Planning, Design, and Construction Senior Project Manager

University of Connecticut; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 124,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Connecticut seeks a Planning, Design, and Construction Senior Project Manager to oversee planning, design, and construction for major university capital projects at UConn Storrs. You will ensure scope, schedule, and budgets align with university requirements across multi‑phase programs.

You will coordinate with internal departments, external consultants, and regulators, directing design development, procurement, and field oversight while maintaining rigorous quality and safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with substantial experience in planning, design, or construction management of capital projects.
• 12 years of related experience, or 10 years with a Master’s degree, in planning, design, or construction management.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex multi‑phase projects.
• Knowledge of building codes, zoning, life safety, and ADA accessibility.
• Experience with contract administration, procurement, bidding, and contractor oversight.
• Experience budgeting, cost controls, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to interpret construction documents, drawings, specifications, and technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Develops or monitors budgets and schedules based on project requirements and capital budget requests.
• Accountable for project management aspects during planning, design, construction and turnover phases.
• Conducts meetings with stakeholders, internal staff, and external design/construction professionals.
• Liaises with University and State officials on planning, design, and budget matters as needed.
• Performs project data entry and reports in UPDC financial and tracking systems; supports status reporting.
• Oversees construction administration, paperwork processing, and payment approvals with backups.

Skills

Budget management

Stakeholder coordination

Project scheduling

Contract administration

Construction knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Bluebeam

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Planning, Design, and Construction Senior Project Manager

Location: UConn Storrs

JOB SUMMARY

This position manages one or several phases of capital project development, including planning, design, and/or construction at the University. Ensures project scope, design, schedule, and budget are being adhered to and adjusted when necessary to meet University requirements for major or large buildings, infrastructure, and site-improvement projects. This position is accountable for performing complex duties in the coordination and management of all phases of project development, including planning, design, and construction.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops or monitors budgets and schedules based on project requirements, assisting with developing or monitoring capital budget requests for projects related to major renovations and new buildings, deferred maintenance, interior fit-outs, site work, and utility and/or infrastructure projects.
• Accountable for aspects of project management on building, site, and utility renovations and/or installations during the planning, design, construction and/or turn-over phases of the project.
• Conducts and runs meetings with university stakeholders, internal department staff, and outsourced design and/or construction professionals for administered projects.
• Serves as a liaison with University and State officials in such matters as planning, capital budget, design, and construction, as appropriate, to carry out responsibilities. May represent the Project Director as designated.
• Performs/Supervises the preparation, accuracy and completeness and data entry of all information in UPDC financial and project tracking software including project status reports.
• Performs construction administration duties; directs the workflow and supervises the processing of administrative paperwork from bidding to construction completion, acceptance, and closeout; reviews paperwork for accuracy and adherence to policies and procedures. Reviews and approves payment requisitions with backups for consultants and contractors.
• Required to perform permitting and construction related activities including response to Requests for Information during bidding, addenda, and information during construction, shop drawing review, submittal approvals, and field observations of different site conditions, as required by construction administrators.
• Performs related duties, as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and 12 years of related experience in planning, design, or construction management of capital projectsOR Master’s degree in related field and 10 years of related experience in planning, design, or construction management of capital projects.
• Two (2) years of experience must be in the planning, design and construction of large, complex construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience managinglarge, complex, multi-phase projectswith significant budgets (e.g., $10M+).
• Demonstrated knowledge ofbuilding codes, zoning regulations, life safety codes, and accessibility standards(e.g., ADA compliance).
• Experience withcontract administration, including procurement processes, bidding, and contractor oversight.
• Experience managingproject budgets, cost controls, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
• Experience coordinating withmultiple stakeholders, including internal departments, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated ability tointerpret construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and technical reports.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional licensure or certification in a relevant field (e.g., Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge ofsustainable design and construction practices, including LEED, WELL, SITES or other green building standards.
• Experience with industry-standard tools such asAutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or Microsoft Project.
• Experience withenterprise systemsused in higher education (e.g., financial systems, project tracking platforms, CMMS).
• Demonstrated familiarity withenvironmental regulations, permitting processes, and sustainability compliance requirements.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $123,585 - $140,000. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits , including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbents must possess the physical ability to perform the required duties set forth above. May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

May be required to utilize ladders, scaffolding, high-lifts and enter confined spaces. May be required to report to the project work site to inspect and review issues near electrical equipment, rotating machinery, and other mechanical systems.

Must be able to regularly lift, hold, carry, pack, unpack, transport, and deliver materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to approximately 50 lbs. to and from job sites, storage, etc.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

Must have a valid drivers license.

This position is categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff. Candidates must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Must have a willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.