Project Director – Education Sector (Bond Program)

Vanir is a proud minority- and woman-owned company, recognized as a national leader in program, project and construction management (PMCM) and real estate development. Since 1964, we have consistently exceeded client expectations. Ranked as a top PMCM firm by Engineering News-Record (ENR) for more than three decades, our award-winning team provides a full range of services to public and private sector clients in the aviation; healthcare; education (K-12 and higher); justice and essential services; science and technology; state and local government; transportation; water and wastewater; energy; and commercial, residential and nonprofit markets.

About the role

The Project Director (PD) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for one or more education sector projects or bond programs. This role leads project management teams, ensuring exceptional client service, efficient operations, financial performance, and staff development. The PD serves as the key liaison between the client, design and construction teams, and internal stakeholders, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and aligned with client goals. This position supports design and construction initiatives within the Education Sector, overseeing K–12/K-14 capital improvement programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary client contact, responsible for project scope, schedule, budget, and overall client satisfaction.
• Lead project delivery efforts in accordance with district or institutional program policies and procedures.
• Oversee multiple project teams, providing leadership through design, preconstruction, construction, and closeout phases.
• Develop, review, and manage contract documents, drawings, and specifications to ensure compliance with project and client requirements.
• Implement a comprehensive quality management system to ensure consistent, high-quality project outcomes.
• Monitor program controls, cost, and schedule performance; provide accurate and timely management reports.
• Prepare and present project data, financial reports, and performance updates to clients, boards, and oversight committees.
• Identify project risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies.
• Support design and construction teams in resolving technical and construction challenges.
• Represent the client and program in public meetings and stakeholder forums.
• Review and approve invoices, change orders, and financial forecasts.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, project procedures, and performance requirements across all vendors and consultants.
• Develop implementation plans and master schedules that reflect district or program priorities.
• Oversee documentation and reporting of project data including meeting minutes, progress photos, and schedule updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure overall program and project success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of project or program management experience in education construction programs.
• Proven experience managing ground-up education construction projects with a contract value of $50M+.
• Experience with Division of the State Architect (DSA) processes for design and construction.
• Demonstrated success managing the full lifecycle of higher education or K–12 projects — including planning, preconstruction, design, and construction.
• Advanced knowledge of construction estimating, cost control, scheduling, documentation, and project delivery best practices.
• Strong understanding of contract management, design documents, and project accounting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and project management software such as MS Project or Primavera.
• Excellent leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and teams within a program environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with California Department of Education (CDE) and Office of Public School Construction (OPSC) standards.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as Design-Build or CM-at-Risk.

Preferred Certificates & Licenses

• CMAA – Construction Manager in Training (CMIT) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).
• DBIA – Design-Build Associate or Professional Certification.
• Registered Architect (RA) or Professional Engineer (PE) License.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $170,000 - $195,000 per year.

Benefits

• 401(k) Savings with employer matching contributions.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions.
• Life, AD&D, and disability benefits.
• Flexible spending account (FSA).
• Voluntary benefits, including Teladoc and pet insurance.
• Paid time off.
• National employee assistance program (EAP).
• Employee referral program.