Senior Project Manager (K-12 Project Management Advisory)

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. in Oakland, CA, is seeking a Senior Project Manager who can lead large-scale K-12 capital projects and navigate politically nuanced school district environments.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to institutional stakeholders, guiding schedule, budget, quality, and long-term facilities planning while delivering implementation excellence. This onsite role offers growth in a fast-moving firm with strong client service expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years leading large-scale construction implementation programs, preferably K-12/public sector.
• Strong understanding of school construction, capital improvement programs, and facilities planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale K-12 capital improvement and construction programs exceeding $75M in value.
• Advise school district leadership on project execution, planning, scheduling, budgeting and delivery.
• Develop budgets, schedules, charters, implementation plans, procurement coordination and QA/QC.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Public-sector experience

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, construction management, engineering, business, finance, urban planning, real estate management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

PM software

Job description

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D) is seeking a Senior Project Manager who can confidently lead complex K-12 capital projects, navigate politically nuanced school district environments, and serve as a trusted advisor to institutional stakeholders.

Named the #17 fastest-growing AEC firm in the U.S. and Canada by Zweig Group's Hot Firm Awards, B&D is entering an exciting period of growth—creating new opportunities for ambitious professionals to take on meaningful work and accelerate their careers.

The Opportunity

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and play. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to shape and deliver complex real estate and capital projects, providing strategic insight and end-to-end advisory services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors, bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and throughout the full project lifecycle—from early-stage strategy and planning through execution and beyond.

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 in alignment 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.

Leadership Expectations

• 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 escalated.

Why People Choose B&D

Impactful Mission

Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, work, and connect.

Learning & Growth

We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.

Strong Culture

Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.

Robust Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include 100% company-paid medical, dental, and prescription coverage, a targeted 7% employer-contribution 401(k), generous PTO, and more.

This role's 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.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

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.