Portfolio Manager I

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Portfolio Manager I supports the prioritization and progression of IT requests through USF's intake and governance processes. They contribute to maximizing impact by helping make work visible, supporting clarity, and reinforcing process quality. In this role, they assist in identifying and tracking valuable work, coordinating governance activities, and escalating issues that may block progress. They are learning to activate flow and decision-making by supporting experienced Portfolio Managers, while helping others improve the quality of requests and increase alignment to USF's strategic goals. This role is pivotal in enabling and operating lean-agile delivery, supporting the Agile Transformation Office’s (ATO) efforts to provide agile training, coaching, tools, and governance. The position works closely with Product Managers and Release Train Engineers (RTEs) to enhance agile practices and align with SAFe principles.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

Located in the vibrant and diverse Tampa Bay region of Florida’s gulf coast, the University of South Florida (USF) is a Preeminent State Research University with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. Rated as one of the top places to live in the U.S., Tampa Bay offers a high quality of life, year-round sunshine, and easy access to top-rated entertainment. USF is one of the nation’s largest public universities, serving more than 50,000 students with an annual budget of $1.8 billon. Over the past five years, USF has been the fastest-rising university in the nation, public or private, on the U.S. News and World Report's list of best universities, which it ranks as the 44th best public university in America.

USF is proud to be an innovating partner within the Tampa Bay region, listed by Forbes as the top emerging tech city in the country. 

USF Information Technology (USF IT) provides technology services and support for the University of South Florida. The IT team, led by the Vice President and CIO, provides the following services: Administrative Services, Client Support, Communication Services, Teaching and Learning, Analytics and Reporting, Mobile and Web Services, Consulting Services, Cybersecurity Service and Research Technologies. For more information, please visit: Information Technology | University of South Florida (usf.edu)

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR APPLICANTS: The selected candidate must have current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

USF offers GREAT BENEFITS to full time employees!!

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Various Retirement Options, including 401K employer match
• Tuition Assistance (available for yourself, spouse, partner or dependent)

For more information about your total compensation package and other USF benefits, please visit: Work at USF

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:

• Flow Leadership: Ensures the consistent flow of requests by applying portfolio management standards with primary accountability for the process from request initiation through prioritization. Utilizes metrics in accordance with ATO standards (such as Flow Time) to keep requests consistently moving through the portfolio.
• Portfolio Governance: Ensures that requests meet standards based on governance as they enter and exit processes within the portfolio. Support facilitation of governance events (e.g., backlog reviews) and help document decisions and ensure resolution of action items.
• Coaching & Enablement: Provide coaching to support stakeholders of and roles involved in the processes for requests within the portfolio to be approved and prioritized. Maintain standardized documentation and templates for artifacts that are part of the processes to manage requests through
  the portfolio.
• Portfolio Reviews & Continuous Improvement: Prepare data and materials for Portfolio Reviews. Document key outcomes and help track follow-up actions. Support retrospective activities by gathering feedback and identifying minor improvements.
• Strategic Relationships & Communication: Maintain intake tracking systems and help prepare reports and status updates. Respond to stakeholder questions with timely updates under supervision.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, or an IT-related field, OR 4 years of IT or project management experience, or a combination of relevant experience and education.

SOFT SKILLS:

• Communication
• Collaboration
• Organization 

 

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. 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.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

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.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

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.

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 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.