Assistant Manager, Capital Projects

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke is seeking an Assistant Manager, Capital Projects to shape the university’s physical environment by delivering capital projects that support education, research, healthcare, and campus operations. You will manage smaller projects, coordinate with clients and consultants, and ensure delivery within budgets and schedules.

You will work from inception through commissioning and closeout, collaborating with multiple stakeholders to meet university goals and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Requires Bachelor's Degree or related in Architecture, Engineering, ConstructionManagement, or equivalent experience in design and construction.
• Experience: 2 years of progressively responsible design/construction/project management experience or a master’s degree; university setting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning, design, and construction of assigned capital projects from concept to completion.
• Meet with clients and stakeholders to identify requirements, priorities, funding needs, locations, and schedules.
• Develop capital project approval submissions for presentation to University leadership.
• Coordinate project committees and ensure adherence to Facilities Management processes and approvals.
• Collaborate with Planning & Design, Utilities & Engineering, Operations, Administration, Schools, Centers, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with selection and management of architects, engineers, contractors, and specialty consultants.
• Develop scopes of work, budgets, and schedule expectations for procurement activities.
• Review design deliverables and monitor consultant performance to achieve project objectives.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Job description

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Date: Aug 3, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Assistant Manager, Capital Projects, you will play a key role in shaping Duke's physical environment by helping deliver impactful capital projects that support education, research, healthcare, and campus operations. Working alongside project leaders, clients, consultants, contractors, and Facilities Management partners, you will help transform ideas into high-quality, sustainable spaces that advance Duke's mission.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires Bachelor's Degree or related in Architecture, Engineering, ConstructionManagement, or equivalent experience in design and construction.

Experience

Requires either two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction, and project management related duties and activities, or a master's degree in a related field. Experience in project management in a university setting or related institutional facilities is desirable. A professional license and master's degree in a related field, along with additional years of relevant experience, are preferred. Should have educational and/or working experience which demonstrates knowledge and competency with building projects involving all building trade divisions. Experience working in a research, educational facility, or related commercial or industrial facility is preferred. Familiarity in coordinating multiple interest groups and stakeholders is important. Ability to work within complex phasing constraints and within existing densely-built facilities environments is a plus.

Be Bold.

As the Assistant Manager, Capital Projects, you will support the planning, design, and construction of capital improvement projects across the University. Reporting to a Director or Assistant Director of Project Management, you will independently manage smaller and less complex projects while supporting larger and more complex initiatives led by senior project management staff.

From project inception through commissioning, occupancy, and closeout, you'll help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with University goals, budgets, schedules, and quality expectations.

What You'll Do:

Lead Project Planning & Client Engagement

• Coordinate the planning, design, and construction of assigned capital projects from concept through completion.
• Meet with clients and stakeholders to identify project requirements, priorities, funding needs, locations, and schedules.
• Assist in developing capital project approval submissions for presentation to University leadership.
• Coordinate project committees and maintain adherence to Facilities Management processes, procedures, and approval requirements.
• Collaborate with Planning and Design, Utilities and Engineering Services, Operations, Administration, Schools, Centers, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Manage Consultants & Contractors

• Assist with the selection and management of architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, and specialty consultants.
• Develop scopes of work, budget parameters, and schedule expectations for project procurement activities.
• Solicit and evaluate proposals to identify the best combination of quality, cost, and schedule performance.
• Support contract review activities to help ensure the University receives the required services while minimizing risk and protecting institutional interests.
• Foster collaborative relationships between clients, consultants, contractors, and Facilities Management teams.

Oversee Design & Construction Activities

• Review design deliverables and monitor consultant performance to ensure project objectives, scope, schedule, and quality standards are achieved.
• Monitor construction activities to confirm work is completed according to approved plans, specifications, University standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Help ensure facilities are attractive, durable, sustainable, functional, and code compliant.
• Coordinate project meetings and proactively address issues that could impact project delivery.
• Support contractor compliance with construction safety requirements and safe work practices.
• Develop and implement solutions to keep projects moving forward when challenges arise.

Manage Project Budgets & Schedules

• Assist in managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, financial records, and project documentation.
• Prepare project status updates, schedule reports, and financial reports for clients and leadership.
• Coordinate financial transactions associated with assigned projects.
• Review invoices, payment applications, and change orders and recommend approval based on verification of completed work.
• Monitor project expenditures and contingency usage while communicating project financial performance to leadership.
• Ensure compliance with University procurement and financial management requirements.

Support Project Administration & Closeout

• Coordinate permitting activities, zoning requirements, utility shutdowns, and project-related approvals.
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assist with project commissioning, occupancy coordination, and final closeout activities.
• Ensure documentation is complete and project objectives have been successfully achieved.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.