Facilities Capital Projects Manager

Who We Are

As the undergraduate heart of one of the nation's premier public research universities, the College of Literature, Science and the Arts (LSA) at the University of Michigan offers a vast array of opportunities for learning and research both within the traditional disciplines and in interdisciplinary programs, along with a range of resources that perennially attract the strongest students, staff and faculty. LSA currently offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. LSA Facilities and Operations oversees nearly 2M square feet spread across 25 academic and research buildings on the Ann Arbor central campus. Since 1841, LSA has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. Learn more about LSA at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/.

Job Summary

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) Facilities and Operations team is seeking a Capital Project Manager to support a dynamic portfolio of renovation and capital projects. We are seeking an individual with exemplary customer service and communication skills who is flexible, organized, and self-motivated. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, project management skills and thrive in a collaborative team environment. As a Capital Project Manager, you will play a key role in advancing LSA's strategic facilities initiatives by managing projects from inception through post-occupancy. This position will have a primary focus on complex laboratory and research environments, requiring coordination with faculty, researchers, and technical stakeholders to deliver safe, compliant, and high-performing spaces.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate capital projects, including major renovations, laboratory upgrades, and infrastructure improvements
• Lead projects through all phases, including programming, design, construction, and occupancy
• Develop and manage project scopes, budgets, and schedules; ensure alignment with approved funding and timelines
• Monitor project expenditures and authorize payments for project services in accordance with established budgets
• Inspect field conditions and construction progress to ensure quality, safety, and adherence to project schedules
• Identify and resolve project issues, risks, and conflicts in collaboration with stakeholders
• Manage renovation and construction of laboratory spaces, including teaching and research labs
• Coordinate with faculty, researchers, and technical staff to define program requirements, equipment needs, and safety considerations
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, safety standards, and university guidelines for laboratory environments
• Support phased renovation planning to minimize disruption to ongoing research and instructional activities
• Serve as liaison among faculty, departments, consultants, contractors, and university partners (including Architecture, Engineering and Construction)
• Work closely with departmental leadership to define project goals and ensure alignment with academic and research priorities
• Support change management efforts, helping units adapt to new and renovated spaces
• Assist departments with space planning and design to optimize use of assigned space
• Develop strategic space solutions, including test fits, cost estimates, and implementation plans
• Recommend interior finishes, furnishings, and layouts appropriate for academic, office, and laboratory environments
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of College standards for furniture, finishes, and space utilization
• Provide supervision and direction for assigned staff and/or student interns, including planning and assigning work, evaluating performance, and supporting professional development
• Participate in hiring, training, and personnel-related decision-making, with authority to recommend employment actions
• Contribute to budgeting, cost control, scheduling, and process improvements across the unit

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, interior design, construction management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience managing capital projects, including renovation and construction projects of varying scale and complexity
• Experience managing laboratory or research space projects, including teaching labs and specialized research environments
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, and contracts
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and resolving complex project issues
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with building codes, ADA requirements, and laboratory safety standards
• Experience with space planning, interior design, and furniture/finish selection
• Proficiency in 2D drawing tools (e.g., AutoCAD) and/or 3D modeling for communication and planning
• Experience working in a higher education or institutional setting

Benefits

• Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days, Maternity and Parental Leaves)
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.