Senior Administrator - Senior Project Manager

Wake County Public School System; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Public School System is hiring a Senior Project Manager to oversee facility capital improvement projects in Cary, NC. This role involves ensuring compliance with Board of Education policies, maintaining project schedules and budgets, and coordinating with school staff. The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related fields and five years of experience. This position supports a hybrid work schedule and requires effective leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5 years of directly related experience in project management or construction.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and schedules for construction projects.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Represent the interests of WCPSS in capital improvement projects.
• Maintain construction project schedules and budgets.
• Coordinate with administrators to execute construction work.

Skills

Project management software

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or Building Construction

Tools

OSHA knowledge

Building automation software

Spreadsheets

Database software

Job description

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Project Manager

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Facilities Design & Construction (FD&C)

LOCATION

Crossroads III, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Administrator Band 3

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends). Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek.

Position Purpose

Represents the interests of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) in the administration of facility capital improvement projects to ensure compliance with the procedures and policies of the Board of Education. Coordinates with school administrators and other staff as required to execute construction work and minimize disruption to school operations. Maintains construction project schedules and budgets, applying sound business principles and innovative methods to reduce costs. Uses the available data systems to effectively manage work and track performance.

Minimum Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of personal computers, including proficiency in spreadsheets, database, project management software, and building automation software.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
• Sufficient leadership skills in supervision of general construction as a contractor or owner’s representative.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills; organizational skills.
• Ability to be proactive and apply technical knowledge to improve deliverables, providing attention to detail to minimize errors.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to accurately read, interpret, and comply with WCPSS and departmental procedures.
• Ability to work well within a team environment that values an open exchange of ideas.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse group of stakeholders (e.g. design professionals, contractors, inspectors, principals, teachers, parents, other school system staff).

Education, Training, and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or Building Construction; AND
• Five years of directly related experience; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Certification and License Requirements

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of North Carolina requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with planning and on‑site construction of large capital improvement projects;
• Experience in one of the following areas of concentration: Building Automation Systems, mechanical/HVAC construction, general construction;
• Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification or other project management certification/training.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepares project budget, management plan, and contracts; participates in coordination of alternative locations for school staff and students during the pre‑design phase.
• Participates in review of design documents for compliance with Design Guidelines and the review of construction cost estimates for adherence to project budget; obtains agency approvals as required during the design phase (e.g. Department of Insurance, Department of Public Instruction, local municipalities).
• Coordinates preparation of documentation for bid process; oversees bid review and prepares recommendations for Board approval.
• Reviews contractor schedule and regularly monitors progress; attends job site meetings and visits site, as required, during the construction phase.
• Monitors change order log and status reports; processes project pay applications and change orders for construction.
• Conducts ongoing quality control inspection of projects to ensure compliance with Design Guidelines, contract documents, codes, and regulations.
• Maintains technical records and files in accordance with department procedures.
• Coordinates delivery of Owner‑furnished items with appropriate personnel (e.g. Technology Services, Security, Child Nutrition Services, etc.); obtains Certificate of Occupancy and other agency approvals.
• Monitors completion of punch‑list; obtains certificate letters and warranties from contractors and design consultants; obtains as‑builts and final documents/manuals during the closeout and warranty phase.
• Processes final pay applications from contractors and design consultants.
• Reconciles and closes out purchase orders in association with current projects.
• Schedules eleven‑month warranty inspections and monitors completion of any warranty‑related work.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Work Environment/Physical Requirements

This position operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff and staff members of external agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment. Will need to travel to construction sites on a frequent and unscheduled basis.

Effective Date

6/2024

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.