Program Manager

Paragon Em; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 159,500 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational management organization is seeking a Program Manager for the Los Angeles Unified School District. This role involves managing project planning, budget oversight, and community engagement in asset management programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in public agency program management with at least 10 years of experience. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management will be preferred. This position offers a competitive salary and requires submission of a resume and cover letter.

Qualifications

• 10 years of full-time experience in program and project management.
• 4 years of experience managing programs in a public or educational agency.
• Preferred experience with multiple concurrent education or public agency programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project planning and development activities.
• Manage financial closeout and review project documents.
• Develop funding strategies and proposals for new projects.

Skills

Project management

Budget development

Grant management

Construction management

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering or construction management

Job description

PROGRAM MANAGER

Program: Los Angeles Unified School District – Asset Management
Salary Range: $159.5K to $188.0K annual base salary plus benefits
Positions Open: One (1)

DUTIES

• Manages all aspects of project planning and development in programs, including Engineering and Construction; Technical Support; Bidding Strategy; Schedules; Budget; Funding source and allocations; Grants Management; Prioritization of Work; and Finalization and Closeout.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets complex project design and construction budgets, schedules, and costs to ensure conformance with authorized scope, time and dollar requirements.
• Supervises project planners in developing projects’ scope, schedule, and budget making sure that the goals and vision of the stakeholders are reflected.
• Develops funding strategies for each of the projects within a program, including leveraging funds with state match grants, private grants, and identifying non-profit partners, etc.
• Resolves or reduces cost overruns by performing value engineering.
• Reviews project data and develops executive reports for stakeholders and proposes new projects in specific programs as required.
• Manages the financial closeout of programs by ensuring project documents are finalized and financial reports have been reviewed and in accordance with the guidelines of the funding sources, following substantial completion.
• Acts as liaison and provides necessary documentation for closed-out projects under litigation and participates in depositions whenever necessary.
• Reviews and assess program strengths and limitations and makes recommendations for areas requiring improvement, including program reporting and process.
• Resolves technically complex issues for architects, engineers, and/or other lower-level project managers.
• Coordinates the formulation of policies and procedures related to Construction Programs, including the development of funding policies, requests for appropriation, and alterations and improvements to new programs.
• Coordinates and recommends updates to construction specification guidelines.
• Engages in community and stakeholder meetings regarding high profile projects, summarizes meeting agenda and prepares reports related to project progress for distribution.
• Participates in job meetings and job walks and reviews project documentation to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Maintains lessons learned in all programs and participates in providing training to staff for program and project improvements.
• Mediates conflicts between project staff with regards to scope, materials and other requirements and offers solutions; assists with dispute mediation between various project staff.
• Participates in change order negotiations and assists with contract review process.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Ten (10) years full time paid professional experience in the management and administration of various programs and projects under programs to include, scope development, planning and design, budget and funding allocation and close-out.
• Minimum four years’ experience in managing programs in a public or educational agency, with full responsibility for coordinating complex activities.
• Experience in managing multiple education or public agency programs concurrently is preferred

REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in architecture, engineering or construction management.
• Candidates who do not meet the education requirements may substitute experience on a yearfor- year basis

PREFERRED LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• A valid Certificate of Registration as an Architect by the California State Architectural Board or Professional Engineer by the State Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors
• A valid Construction Manager (CCM) credential by the Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI)
• LEED Professional Accreditation

RESUME SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline to submit resume:
Monday February 9, 2026 @ 9:00am (no late submissions accepted)
Please email cover letter, resume, and salary requirements: [e-mail]
Subject line: LAUSD Program Manager

Approximate Processing Time:
SHORTLIST: Within 1 week after deadline to submit resume.
INTERVIEW: Within 2 weeks after deadline to submit resume.
SELECTION NOTIFICATION: Within 3 weeks after deadline to submit resume.