Project Manager - Higher Education

About This Role

Project Manager in Higher Education takes on the responsibility of an owner's representative for construction projects within colleges, universities, and research institutions. The role involves acting as the owner's on-site representative, ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This position offers significant growth potential and is suitable for individuals with experience in construction project management who are looking to transition into or further their career in owner's representation.

Responsibilities

• Act as owner's representative with primary responsibility for academic buildings, research facilities, student housing, campus infrastructure, and multi-building capital programs
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of the project including budget, schedule, quality, and compliance with client standards
• Review and process RFIs, submittals, and change orders, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks
• Coordinate with architects, contractors, and other project team members to meet objectives and resolve issues
• Assist in the submission of regulatory documentation and approvals related to state higher education construction requirements, campus master plans, and institutional standards
• Prepare status reports, meeting minutes, and presentations that give stakeholders clear insight into project health
• Coordinate punch lists, O&M documentation, and warranty materials for project closeout

Requirements

• 5+ years of construction project management experience
• Experience managing higher education facilities, including laboratories, libraries, student centers, and residential halls through planning, design, construction, and closeout
• Solid understanding of construction contracts, drawings, specifications, and cost management
• Proficiency with project management software (Procore, e-Builder, or similar) and MS Office/Bluebeam
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel to project sites as assignments require
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field

Nice to have:

• Familiarity with state higher education construction requirements, campus master plans, and institutional standards
• Owner's representative or program management background (vs. GC-side only)
• CCM, PMP, or LEED AP certification

Benefits

• Mentorship from experienced owner's representatives and program managers
• Diverse project experience across colleges, universities, and research institutions
• A clear path to senior roles as the firm grows
• Exposure to AI-powered project management tools that make your job easier, not harder