Senior Project Manager

Announcement STAFF‑VA‑27071 · Position 4M0394 · Campus Planning, Design & Construction, University Services · Classified, fiscal‑year, 1.0 FTE · FLSA Exempt, exempt from collective bargaining · $53.37/hour

About the Role

The Senior Project Manager leads a team of Project Managers and Project Coordinators while also managing assigned projects directly. The role collaborates with other University Facilities Management managers to coordinate and prioritize planning, design, and execution of campus projects within scope, schedule, and budget. The Senior PM advises the University on risk management and process improvement strategies.

Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) manages planning, design, and construction for new facilities, major renovations, major repairs, and large infrastructure projects at Montana State University.

Responsibilities

• Manage project managers and project coordinators; provide skilled coaching to maximize staff potential.
• Track and manage workloads for all staff and projects assigned to the work group.
• Foster a connection‑based work culture through positive engagement with staff, peers, and clients.
• Advise and mentor staff on best practices in design/construction project management.
• Guide projects in balancing scope, schedule, and budget; identify and manage risks; navigate compliance processes; hold contracted professionals accountable.
• Build lasting professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders to position MSU as a leader and client of choice.
• Operate effectively in a shared‑governance environment with diverse decision‑making processes.
• Collaborate with Planning Manager, Senior Architect, University Engineer, Campus Maintenance Manager, and other UFM personnel to leverage in‑house expertise.
• Communicate State, Board of Regents, and University policies to campus constituents, architects, engineers, contractors, and others.
• Draft, review, and interpret construction and consultant agreements and contract documents.
• Conduct periodic project inspections; review and evaluate contract claims or change orders; recommend acceptance or rejection.
• Clearly communicate design and construction procedures, roles, responsibilities, timelines, and approval processes to campus clients.
• Monitor progress reports to ensure work meets contract specifications.
• Review contract drawings and specifications.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to senior UFM staff in coordination with PDC staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, planning, or similar field (or equivalent education/experience).
• Experience successfully managing direct‑report personnel in a team‑oriented environment, motivating staff, and contributing positively to workplace culture.
• Experience in construction project management with significant exposure to design processes, construction processes, and contract management.
• Knowledge of project design phases and processes; construction methods, practices, and standards; contract administration and enforcement; sustainability.
• Strong communication skills: ability to interpret, explain, and communicate detailed information to all levels of personnel at MSU and to external stakeholders.
• Ability to read, understand, and provide feedback on construction drawings, specifications, building codes, and public policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or professional licensure in construction management, architecture, engineering, planning, or similar field (or equivalent education/experience).
• Formal education in management or related fields.
• Experience working in a university setting or similar institution with multiple simultaneous projects and large stakeholder groups.

Success Factors

• Communicate effectively with employees and the public (face‑to‑face, phone, video conferencing, written).
• Collaborate with project team members including campus clients, architects, engineers, contractors, and authorities having jurisdiction.
• Work independently and think creatively with limited supervisory oversight.
• Represent PDC and University Facilities Management policies, procedures, and values professionally and courteously.
• Exercise excellent judgment in discerning issues resolvable directly versus those requiring senior leadership input.
• Work with a diverse team and express empathy with affected parties.
• Conduct oneself with integrity to uphold State statutes and Board of Regents policies related to design and construction.
• Adapt to an environment where priorities change constantly.

Additional Requirements

The final candidate must successfully pass a background check. This description is not exhaustive; duties may be reassigned at any time.

Physical Demands: Ability to access confined areas (manholes, basements, vaults, tunnels, roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and other structures) in all weather conditions. Exposure to temperature extremes, odors, noise, dust, heights, and other construction‑site conditions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable performance of essential duties.

Pay

$53.37 per hour (classified salary).