Senior Project Manager - Design and Construction

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 and perspectives.
Coordinate and manage all activities from the perspective of an owner and in the best interests of the University.
Assure adherence to departmental processes and procedures associated with the execution of capital projects.
Manages assigned capital program elements to assure execution of projects within established budgets and schedules.
Assist with the mentoring and training of new or less experienced project management staff.
Other duties as may be required.
Qualifications:
BA, BS, or BArch, in a technical field and discipline related to building design/construction management, such as Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or Interior Design.
At least 7 years of stable and progressively responsible experience managing large and diverse project teams that includes supervision of commercial/institutional building renovations and/or new construction projects, and capital budget preparation and administration. This experience must include management of all phases on sample major projects from the initiation of programming and design through the completion of construction, commissioning, and occupancy.
Well-versed in the design process, construction methodologies and procedures, and project management principles.
Ability to read and interpret design and construction contracts and contract documents, including drawings, specifications, payment applications, etc.
Experience establishing and managing project budgets, schedules, scope, and quality of design and construction work.
Strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work tasks, and work either independently or as part of a team consisting of a wide variety of individuals.
Excellent communication, writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Experience with the following:
Preparing Requests for Proposals and managing the procurement process for design and construction services.
Preparing documents and/or presenting projects to senior leadership for design and/or financial approval.
Evaluating additional design service requests and construction change order proposals to confirm that proper backup documentation is provided and the associated costs are fair and reasonable.
Reviewing construction safety and logistics plans and a general knowledge of construction site safety procedures.
Working knowledge of building codes and associated standards and regulations for construction.
Skilled in Microsoft Office and PDF editing software.
Preferred:
Professional license in a field relat