Senior Program Officer

About the role

Armand Corporation is seeking an experienced Senior Program Officer to support the successful planning, design, construction, and closeout of complex public-sector capital projects in New Jersey. Working under the direction of the Program Director and Deputy Program Director, this position will coordinate multidisciplinary teams consisting of construction management consultants, architects, contractors, school district representatives, and client project personnel. The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for monitoring project budgets, schedules, contract requirements, and overall project performance while proactively identifying and resolving issues that could affect cost, schedule, or successful project delivery. The successful candidate will help coordinate projects from initial planning through post-occupancy while protecting the client's financial and contractual interests.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage complex projects by effectively coordinating activities of stakeholders within the NJSDA and external entities including architectural and construction management consultants, contractors, school district personnel, NJ Department of Community Affairs, NJ Department of Education, NJ Department of Environmental Protection, and other local and state agencies from the planning phase to post occupancy.
• Oversee project budget by reviewing and managing project costs with appropriate SDA staff; review and recommend invoices, change orders, amendments, and claims in accordance with NJSDA operating authority, policy, and procedures; initiate value engineering sessions, cost estimate reviews, and constructability reviews.
• Prepare presentations for the NJSDA Management and Board of Directors and other interested parties regarding project costs, schedule, and change order management.
• Provide leadership support to the Program Director and Deputy Director by coordinating activities and resolving issues quickly and delivering the project within scope and schedule parameters while simultaneously protecting the financial interests of the Authority.
• Act as a liaison between NJSDA and school district facilities personnel to resolve issues quickly and deliver the project within scope and schedule parameters while simultaneously protecting the financial interests of the Authority.
• Participate in the procurement of consultants and contractors in keeping with SDA policies and procedures; coordinate the timely processing of performance evaluations for contractors and consultants.
• Perform detailed analyses of issues, including those relating to technical design, construction, real estate or environmental matters; draft reports that appropriately convey information to others less familiar with the matter and make recommendations based upon the analyses.
• Lead technical advisory groups as required, providing insight and guidance across project teams, developing best practice approaches to issue resolution and serve as primary liaison to other relevant regulatory agencies.
• Ensure regular and accurate updates are made in the various SDA information management systems and make certain important issues are appropriately conveyed in a manner and timeframe to receive appropriate and timely attention from appropriate level of authority.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding written, communication, analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to comprehend and interpret proposals and regulations and prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations while adhering to strict deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation and collaboration skills to foster a positive work environment, with internal partners, while ensuring external stakeholders provide appropriate deliverables.
• Outstanding organizational skills to successfully and simultaneously manage construction projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment while collaborating with professional staff, both individually and as a team.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Project, etc.).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Architecture, Engineering, Finance, Planning or other related field or equivalent related experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum ten years diversified experience in real estate development; planning, design, construction, financial or environmental management of large scale institutional, industrial and commercial or construction projects, including experience in working with technical professional consultants and contractors.
• Knowledge of construction codes, and the regulatory environment affecting development.
• Experience in the aspects of general design and construction, including reading and interpreting construction documents and drawings.
• Knowledge of software applications to manage projects and schedules such as Primavera Expedition, Prolog, etc.

Physical Demands

• Regular construction worksite visits that may require physical activities such as climbing ladders and walking significant distances, etc.

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid Driver’s License