financial systems and state legislative reporting expectations. CPA, CGFM, or similar credential. Demonstrated expertise in public-sector, higher-education, or research-organization budgeting. Proficiency with financial systems, forecasting tools, and data analysis. Strong knowledge of state regulations, grant requirements, and internal controls.</p> <p>Please provide the following documents when completing your application:</p> <ul> <li>Curriculum vitae / resume </li><li>A copy of most recent academic transcripts and/or valid professional credentials (i.e. licensures, certificates, etc.) </li><li>Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor). </li></ul> <p>The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.</p> <p>Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree.</p> <ul> <li>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. </li><li>SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements </li><li>A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed: </li><li>(a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; </li><li>(b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; </li><li>(c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; </li><li>(d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or </li><li>(e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree </li><li>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 and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. </li><li>Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities:</p> <p>35% - Manage annual and multiyear budget planning for vessel operations, marine science programs, capital projects, and administrative units budget that consists of varied fund types: E&G, auxiliaries, grants/contracts, and foundation. Effectively allocate financial, personnel, and technological resources to ensure financial planning that successfully aligns with FIO's strategic priorities and the mission of the unit. Maintain internal budget controls and ensure appropriate cost allocation across vessels, projects, and funding sources. Coordinate with PIs, USF research administration, and partner institutions to ensure accurate budgeting, invoicing, and cost recovery. Track costs using the appropriate performance metrics such as earned value, performance index, and variances to quantify budget resources and report to leadership. Monitor shifts in cash flow or increasing expenditures that will cause spend overflow. Use professional judgement to react to variances and/or re-implement the scope and/or devise corrective actions to ensure realignment to priorities. Responsible for FIO financial integrity and accountability.</p> <p>35% - Formulate operational objectives and implement budget allocations that align with the schedule and scope of the unit's prioritized goals. Utilize appropriate cost estimation methods to fine-tune and revise the forecast. Monitor budget vs. actual performance; implement corrective actions and spending controls as needed. Develop revenue and expenditure forecasts; conduct scenario analyses to guide leadership decisions. Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for FIO and USF Leadership. Oversee compliance with state regulations, USF fiscal policies, and grant/contract requirements. Provide regular financial and budget advice to Director and FIO Leadership Team.</p> <p>15% - Manage employees, including Fiscal & Business Analyst, Fiscal & Business Specialist, Unit Research Administrator. Oversee and implement operational procedures and practices for finance and business operations. Maintain position inventory, assign new position numbers, and monitor vacancies to ensure fiscal/budget goals for staff expenses are met. Manage travel processing, reimbursements, pcard transactions, foundation payment requests and deposits, supplier entry requests, contract execution, public solicitations, and procurement processing.</p> <p>10% - Serve as a member of the FIO Leadership Team. Articulate and implements budget strategy, rationale, and expected outcomes. Communicate extensively with the university system-wide budget office and campuses colleges and departments on budget matters. Present budget materials to the FIO Council, USF Finance units, and legislative stakeholders. Serve as primary liaison for audits and financial reviews.</p> <p>5% - Performs duties as assigned.</p>