Project Manager I

George Mason University; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 96,300 - 117,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid annual leave

Free tuition: up to 12 credit hours

Commuter Choice Transit Benefit

Virginia Retirement System benefits

Job summary

George Mason University is seeking a Project Manager I in Fairfax to lead complex capital projects from programming through closeout.

You will coordinate with academic units, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure compliant design and construction with GMU standards. Strong communication and contract management skills are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Significant experience with facilities project management in design and construction.
• Experience as Project Engineer directing Design and Construction Contracts.
• Experience in selecting, negotiating, and managing professional services contracts.
• Knowledge of architecture/engineering/construction management and design/construction process.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and communicate effectively.
• Valid driver’s license meeting Mason Vehicle Use Policy 1411.

Responsibilities

• Identify users' capital and non-capital needs and develop scope, budget, and schedule for projects.
• Develops project scope of services and coordinates RFQ/proposal, administration of A/E contracts.
• Manage programming and design to maximize user goals and meet criteria and design standards.
• Coordinate with Facilities Contracts and A/E for bids; manage construction phase activities.
• Manage permits, submittals, inspections to meet project schedule.
• Serve as primary contact with academic and business units; update progress.
• Maintain project files, prepare schedules and budgets, and document decisions.

Skills

Project management

Contract negotiation

A/E contracts

Construction management

Communication skills

Driver's license

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Job description

Department: Facilities & Campus Operations

Classification: Architect/Engineer 1

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience (Max -$107,000 non-negotiable)

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

Eligibility

Employees in this position are required to operate university vehicles in accordance with George Mason University Vehicle Use Policy 1411. Applicants must possess and maintain an active, valid driver’s license that satisfies university requirements. Final candidates are subject to a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) review, and successful completion of the review is a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

Capital Planning

• Works with Capital Planners or Business Units to identify users' capital and non‑capital needs, including new programmatic and renewal requirements for buildings and infrastructure.
• Develops scope, budget, and schedule for capital projects.

AE Selection & Contract Administration

• Develops project scope of services as required on assigned projects and coordinates with contracts for solicitation of RFQ or proposal request; issuance of contract or task order.
• Participates in A/E selection as requested. Maintains a working knowledge of A/E contractual responsibilities (including the requirements outlined in the contract MOU and CPSM), and administers A/E contracts for all assigned projects through design and construction.
• Promptly addresses A/E performance issues if performance does not meet contractual obligations; and
• Facilitates A/E dispute resolution.

Programming/Design Phase

• Manages programming and design of assigned capital projects to ensure that A/E design submittals maximize the users' program goals and are compliant with the project's authorization criteria, Mason's Higher Education Capital Outlay Manual, Campus Master Plan and Design Guidelines and Construction Standards.
• Implements recovery actions when activity delays impact the design completion date.
• Manages the Value Engineering process of assigned projects.
• Works to resolve conflicting program requirements, design review comments, and budget concerns.
• Performs design and constructability reviews and leads construction phasing and logistics planning for assigned projects.
• Coordinates work efforts of institutional organizations such as interior design, environmental graphic design, information technology, access control, and environmental health, safety, and risk management to ensure that program objectives, institutional design and construction standards, regulatory requirements, the project schedule requirements, and the project budget are achieved.

CM Selection and Bidding

• Coordinates with Facilities Contracts and A/E to develop requests for CMR proposals or bid solicitations.
• Participates in CMR or GC selection process as requested.
• Construction Contract Administration. Provides leadership and works closely with project team to manage construction phase activities of assigned projects.
• Visits project site(s) regularly to assess progress and quality of work.
• Identifies design or construction issues that are impacting schedule and works with A/E, contractor, and others to resolve.
• Promptly addresses CM or GC performance issues if performance does not meet contractual obligations.
• Administers all construction phase contracts including, but not limited to, construction/CM, construction testing/inspection, independent scheduling, and other consultants. Ensures that programmatic required design changes are issued to the contractor for pricing and implementation in a timely fashion. Works with A/E to identify, negotiate, and recommend approval of construction change orders.
• Reviews change orders, Schedule of Values, design/construction schedules, monthly project reports, and monthly pay requests.
• Facilitates contractor dispute resolution.

Permitting & Inspections

• Develops a thorough understanding of permitting requirements. Manages permit submission, review, and approval process with BCOM and/or local permitting authorities as required to ensure timely receipt of permit.
• Manages submission of all required submittals for timely regulatory review by the appropriate agency.
• Ensures inspections occur at appropriate intervals during construction progress.
• Ensures issuance of certificate of occupancy or closing of permit to meet project schedule.

Communication & Management

• Serves as primary point of contact with academic and business unit representatives for assigned projects throughout the duration of the project.
• With academic and business unit representatives, develops project objectives, program requirements, schedule requirements, and a project budget.
• Informs client user(s) of responsibilities at the beginning of the design process.
• Periodically updates the client on design/construction progress.
• With support from in‑house designers, assists user(s) during design and construction in developing FF&E requirements and understanding the procurement process.
• Works closely with the user(s) to determine FF&E requests that may require design modifications.
• Working with the project team, assists user(s) in developing a plan for building move‑in and occupancy.
• In support of project goals, coordinates with all constituents needed to support the completion of assigned projects, including but not limited to: utility providers, commissioning, inspection services, shop support, outside vendors or consultants, move coordinators, interior designers, coordination of IT, AV, data and voice communications service and installation.

Project Schedules, Budgets, and Records

• Ensures maintenance of project files in project management software, including timely uploading of documents, completion of templates, and management of project approvals for budget, contracts, and schedules.
• Leads the preparation of the project schedule and project budget using established templates.
• Prepares minutes of project meetings or ensures completeness and accuracy of meeting minutes prepared by consultants or contractors. Ensures documentation of all decisions by user groups and stakeholders.
• Presents updates at project review meetings. Continually monitors project schedules and budgets and notifies the Director if schedule overruns or budget shortfalls are likely to occur.
• Recommends strategies to mitigate possible budget shortfalls and/or schedule overruns.
• Periodically reviews project file folders to ensure that the documentation is being filed promptly and in accordance with established office procedures.
• Manages the closeout of assigned projects.
• Other related duties as assigned. Supports the supervisor and project manager in completing other related duties and reports as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Significant experience with facilities project management in design and/or construction, preferably with large‑scale projects for institutional clients such as institutions of higher education.
• Experience as Project Engineer directing Design and Construction Contracts with demonstrated independent decision‑making.
• Experience in selecting, negotiating, and managing professional services contracts.
• Demonstrated knowledge of architecture/engineering/construction management and the design and construction process.
• General knowledge of furniture acquisition/installation; data, power, and telecom coordination; and building commissioning.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities/actions with desired results.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to read and understand documents, plans, and specifications.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with associates, subordinates, contractors, and the University community.
• Valid driver’s license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 (https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/). The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience with Design‑Bid‑Build required.
• Experience with Design‑Build and/or Construction Management at Risk delivery methods.

Benefits

• Paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two‑week winter break (subject to annual approval).
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development.
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit.
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan.
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more.
• Health/dental/vision benefits.
• Tuition dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Project Manager I at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a resume for review.

EEO & Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/