Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager (Senior PM) is a team leader responsible for managing Project Managers and Project Coordinators in support of project delivery on campus projects while also managing assigned projects directly as a project manager. The Senior PM collaborates with other managers within University Facilities Management to coordinate and prioritize the planning, design, and execution of projects within scope, schedule, and budget. The Senior PM keeps diverse and complex projects moving forward and helps advise the University on strategies to manage risks and improve processes.

Position Number - 4M0394

Department - Campus Planning, Design & Construction

Division - University Services

Appointment Type - Classified

Contract Term - Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA - Exempt

Union Affiliation - Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE - 1.0

Benefits Eligible - Eligible

Salary - $53.37 per hour

Contract Type - Classified Salary

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type - Open

Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) is a department within University Facilities Management (UFM) that is responsible for the management of planning, design, and construction efforts for new facilities, major renovations, major repairs, and large infrastructure projects for Montana State University facilities.

Manage project managers and project coordinators and provide skilled coaching to maximize the potential of all staff members. Provide effective workload tracking and management of all staff and all projects assigned to the work group. Contribute to the organization through positive engagement with all staff, peers, and clients – representing and instilling a connection-based work culture. Advise and mentor staff and peers on best practices related to all areas of design/construction project management. Guide staff and projects in balancing scope, schedule, and budget, identifying and effectively managing risks to a project, navigating compliance processes in a public policy environment, and holding contracted professionals accountable. Build and foster lasting, positive, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure MSU is a leader in the field and a client of choice in the industry. Work comfortably and manage personnel effectively in a shared governance environment with diverse decision-making processes and standards. Work closely with Planning Manager, Senior Architect, University Engineer, and Campus Maintenance Manager, among other UFM personnel to ensure MSU's in-house expertise is leveraged effectively in project delivery to optimize project outcomes in the best long-term interests of the University. Communicate State, Board of Regents (BOR), and University policies to campus constituents, architects, engineers, contractors, and others. Draft, review and interpret construction and consultant agreement contracts and documents. Conduct periodic project inspections, review, and evaluate contract claims or change orders and make recommendations for acceptance or rejection. Clearly communicate procedures – design and construction – to campus clients including roles, responsibilities, timelines, approval processes and similar information to ensure all involved understand project intricacies. Monitor progress reports to assure work meets contract specifications. Review contract drawings and specifications. In coordination with PDC staff, identify and recommend process improvements to senior UFM staff.

Bachelor's degree in construction management, architecture, engineering, planning, or similar degree or an equivalent amount of education/experience. Experience successfully managing direct-report personnel in a team-oriented work environment, motivating staff, and positively contributing to workplace culture. Experience in construction project management with significant exposure to design processes, construction processes, and contract management. Knowledge of and experience in project design phases and processes; construction methods, practices and standards; contract administration and enforcement; sustainability. Competent and robust communication skills including the ability to interpret, explain and communicate detailed information to all levels of personnel within MSU and to external stakeholders. Reading, understanding, and providing feedback on construction drawings, construction specifications, building codes, and public policies.

Master's degree or professional licensure in construction management, architecture, engineering, planning or similar degree or an equivalent amount of education/experience. Formal education in management and/or its related fields. Experience working in a university setting or similar institution with multiple projects occurring simultaneously and with large stakeholder groups.

Communicate effectively with employees and the public, including face-to-face, phone, video conferencing, and written communications. 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 in a professional and courteous manner. Exercise excellent judgment in discerning issues that can be resolved directly versus seeking input and approval from senior leadership. Possess the ability to work with a diverse team of individuals and express empathy with affected parties. Conduct themselves with integrity to uphold State statutes and BOR policies related to design and construction projects. Work adaptively in an environment where priorities are constantly changing.

The final candidate selected for this position will be required to successfully pass a background check. This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Ability to position one's self to move and access confined areas including manholes, basements, vaults, tunnels, roofs, scaffolds, ladders, and other structures through all weather conditions. Exposure to temperature extremes, odors, noise, dust, heights, and other conditions related to construction. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? - Yes

Number of Vacancies - 1

Desired Start Date - Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on September 10, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter