In-House Project Manager, Design Development

Zeta Charter Schools; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness stipend

Therapy sessions

MacBook Air & phone reimbursement

Snacks & Nespresso machine

Team outings & Zeta swag

Job summary

Zeta Charter Schools in New York is seeking an In-House Project Manager, Design Development to lead architecture-driven facilities projects across our network. You will oversee SD, DD, and CD phases, coordinating with architects, engineers, and vendors to ensure design integrity.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s degree in a related field and 3–5 years of experience in architecture, engineering, or project management, with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a related field and 3–5 years of experience in architecture, engineering, or project management.
• Strong fluency in architecture, construction, and design processes; experience coordinating external designers, consultants, and vendors.
• Experience with project management systems (Smartsheet, Procore, MS Project) to drive organization and accountability.
• Ability to start projects at any stage, assess priorities and risks, and deliver structured work.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all buildings are built to design guidelines and specifications.
• Maintain and improve design guidelines and specifications guides.
• Support in RFPs for new facilities projects.
• Collaborate with architects to align SD, DD, CD with guidelines.
• Ensure projects are on time, within budget, and meet safety standards.
• Maintain a real-time log of all issues in an organized, scalable manner.
• Develop and maintain budgets and schedules; manage off-track items.
• Support scalable design and decoration of Zeta schools with building design consultants.
• Wear multiple hats in a lean startup environment.

Skills

Architecture knowledge

Project management

Coordination

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's Degree (related field)

Tools

Smartsheet

Procore

MS Project

Job description

In-House Project Manager, Design Development

Are you looking to make a BIG impact? At Zeta, we pursue an unprecedented combination of high academic achievement and social-emotional development for our students. We insist that every student receives a world-class education while fostering a love for learning. We are passionate about changing the landscape of public education in New York City and beyond, and we are uncompromising in our mission.

Currently, we operate multiple elementary and middle schools in the Bronx, Upper Manhattan , and Queens. We plan to grow and open 1-2 schools each year because children in every community deserve excellent, equitable education. Join our growing team today, and be a change agent for children.

Our Network office is located at 401 W. 218th St., New York, NY 10034. Our Network team follows a hybrid work schedule: we work in-person from our office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with optional remote days on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, if your team’s scope of work permits.

Deliver powerful results

To achieve our vision, we are searching for a In-House Project Manager, Design Development, with a Master’s Degree (related field is preferred, such as architecture, engineering, or project management), and at least 3-5 years of experience in architecture, engineering, or project management.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong fluency in architecture, construction, and design processes, with experience coordinating external designers, consultants, and vendors to drive projects forward
• Advanced project management and systems-thinking capabilities, including experience using platforms such as Smartsheet, Procore, or MS Project to drive organization, visibility, and accountability
• The ability to step into projects at any stage, quickly assess priorities and risks, and bring structure and clarity to fast-moving or ambiguous workstreams
• A balance of big-picture strategic thinking and hands-on execution, with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem solving

Responsibilities:

• Ensures that all Zeta buildings are built as beautiful, world-class, and joyful spaces for learning in accordance with our philosophy of design and design specifications
• Maintains and continuously improves Zeta’s design guidelines and specifications guides
• Supports in RFPs for Zeta’s new facilities projects
• Collaborates with architects to ensure that resulting Schematic Design (SD), Design Development sets (DD) and Construction Documents (CD) are 100% aligned to Zeta’s design guidelines and specifications, and optimized for our school model
• Ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the specified standards of excellence and safety for Zeta buildings
• Serves as the internal expert on all design documents and specifications and maintains a current and real-time log of all issues in an organized and scalable manner
• Develops and maintains project budgets and project schedules; proactively manages and raises issues for any off-track items
• Supports and executes scalable design and decoration of Zeta schools, in close coordination with Zeta’s building design consultant(s)
• Wear multiple hats as a part of a lean startup-up team, supporting the work of others on the team and taking on new projects and tasks as needed

Zeta teammates are lifelong learners who live with child‑like joy and a deep sense of purpose. We disrupt the status quo and tackle problems together. Our team stands united by our commitment to a limitless future for every child. Our Zeta team is comprised of top talent with incredible schooling and private sector experience. At Zeta:

• We are passionate about our mission of providing world‑class education to all students
• We bring a mindset of growth, flexibility, and openness to feedback
• We are hungry and determined to not only meet our goals, but surpass them
• We are humble, willing to put the team’s needs ahead of our own, and committed to contributing to a collaborative work environment
• We have a high bar for excellence and sweat over the details
• We are caring and put team over individual at all times

We are hiring for an immediate opening and onboarding on a rolling basis. The salary range for this position is between $90,000 and $110,000. New hires can expect to be brought into the organization at a salary at or near the start of the range, depending on relevant experience in architecture or project management and internal equity. Compensation is based on our salary scales. This position is eligible to receive an annual discretionary, merit‑based performance bonus.

How does Zeta invest in you?

We offer great benefits:

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, and vision plans
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible medical purchases and commuter expenses
• 403(b) retirement plan; Zeta offers matching contributions toward your savings
• Competitive compensation

We provide awesome perks:

• Monthly stipend for wellness and lifestyle expenses (gym memberships, salon appointments, concerts – it’s up to you!)
• 4 live therapy sessions per month through Talkspace and free Headspace subscription
• MacBook Air and specified monthly reimbursement for use of a mobile phone
• Fully stocked teacher workrooms with favorite snacks and Nespresso machine
• Zeta swag, team outings, and NYC’s finest sweet treats

We care deeply about your personal and professional growth:

• Clear pathway to professional growth
• Consistent feedback and support from managers and teammates
• Community Circle practice to build and strengthen our sense of team
• Interactive Mindfulness and DEIJ programming

Equity is at the heart of our mission. We have a deep commitment to pursuing diversity and striving for equity. Zeta is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Work authorization is required (candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the U.S.).