Senior Project Manager

Washington State University; United States; On-site; USD 93,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation leave

Medical & dental insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition waiver

Training & development

Job summary

Washington State University’s Office of Research seeks a Senior Project Manager to serve as the primary liaison among researchers, facilities professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, and university leadership, ensuring projects meet current and future research needs.

You will coordinate with Facilities Capital Planning on design, construction, renovation, and commissioning of research facilities and related infrastructure, while leading the OR Infrastructure Committee and supporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or related field with 5 years of progressively responsible experience, including at least 2 years in management.
• 5-10+ years of progressively responsible project management or construction management experience.
• Experience coordinating capital projects across large, complex institutions.
• Experience managing multiple, complex capital projects with competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to develop, monitor, and manage project budgets, cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors, researchers, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary liaison between the Office of Research, researchers, facilities professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, and university leadership.
• Coordinate with Facilities Capital Planning on planning, design, construction, renovation, and commissioning of research facilities and infrastructure.
• Lead OR’s Research Infrastructure Committee and support VPR infrastructure planning and strategy.
• Manage OR interests in executing system-wide research infrastructure initiatives including federal/state grants and contracts.

Skills

Project management

Construction management

Budgeting

Scheduling

Stakeholder collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or related field

Job description

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: October 25, 2026 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 1461-NN_ADMINPRO - Project Specialist Business

Business Title: Senior Project Manager

Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Details:

The Opportunity: The Office of Research (OR) at Washington State University (WSU) is responsible for advancing the research enterprise at WSU systemwide. The Office of Research facilitates all aspects of the research from pre-award to compliance, advancement, development, and commercialization. The Office of Research amplifies WSU's land-grant mission by partnering with the university community, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to advance, extend, and grow the positive impact of WSU research for the state, region, and nation. The Senior Project Manager serves as the primary liaison between the Office of Research, researchers, facilities professionals, architects, engineers, contractors, and university leadership to ensure projects support current and future research needs. Coordinate with Facilities Capital Planning team on the planning, design, construction, renovation, and commissioning of research facilities, laboratories, field stations, utility systems, and associated infrastructure. Lead OR’s Research Infrastructure Committee. Support VPR infrastructure planning and strategy. The Senior Project Manager (PM) is the responsible individual for the OR interests in executing WSU System research infrastructure initiatives including State, Federal, and WSU internal infrastructure construction, MCI, MCR, and renovation projects, including management of federal and state infrastructure grants and contracts. This position is a member of a team that includes other WSU stakeholders and will manage those interactions to serve WSU System priorities.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime exempt. Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on August 31, 2029. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.

Monthly Salary: $8,338.26 - $13,319.56 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits:

• paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field which has included at least two (2) years of management experience.
• 5-10+ years of progressively responsible project management or construction management experience.
• Experience coordinating capital projects across large, complex institutions.
• Experience managing multiple, complex capital projects involving competing priorities, and meeting established deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, monitor, and manage project budgets, cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, researchers, and institutional leadership.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• Possession of one or more relevant professional credentials, such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
• Demonstrated knowledge of capital project delivery methods, including planning, design, procurement, construction, and project closeout processes.
• Experience with the design, construction or management of laboratory, research, or other complex institutional facilities.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems, and building systems as they relate to capital construction projects.
• Experience administering construction contracts, procurement processes, and consultant agreements.
• Knowledge of project risk management principles and experience identifying, mitigating, and resolving project-related risks.
• Understanding of applicable regulatory compliance.
• Experience coordinating building commissioning and building turnover activities.
• Knowledge of sustainability and resiliency practices.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility:

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

About Department/College/Area/ Campus

Washington State University | Office of ResearchArea/College: Office of Research Department: Advancement and Partnerships Location: Pullman, WA

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/

WSU is Washington's land-grant university with campuses located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at the core of WSU's strategic priorities.

See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations. View the HRS Benefits website for details on competitive benefits available.

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/