Project Manager, National Security Data & Policy Institute - Environmental Security Technology Certification Program

The National Security Data & Policy Institute (NSDPI) at the University of Virginia seeks candidates for a Project Manager for a multi-year project with the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), USACE Engineering With Nature scientists and engineers, and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Viginia Security Corridor Sentinel Landscape team (regulatory and research) to develop adaptive infrastructure for natural hazards and threats that impact the training and readiness of Department of Defense in the Mid-Atlantic region.

This is anticipated to be a 5-year research and development effort working toward implementation of significant keystone infrastructure projects that can mitigate natural hazard impacts to the operations and readiness of DoD installations in the mid-Atlantic region. The initial phase (20-months) will focus on design research for hazard adaptation technologies in support of military installations impacted by erosion, storms, and flooding. Upon successful completion of the first phase, two additional stages will refine the concepts and work with private sector partners identified in stage one to prepare for implementation, including permitting, refined costing, and analysis of implications at scale.

The Project Manager will be responsible for conducting and managing research activities to meet an intensive schedule of project deliverables. They will serve as the day-to-day manager of project operations, coordinate with the project team (internal and external), manage research and project development milestones, create drawings and records of the project work, and coordinate travel. This role reports to the Research Program Director.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing work effort for multiple large-scale research tasks
• Coordinate with co-PIs to develop design research questions and project approach
• Oversee project management and workflows to meet an intensive schedule of deliverables
• Provide weekly or monthly project updates to the Research Program Director
• Implement project change requests from the Sponsor
• Coordinate with and oversee subcontractors, industry experts, and Subject Matter Experts
• Contribute to the development and implementation of research protocols
• Collaborate with internal (UVA) and external researchers and partners
• Visualize and report data findings creatively in a variety of visual formats
• Supervisory responsibilities for three Project Coordinators working at on-site locations
• Design and Planning report generation (layout, design, writing and leadership)
• Oversee production of slide decks and presentations
• Present research findings at conferences and professional meetings
• Assist in the training and mentorship of student researchers
• Coordinate with the NSDPI administrative personnel
• Assist in the training and mentorship of student researchers
• In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant professional experience to include Project Manager level experience in a licensed Landscape, Architecture, or Engineering Firm
• Licensure: Professional Landscape Architect (PLA/ RLA) strongly preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years of Project Manager level experience in a licensed Landscape, Architecture or Engineering Firm
• Drafting and graphic representation skills, including the ability to manage document set production in AutoCAD
• Leadership role in securing federal permitting (404, 408, Nation-wide Wetland Permits, etc.) as part of a design project during your time with a licensed Landscape, Architecture or Engineering Firm
• Experience producing a Program Management Plan (PMP) for the United States Army Corps of Engineers
• Demonstrated strong quantitative and computational skills
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to collaboratively work with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders
• Working knowledge of US national security enterprise
• Experience or familiarity with foreign policy and international affairs
• Possession of or eligibility to be granted USG security clearance

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

The anticipated hiring range is $125,000-$145,000, commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits .

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. The initial period of performance on the anchor research project is through January 2028, with options for renewals.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed on-site, with a negotiable flex schedule after the first two months. In-person attendance at meetings and events will be required throughout the year.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA .

Application review will begin afterMay 26, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online , by searching for requisition number R0083517. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• Document Set Example
• Client Presentation Example
• Graphic portfolio (10 MB max)

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

Job Profile
J2283 - Research Program Administration Management 1

Career Stream and Level
Management-M1

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .