Capital Improvement Project Manager

About the role

The Seattle Public Library’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plans and manages major asset maintenance and facility projects that require specialized contract services such as architecture, engineering, construction, and specialty trades. The Capital Improvement Project Manager works independently to complete assigned CIP projects on time and within budget, from initial programming through design, construction, and close‑out. The role involves preparing cost estimates, budgets, and schedules, maintaining effective communication among team members and stakeholders, representing the Library at project meetings, and ensuring final documentation, warranties, and punch‑list items are completed.

Responsibilities

• Project Development: Develop comprehensive work plans and schedules; meet with stakeholders to confirm scope; obtain project approvals; incorporate value‑engineering concepts; coordinate consultant selection; prepare pricing/bid documents and project manuals; develop and negotiate design and construction contracts; update budgets and schedules; advise management of decisions or issues.
• Construction Administration: Observe construction activities for compliance with contractual documents and specifications; report deficiencies to Owner/Architect/Contractor (OAC) team members; review and recommend approval or disapproval of change order proposals and directives; communicate actions to AEC team; resolve or escalate issues to the Capital Program Manager; authorize payments to contractors, vendors, and consultants; verify invoice accuracy; represent the Library at OAC and stakeholder meetings.
• Project Closeout: Prepare punch lists and differentiate warranty items; manage and expedite completion of punch‑list items through scheduling, coordination, and field inspections; manage startup, move‑in, and occupancy; collect operations and maintenance (O&M) materials, as‑built drawings, and warranty documentation; represent the Library in resolving punch‑list and warranty matters.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Building Construction, or equivalent training.
• Minimum seven years of experience in facilities project management as an in‑house owner’s project representative, handling a wide range of small to moderate ($5K to $5M+) institutional, retail, or commercial projects.
• Experience managing 20‑25 short‑duration, intensive projects per calendar year in overlapping phases.
• Practical understanding of integrated facility design and construction, ADA compliance, building codes, and Seattle regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to develop RFPs, competitive bid documents, and procurement processes for design, consulting, and FF&E in public or non‑profit settings.
• Strong skills in defining project scope, facility programming, space planning, and construction means‑and‑methods to achieve timely, cost‑effective outcomes.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities for interaction with all organizational levels and project stakeholders.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Past in‑house employment in complex institutional, public/non‑profit, or corporate environments is highly desired; retail/banking facility experience is a plus.

Skills

• Competency in Microsoft Office, including Project and Visio (or equivalent), and Adobe Acrobat Standard/Pro.
• Proficiency with technology for workflow management: smartphone/tablet apps, laptop/desktop applications, VPN remote access, digital photography, etc.

Pay

Salary range: $115,633.44 – $140,480.64 annually.

Schedule

Full‑time, exempt position with an 80‑hour work period over two weeks (Wednesday to Tuesday). Hours may include weekdays, weekends, and evenings and are subject to change based on the Library’s operational needs.

Benefits

• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Life and long‑term disability insurance
• Comprehensive retirement plans (see Seattle city retirement information)

Additional Information

Applications must include a completed online application, a cover letter describing alignment with the responsibilities and qualifications, and a current resume. Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on September 27, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For questions, email job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion; accommodations are available during the selection process. Job offers are contingent on criminal‑history review and verification of applicant information.