Senior Project Manager (K-12 Program & Construction Management)

Brailsford & Dunlavey; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Flextime and telecommuting

Company-paid retirement contributions

Vacation, sick, and holiday pay

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey is seeking a Senior Project Manager in Oakland, CA, to lead significant K-12 construction projects. The right candidate will manage complex projects, serve as a trusted advisor to school district leadership, and ensure effective project delivery aligning with budget and schedule.

This role emphasizes stakeholder management, strategic guidance, and operational excellence, requiring deep expertise in capital improvement programs. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, flexible work options, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale construction implementation programs.
• Experience within K-12 or public-sector environments.
• Strong understanding of school construction and facilities planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale K-12 capital improvement projects.
• Provide strategic guidance on project execution and delivery.
• Develop and oversee project budgets and schedules.

Skills

Project management

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Opportunity

We are seeking a highly functioning Senior Project Manager with deep K-12 construction and implementation experience who thrives in fast-moving, highly visible environments. This role is ideal for someone who understands the realities of public-sector work—balancing district priorities, stakeholder expectations, public accountability, and complex capital programs with professionalism, structure, and sound judgment.

The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor within a school district environment, leading large-scale implementation efforts while guiding clients through decision-making related to schedule, budget, quality, operational continuity, and long-term facilities planning.

This role is fully onsite in Oakland, CA.

How You’ll Contribute

• Lead large-scale K-12 capital improvement and construction implementation projects, including programs exceeding $75M in total project value.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to school district leadership, providing strategic guidance on project execution, planning, scheduling, budgeting, and delivery.
• Direct implementation activities related to school construction, modernization, deferred maintenance, heat and ventilation mitigation initiatives, sustainability improvements, and capital asset management.
• Develop and oversee project budgets, schedules, project charters, implementation plans, procurement coordination, permitting activities, and quality control efforts.
• Coordinate and manage internal and external project teams, including district personnel, consultants, architects, contractors, subconsultants, and JV partners.
• Support long-range facilities planning and capital asset management initiatives aligned with district master plans and operational priorities.
• Evaluate existing business practices, identify process improvement opportunities, and help implement more efficient project delivery workflows.
• Lead project reporting, presentations, written deliverables, and executive-level communications tailored to client goals and stakeholder needs.
• Conduct project closeout and after-action evaluations to assess effectiveness, identify lessons learned, and improve future implementation efforts.
• Support business development and relationship management efforts through strategic client engagement, conference participation, thought leadership, and proposal development.
• Contribute to mentorship, training, QA/QC initiatives, and the continued development of project staff and firmwide best practices.
• Operate with ownership, accountability, and strong executive presence across complex district environments.
• Build trust with clients, district leadership, and project teams through proactive communication and sound judgment.
• Lead teams with clarity, structure, and professionalism while maintaining strong collaboration across stakeholders.
• Navigate politically sensitive environments thoughtfully and diplomatically.
• Mentor and develop project staff while maintaining high standards for project execution and client service.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, business, finance, urban planning, real estate management, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience leading large-scale construction implementation programs, preferably within K-12 or public-sector environments.
• Strong understanding of school construction, capital improvement programs, implementation strategy, and facilities planning.
• Experience working within politically complex stakeholder environments such as public school districts, municipalities, or institutional organizations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously while balancing schedule, budget, quality, and stakeholder priorities.
• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and presentation abilities.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated commitment to client service, ethical business practices, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work independently while thriving within collaborative team environments.
• Reliable transportation required.

What Sets You Apart

• You understand how to operate effectively within school district environments where public accountability, stakeholder alignment, and political dynamics matter.
• You bring both strategic thinking and implementation discipline to complex capital programs.
• You know how to guide clients through difficult decisions while maintaining trust and momentum.
• You are highly organized, adaptable, and calm under pressure.
• You lead proactively rather than reactively and can anticipate project challenges before they erupt.

Benefits

• 100% company-paid medical, prescription, and dental insurance premiums for employees and their children
• Flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses
• Company-paid contributions to 401(k) retirement accounts
• Flextime and telecommuting
• Parental leave
• Voluntary vision insurance
• Company-paid disability and life insurance
• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• Adoption assistance program
• Reimbursement for professional memberships/certifications
• Learning & Development department dedicated to providing in-house training
• Employee assistance program
• Corporate fitness center access at most locations
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Wellness Committee and wellness-based programming

Salary

Target base annual salary range is currently $140,000-170,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, candidate abilities, and pay relative to other team members.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. 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 race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.