Senior Project Manager - Design and Construction

University of Pennsylvania; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Project Manager – Design and Construction at University of Pennsylvania oversees the planning, design, and construction of major capital projects, coordinating with the Office of the University Architect and multiple University divisions.

This role emphasizes development and maintenance of budgets and schedules, management of professionals, and collaboration across Schools and Centers to ensure successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering large capital programs.
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, and reporting skills.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and advise less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, engineering, legal, and construction activities for major capital projects.
• Coordinate with Offices and Schools to align on budgets and schedules.
• Administer contract documents, change orders, and financial reports.
• Ensure permits, zoning, and regulatory compliance are obtained.
• Provide mentorship and foster collaboration across stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Team leadership

Construction management

Job description

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Senior Project Manager - Design and Construction

Job Profile Title

Manager, Project Senior-Facilities Management

Job Description Summary

Reporting to a Director of Design and Construction for Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES), the Senior Project Manager (SPM) is responsible for the management of design, engineering, legal, construction, and other professionals engaged in the planning, design, and construction of major capital projects for the University. Project Management responsibilities begin with project inception and continue through final closeout and include working with the Office of the University Architect, Operations and Maintenance Department, and various School/Center representatives throughout the process. Project Management responsibilities include development and rigorous maintenance of project budgets, schedules, financial records, contract documents, and reports; coordinating project meetings; issuing monthly financial status reports; ensuring that proper permits and zoning ordinances are obtained; and coordinating utility shutdowns. The SPM is also responsible for the verification of work performed and the recommendation for approval and payment of invoices, change orders, and construction payment applications. Project Management includes developing a collaborative team environment between the Schools/Centers, contractors, designers, and FRES Divisions.

Senior Project Managers are expected to manage larger or otherwise more complex projects with a high level of self-sufficiency and limited need for oversight and direction. Senior Project Managers are also expected to mentor and assist less experienced project management staff. Many of the projects will be completed in occupied facilities, so very close coordination will be required with the Schools and Centers.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the management of design, engineering, legal, construction, and other professionals employed in the planning, design and construction of major capital projects from inception through final project closeout.
• Develop a collaborative team environment between the Schools/Centers, contractors, designers, and FRES Divisions.
• Manage larger or otherwise more complex projects with a high level of self-sufficiency and limited need for oversight and direction.
• Responsible for the administration of financial records, and the development and rigorous maintenance of project budgets, schedules, and reports.
• Reviews requests for changes, modifications, and additions to the project scope.
• Responsible for the administration and maintenance of all contract documents, daily work reports, correspondence, additional services requests, change order requests, change orders, and related project documentation.
• Responsible for the verification of work performed and the recommendation for approval and payment of the amounts invoiced on behalf of architects, engineers, attorneys, building contractors, construction managers, and other consultants.
• Coordinate planning, design, engineering, and construction activities with representatives of the Office of the University Architect, Department of Operations & Maintenance and the various University Schools and Centers.
• Coordinate project progress meetings, issue monthly status and financial reports, update construction progress schedules, ensure that proper permits and zoning ordinances are obtained.
• Manage and coordinate the activities of the Project Committee for each project.
• Expected to manage a variety of circumstances with sensitivity to different values a