Director, Project Management

Columbia University; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University is seeking a Director, Project Management within Planning and Capital Project Management to oversee a broad portfolio of capital projects across campus locations. You will supervise staff, coordinate with senior leadership, and ensure projects meet budgets, schedules, and quality standards.

The role manages 30–40 projects ranging from modest upgrades to multi‑hundred‑million‑dollar ventures, collaborating with stakeholders, design professionals, and contractors to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the planning, design and construction sector, managing multiple complex projects, ideally including several years of managing capital projects in vacant and occupied New York City buildings.
• Strong working knowledge of the full project life cycle, including planning, design, and construction.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, develop, and mentor staff.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable building codes and regulations, building systems (including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and envelope systems), as well as construction project management practices.
• Proficiency with digital technologies, workflows, and industry tools such as MS Project, BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, and Power BI.
• Ability to work effectively in a client-facing service environment while exercising sound discretion and judgment.
• Ability to support the development and implementation of process improvements related to administration, management, communication, and project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with senior staff and a broad range of institutional stakeholders, including senior administrative and academic officers, faculty, researchers, funding clients, end users, and internal administrative and academic units
• Oversee assigned portions of the University’s capital project portfolio and supervise a staff of up to six internal project managers, as well as design professionals, consultants, and contractors, in the execution of the full project life cycle, including planning, development, design, construction, and closeout, in accordance with institutional policies and objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Manage 30 to 40 projects within the assigned portfolio, ranging in value from $50,000 to more than $350 million, from inception through completion. Ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards for all assigned capital projects and maintain communication with relevant clients and internal and external stakeholders
• Provide full design management for assigned projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, external project participants, and clients to support the successful delivery of the project portfolio

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction

Tools

MS Project

BIM

Revit

AutoCAD

Power BI

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $200,000 - $215,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Planning and Capital Project Management is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, design, and construction of capital projects primarily on Columbia University’s Morningside Campus, the Baker Athletic Complex, and the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory campus. In collaboration with University partners and Facilities Operations departments, including Construction Business Services and Communication, Finance and Administration, Facilities Operations, Real Estate, and Public Safety, the department manages approximately 130 construction projects annually with a total value of approximately $350 million.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Capital Project Management, the Director, Project Management provides strategic and operational leadership for an assigned portion of the University’s capital project portfolio. The Director works closely with senior University leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners to oversee the successful planning, design, construction, and closeout of projects of varying size and complexity. This role is responsible for supervising project management staff and ensuring that assigned projects are delivered in alignment with University goals, regulatory requirements, budget parameters, schedule expectations, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with senior staff and a broad range of institutional stakeholders, including senior administrative and academic officers, faculty, researchers, funding clients, end users, and internal administrative and academic units
• Oversee assigned portions of the University’s capital project portfolio and supervise a staff of up to six internal project managers, as well as design professionals, consultants, and contractors, in the execution of the full project life cycle, including planning, development, design, construction, and closeout, in accordance with institutional policies and objectives, industry standards, and regulatory requirements
• Manage 30 to 40 projects within the assigned portfolio, ranging in value from $50,000 to more than $350 million, from inception through completion. Ensure adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards for all assigned capital projects and maintain communication with relevant clients and internal and external stakeholders
• Provide full design management for assigned projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, external project participants, and clients to support the successful delivery of the project portfolio

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in the planning, design and construction sector, managing multiple complex projects, ideally including several years of managing capital projects in vacant and occupied New York City buildings.
• Strong working knowledge of the full project life cycle, including planning, design, and construction.
• Excellent time management, interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise, develop, and mentor staff.
• Strong working knowledge of applicable building codes and regulations, building systems (including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and envelope systems), as well as construction project management practices.
• Proficiency with digital technologies, workflows, and industry tools such as MS Project, BIM, Revit, AutoCAD, and Power BI.
• Ability to work effectively in a client-facing service environment while exercising sound discretion and judgment.
• Ability to support the development and implementation of process improvements related to administration, management, communication, and project delivery.

Other Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• An advanced degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction, along with supplemental certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, or construction management certifications;
• Registered and/or Professional Certifications such as AIA, LEED AP, PMP, or equivalent construction management credentials;
• 15+ years combined professional experience in Architecture, and/or Engineering with Construction delivery;
• Extensive professional and industry experience;
• The ability to work effectively in a dynamic, challenging, and continually evolving environment with multiple stakeholders;
• An executive presence, strong organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize project related tasks and goals while managing complex projects across different job sites.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.