Senior Administrator- Senior Project Manager, Strategic Projects

Wake County Public Schools; United States; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Public School System is seeking a Senior Project Manager-Strategic Projects in the FD&C group. The role oversees facility capital improvement projects, maintains schedules and budgets, and coordinates with school staff to minimize disruption.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and multiple years of experience in construction or facilities management. A hybrid telework schedule is expected, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, facilities management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Prepares project budget, management plan, and contracts; coordinates alternate locations during pre-design.
• Reviews design documents for compliance with guidelines and evaluates cost estimates.
• Coordinates bid documentation; oversees bid review and board recommendations.
• Monitors contractor schedules; attends job-site meetings during construction.
• Tracks change orders and processes pay applications.
• Performs quality control inspections and maintains project records.

Skills

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Google Apps

OSHA knowledge

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Procedures compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in CM/Engineering/Architecture/Facilities Mgmt/Business

Five years relevant experience

Associate degree + 7 years experience

High school diploma + 10 years experience

Combination of education and experience

Tools

Construction management software

Building automation software

Database software

Job description

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Project Manager-Strategic Projects

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)

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point; Google Apps;
• Working knowledge of computers and common office software, with the ability to learn project management, database, construction management, and building automation software used by WCPSS;
• Knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements;
• Demonstrated experience coordinating or supervising construction, maintenance, repair, renovation, or building-system work as a contractor, owner’s representative, facilities/maintenance and operation employee, inspector, supervisor, foreman, or similar role;
• 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 clearly and concisely communicate project information, both orally and in writing, to staff, contractors, consultants, school administrators, and other stakeholders;
• 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 groups of stakeholders (e.g. design professionals, contractors, inspectors, principals, teachers, parents, other school system staff).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, facilities management, business administration, or a related field; AND
• Five years of progressively responsible relevant experience; OR
• Associate degree or technical/trade education in a related field; AND
• Seven years of progressively responsible relevant experience; OR
• High school diploma or equivalent; AND
• Ten years of equivalent combination of education, training, trade experience, and relevant professional experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position; OR
• A 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 in general construction, facilities maintenance and operations, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, building automation, site work, security, roofing, building envelope, or life-safety systems;
• Experience planning or coordinating capital improvement, renovation, repair, or maintenance projects in occupied facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Prepares project budget, management plan, and contracts; participates in coordination of alternative locations for school staff and students during the pre-design phase.
2. 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).
3. Coordinates preparation of documentation for bid process; oversees bid review and prepares recommendations for Board approval.
4. Reviews contractor schedule and regularly monitors progress; attends job site meetings and visits site, as required, during the construction phase.
5. Monitors change order log and status reports; processes project pay applications and change orders for construction.
6. Conducts ongoing quality control inspection of projects to ensure compliance with Design Guidelines, contract documents, codes, and regulations.
7. Maintains technical records and files in accordance with department procedures.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Processes final pay applications from contractors and design consultants.
11. Reconciles and closes out purchase orders in association with current projects.
12. Schedules eleven-month warranty inspections and monitors completion of any warranty-related work.
13. 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, but on occasion may require lifting or carrying something like an 8-foot ladder, which could weigh around 20–25 pounds. The position requires the ability to navigate active construction sites, including walking and standing for extended periods, climbing stairs, traversing uneven or unfinished surfaces, and ascending and descending various types of ladders in accordance with applicable safety requirements. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment. Will need to travel to construction sites on a frequent and unscheduled basis.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/2026

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.