Senior Project Manager

ZipRecruiter; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 125,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in higher education project management seeks a Senior Project Manager to oversee complex capital projects. The role involves leading project teams, managing client relationships, and ensuring quality execution. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience and a strong commitment to excellence.

Benefits

100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription insurance

Vision coverage

401(k) contributions

Paid time off

Cell phone reimbursement

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience managing large-scale capital projects.
• Strong familiarity with construction delivery methods and QA/QC practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of higher education capital projects.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise multiple project teams and junior staff.
• Manage all aspects of client relationships and business development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Budgeting

Vendor Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, real estate, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

We’re Hiring a Senior Project Manager – Join B&D and Help Shape the Future of Higher Education

B&D was named a 2024 Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development – Four Years Running!

Are you motivated, intellectually curious, and ready to take the next step in a challenging and rewarding career? Do you thrive in a high-performance environment where collaboration,
and continuous learning are at the center of the culture? If that sounds like you, you may be a great fit for Brailsford & Dunlavey.

We’re seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee and manage complex capital projects in higher education. This position can be remote for candidates residing in the continental U.S., with a preference for those in the Central Time Zone.

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Project Manager at B&D, you’ll lead multi-phase, multimillion-dollar construction and planning assignments on university campuses and in similar institutional settings. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to our clients, guiding them through the design and construction process, managing teams, and helping shape capital programs that align with long-term institutional goals.

In this role, you will:

• Oversee a portfolio of higher education capital projects, ensuring technical quality, timely execution, and exceptional client experience.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise multiple project teams and junior staff.
• Manage all aspects of client relationships—from scope development and financial oversight to final delivery.
• Represent B&D as the primary point of contact and trusted strategic partner on each engagement.
• Engage in business development through proposal support, relationship building, conference attendance, and thought leadership.
• Participate in internal initiatives, including recruitment, onboarding, and R&D efforts to strengthen firm-wide methodologies.

What We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience, leadership presence, and a commitment to excellence in the built environment. We’re looking for a confident communicator and strategist ready to lead complex work and support others in doing the same.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, real estate, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience managing large-scale ($30M+) or complex, multi-phase capital projects.
• Experience advising on or managing design and construction contracts.
• Familiarity with performance measurement tools for design and construction.
• Prior experience leading and developing a small team.
• Strong familiarity with construction delivery methods, QA/QC practices, and regulatory approval processes.
• Excellent skills in project budgeting, financial reporting, and vendor management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• A valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel up to 33% of your time.
• Strong presentation, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to operate independently while engaging collaboratively across teams.

Why B&D?

At B&D, we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen our communities. Whether it’s a new student union, stadium, or innovation district, our work makes a real and lasting difference.

What we offer:

• A career with purpose and impact.
• A workplace that supports learning, mentorship, and professional development.
• A culture driven by entrepreneurship, collaboration, creativity, curiosity,
  and an unrelenting drive for excellence.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription insurance for employees and their children.
• Additional benefits include vision coverage, 401(k) contributions, paid time off, and cell phone reimbursement and more!

Let’s Build Something That Matters

If you’re excited to help shape the future of higher education while building a meaningful and rewarding career, we encourage you to apply. We’re looking forward to meeting you.

This role’s estimated base annual salary range is $125,000-145,000. Pay scales are determined by role, seniority level, location, and market data (e.g., industry standards and regional salary reports). Individual pay is assessed through interviews, considering factors such as job-related skills, experience, education, certifications, and internal pay equity.

Brailsford & Dunlavey 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 , , , , or expression, , , genetics, , , or veteran status.

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