Design and Construction Project Manager

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Design and Construction Project Manager to lead multiple design and construction initiatives on campus. You will coordinate design teams, construction managers, and vendors, ensuring projects meet contract requirements, standards, and schedules.

The role emphasizes stakeholder communication, risk management, and adherence to university policies, with a focus on safe, efficient delivery and continuous improvement across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Experience managing complex design and construction projects and/or programs up to $20 million.
• Previous experience with project management, information systems, and software.
• OSHA10 certification.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead assigned projects across the customer portfolio - managing scope, budget, schedule, execution, and stakeholder coordination to ensure successful completion.
• Define project delivery method, execution parameters, standards, policies, and procedures for design and construction initiatives.
• Manage the selection and oversight of design teams, construction managers/contractors, consultants, and vendors to achieve project objectives and customer expectations.
• Execute design and construction projects utilizing the Office of Physical Plant project management information system.
• Monitor project progress, team performance, budgets, cost estimates, value engineering efforts, change orders, and project reporting.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with design, construction, safety, environmental health, code compliance, and schedule impacts; develop contingency plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, owner standards, and University policies by project teams and contractors.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and actively contribute to unit efforts that enhance project management effectiveness, team performance, and work execution methods.
• Utilize available technology to improve project communication and efficiency
• Engage with OPP and University leadership on projects requiring senior-level approval and oversight.
• Monitor market and industry trends to evaluate and implement innovative project delivery and construction practices.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Interpersonal skills

PMIS familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

OSHA10 certification

Tools

Software experience

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Physical Plant Design and Construction is seeking applicants for a Design and Construction Project Manager to join the team! The Design and Construction Project Manager (PM) supports the OPP Design and Construction (D&C) mission of transforming the physical campus environment at Penn State through strategic planning, thoughtful design, quality construction, and the development of great teams. The PM is also rooted in the values of quality, safety, innovation, efficiency, and respect. The position will manage multiple projects of varying magnitude, providing support through planning, design, construction, and closeout while leading stakeholder communication through all project phases. This PM position requires the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and work independently while coordinating with various teams and resources to ensure the final product meets the requirements of the contract documents and the University’s design and construction standards. The successful candidate must have excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.

Job Responsibilities:

• Direct and lead assigned projects across the customer portfolio - managing scope, budget, schedule, execution, and stakeholder coordination to ensure successful completion.
• Define project delivery method, execution parameters, standards, policies, and procedures for design and construction initiatives.
• Manage the selection and oversight of design teams, construction managers/contractors, consultants, and vendors to achieve project objectives and customer expectations.
• Execute design and construction projects utilizing the Office of Physical Plant project management information system.
• Monitor project progress, team performance, budgets, cost estimates, value engineering efforts, change orders, and project reporting.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with design, construction, safety, environmental health, code compliance, and schedule impacts; develop contingency plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, regulations, owner standards, and University policies by project teams and contractors.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and actively contribute to unit efforts that enhance project management effectiveness, team performance, and work execution methods.
• Utilize available technology to improve project communication and efficiency
• Engage with OPP and University leadership on projects requiring senior-level approval and oversight.
• Monitor market and industry trends to evaluate and implement innovative project delivery and construction practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Experience and demonstrated ability to manage individual complex design and construction projects and/or programs up to $20 million is strongly preferred.
• Previous experience with project management, information systems, and software.
• OSHA10 certification

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Design and Construction Project Manager - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

If filled as Design and Construction Project Manager - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $122,016.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom - it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.