Project Director (Hospitality Project Management Advisory)

Project Management Advisors, Inc. (PMA); San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement benefits

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. seeks a Project Director to join our Hospitality team in San Francisco, a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA.

You will lead complex hospitality projects from planning through activation, serving as a trusted advisor to clients and guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver value. We require 15+ years in real estate development or construction management, plus proven Owner's Representative experience, strong client relationships, and exceptional leadership and

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in real estate development, construction management, project management, or related fields.
• Experience as an Owner's Representative or Project Manager representing developers, owners, investors, or institutional clients.
• Proven success leading hospitality, hotel, resort, or mixed-use developments.
• Strong understanding of project controls, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Ability to manage multidisciplinary project teams and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary client and stakeholder contact through full lifecycle.
• Lead planning, design, construction, and activation for hospitality projects.
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams through all phases of development and construction.
• Develop budgets, schedules, and reporting tools.
• Oversee project controls, risk management, and execution processes.
• Support contract negotiations and consultant management.
• Mentor Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers.
• Contribute to business development through networking and proposals.

Skills

Client relationships

Leadership

Hospitality experience

Project management

Budgeting & finance

Risk management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Job description

Project Management Advisors (PMA), which is now part of Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), is seeking a Project Director to join our Hospitality team in San Francisco.

This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA.

The Opportunity

An opportunity for an experienced project management leader who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building strong client relationships, and is passionate about delivering hospitality projects that create exceptional guest experiences and long-term value.

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to deliver complex real estate and capital projects through strategic advisory and program management services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors (PMA), bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and end-to-end project delivery—from early-stage strategy through design, construction, and occupancy.

Our Hospitality team supports the development, renovation, repositioning, and expansion of hotels, resorts, mixed-use destinations, and hospitality-focused developments. We work closely with owners, investors, operators, designers, and contractors to deliver projects that enhance guest experiences while achieving operational and financial objectives.

As a Project Director, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and lead project teams through all phases of development, planning, design, construction, and project activation. You will be responsible for managing complex hospitality projects while ensuring alignment with client goals, schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.

How You'll Contribute

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients and project stakeholders throughout the full project lifecycle
• Lead planning, design, construction, and activation activities for hospitality developments, renovations, and capital improvement projects
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams through all phases of development and construction
• Guide projects through master planning, budgeting, pre-construction, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and occupancy planning
• Develop and maintain project budgets, schedules, and reporting tools to ensure successful project delivery
• Analyze development budgets, operating assumptions, cash flows, and project financial metrics to support client decision-making
• Provide strategic oversight of project controls, risk management, and project execution processes
• Coordinate design, construction, and consultant procurement activities
• Facilitate communication among owners, operators, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and public agencies
• Evaluate project risks, budget impacts, schedule changes, and value engineering opportunities
• Review construction documentation and oversee project sequencing and implementation strategies
• Support contract negotiation, administration, and consultant management activities
• Monitor project performance to ensure alignment with client objectives, schedules, budgets, and quality standards
• Lead project closeout, transition planning, and project activation efforts
• Mentor and support project management staff, including Assistant Project Managers and Project Managers
• Contribute to business development initiatives through networking, client relationship management, proposals, and interview participation

What We're Looking For

• 15+ years of experience in real estate development, construction management, project management, or related fields
• Experience serving as an Owner's Representative or Project Manager representing the interests of developers, owners, investors, or institutional clients
• Demonstrated success leading projects through all phases of planning, design, construction, and occupancy
• Experience managing hospitality, hotel, resort, or mixed-use development projects preferred
• Strong understanding of project controls, construction documentation, scheduling, and project sequencing
• Knowledge of development pro formas, project budgets, operating assumptions, cash flows, and key financial performance metrics
• Familiarity with value engineering strategies, construction methodologies, building codes, occupancy requirements, and lease considerations
• Strong organizational, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams and client relationships
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service and project outcomes

What Sets You Apart

• You are a proactive and strategic leader who takes ownership of outcomes
• You bring exceptional relationship-building skills and emotional intelligence to client and team interactions
• You have a polished executive presence and strong verbal and written communication skills
• You are confident in navigating complex projects and high-profile stakeholder relationships
• You approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• You demonstrate sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information
• You thrive in collaborative environments and are committed to mentoring and developing others
• You operate with integrity, professionalism, and a strong sense of accountability
• You are motivated by delivering exceptional projects and creating lasting value for clients

Why People Choose B&D

Impactful Mission

Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, heal, work, and connect.

Learning & Growth

We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.

Strong Culture

Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.

Robust Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, professional development support, paid time off, and more.

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $150,000-210,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, candidate abilities, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.