Assistant Manager, Capital Projects

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 67,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking an Assistant Manager, Capital Projects to help plan, design, and construct capital improvements across the university. You will support project management from inception through commissioning, coordinating with clients, consultants, and Facilities Management to ensure safety, schedule, and budget alignment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 2+ years of relevant experience, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Work requires Bachelor's Degree or related in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of design processes, construction methodologies, project management principles, and building systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, payment applications, and related project documents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to safely access and navigate active construction sites, including climbing ladders and inspecting work in progress.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist with the selection and management of architects, engineers, contractors, construction managers, and specialty consultants.

Skills

Project management

Reading drawings

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Contract/Construction knowledge

Site safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management

Master's degree preferred

Professional licensure preferred

Job description

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.

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:

• 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.
• Knowledge of design processes, construction methodologies, project management principles, and building systems.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, contracts, payment applications, and related project documents.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to safely access and navigate active construction sites, including climbing ladders and inspecting work in progress.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction, capital project management, or related fields.
• Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within higher education, healthcare, research, institutional, commercial, or industrial environments.
• Professional licensure in a related field.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, quality standards, and stakeholder expectations.
• Familiarity with evaluating change orders, design service requests, construction costs, and contingency funding usage.
• Experience preparing reports, presentations, and project recommendations for senior leadership approval.
• Knowledge of construction safety practices, site logistics planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working within occupied facilities and coordinating diverse stakeholder groups.

Why Duke?

At Duke, you'll contribute to projects that support world-class teaching, groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, and a vibrant campus community. You'll have the opportunity to grow your project management career while working alongside talented professionals who are committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $67,084.00 to USD $106,687.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).