Design and Construction Project Manager

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, is seeking a Design and Construction Project Manager to guide multiple campus projects from planning through closeout. You will coordinate design teams, construction managers, and vendors, ensuring compliance with university standards and contracts.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage budgets, schedules, and risk, and experience with project management information systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field.
• Experience managing complex design/construction projects or programs up to $20 million preferred.
• Project management software experience (e.g., MS Project) and strong communication skills.
• OSHA 10 certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and lead assigned campus projects across scope, budget, schedule, and stakeholder coordination.
• Define delivery method, standards, and procedures for design and construction initiatives.
• Oversee design teams, construction managers/contractors, consultants, and vendors to meet objectives.
• Use project management information systems to monitor progress, budgets, and reporting.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to design, construction, safety, and code compliance.
• Support continuous improvement and enhance project management practices.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Leadership

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Project

AutoCAD

Revit

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.

• 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.
• OSHA 10 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