Project Manager

Overview

The salary range for this position is $6,333.34 to $6,800.00 per month depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable.

This position is open until filled with an initial application review to take place on August 17, 2026.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1943, the mission of the SDSU Research Foundation (SDSURF) is to support the research objectives of San Diego State University by helping faculty and staff find, obtain, and administer funding for their research and sponsored programs. SDSU is one of the top public research universities in the nation, furthering discoveries, interventions, and solutions that improve communities and change the world. SDSURF provides the full life cycle of grants services to faculty and staff to further their important work.

Our vision is to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration with integrity and respect for individuals that results in the delivery of superior service to support the university’s strategic aspirations.

Our core values:

Service: We are a service organization that strives to provide superior support to the university community to achieve SDSU’s goals; we are committed to being professionally competent by setting high standards and working hard to achieve results; and we continually seeking to improve our skills and capabilities by valuing education and professional development.

Collaboration: We seek to actively engage with our stakeholders and employees to identify issues and design solutions, build strong relationships grounded in trust, openness, and inclusion and achieve the best results by taking pride in the accomplishments of our colleagues.

Innovation: We work towards inspired solutions to improve and adapt to emerging opportunities and challenges, creative ways to streamline and enhance our delivery of services through resourceful and proactive problem solving and strategic use of technology and reduction of obstacles.

Respect: We promote a culture where every individual is valued and treated with dignity, we honor open-mindedness toward different viewpoints and ideas and have a genuine appreciation for varied backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.

Integrity: We are committed to act with the highest ethical standards, with honesty, integrity, and transparency, provide consistent and accurate information and value and respect all individuals.

WHAT OUR DEPARTMENT DOES

The SDSU Research Foundation’s Facilities Planning & Management Department participates in the university’s mission of research excellence by supporting and housing funded research in research foundation-owned and leased properties when space is not available on campus. The model of asset management performance balances research, university and commercial space occupancies to maximize research opportunities, university needs, and utilizes commercial rent revenue to offset operational expenses. The department is comprised of staff whose work requires close coordination with each other on all day-to-day functions.

Responsibilities

YOUR ROLE IN CREATING THE UNIVERSITY’S PRESENT AND FUTURE

As Project Manager, reporting to the Associate Director of Leasing & Construction, you are a contributing force to the organization’s mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and objectives. Your leadership transforms vision into reality by guiding design, tenant improvement, and capital projects across a diverse portfolio of facilities and land.

You advance initiatives that balance feasibility, design, and budget while ensuring spaces are safe, efficient, and ready to support discovery, innovation, and growth. By collaborating with faculty, researchers, tenants, and stakeholders, you help create environments that strengthen the organization today and position it for tomorrow’s success.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO AND MANAGE

As a key player in the success of Facilities Planning and Management and the Research Foundation, you will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Managing projects — Lead design, tenant improvement, and capital projects from concept through closeout, ensuring adherence to codes, budgets, schedules, and foundation standards.
• Coordinating stakeholders — Facilitate meetings with faculty, researchers, tenants, consultants, and contractors to define scope, align design, and maintain a collaborative team environment.
• Overseeing construction — Conduct onsite assessments, kick‑off meetings, and punch‑list walkthroughs to verify progress, resolve field conditions, and ensure safe, compliant execution.
• Managing budgets and schedules — Develop bid analyses, track construction budgets, integrate value engineering, and maintain Gantt chart schedules to meet critical timelines.
• Leading space planning and design — Prepare schematic designs, AutoCAD drawings, and construction documents; oversee interior layouts, equipment planning, and tenant programming for optimal use of space.
• Ensuring code compliance — Review properties for ADA barriers, manage CASp reports, oversee permits and entitlements, and integrate corrective actions into long‑term facilities planning.
• Maintaining plans and specifications — Manage the foundation’s plan library, update materials specifications, and ensure consistency with foundation and university standards.
• Managing CAD and facilities systems — Oversee CAD databases, produce graphics, and integrate data across software platforms to support reporting, asset management, and project accounting.
• Delivering operational excellence — Provide timely updates, maintain project documentation, and ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the foundation’s mission.

For a complete list of specific duties and qualifications, please review the full position description.

Qualifications

THE SKILLS WE NEED

• Comprehensive knowledge of the latest releases of AutoCAD and Microsoft Project
• Comprehensive knowledge of the CBC, ADA and ADAAG codes and requirements
• Knowledge of BOMA method of space calculation
• Ability to read, draft, and understand working architectural/engineering construction documents
• Knowledge in preparation, understanding of specifications for interior planning and construction
• Possess excellent leadership and management skills, with ability to motivate teams to produce quality performance and results within tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to extrapolate and interpret raw data for development of technical reports and budgets
• Ability to work as a team as well as with a high degree of autonomy, making independent and technical decisions, and solving problems “on the fly”.
• Ability to coordinate the accurate and timely production of projects from start to finish and work under deadlines and budgets.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and excellent judgment at all times, and provide an outstanding level of customer service.
• Possess strong organizational and project management skills with drive to meet division objectives
• Knowledge of cost-estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling construction projects
• Knowledge of state, federal, city and local regulations in planning and B occupancy construction
• Ability to develop or participate in writing specifications for equipment, systems or services
• Ability to create RFQ/RFP packages and negotiate contracted service agreements
• Flexibility to work after normal business hours to accomplish required tasks and during emergency situations
• Ability to relate well to others within the project environment.
• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or equivalent experience in drafting, architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in all areas of space planning and tenant improvement project management.

Preferred Qualifications  

Previous related work experience in a university, non-profit, or space planning firm setting.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life and disability insurance plans
• Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan. We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• 14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
• Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
• Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
• Wellness workshops

HOW TO APPLY AND TIPS FOR MAKING IT THROUGH OUR HIRING PROCESS

You must apply through the SDSURF Career Page. Make sure your application is complete. Including a resume and cover letter is recommended. Respond to supplemental questions thoroughly.

WHAT OUR HIRING PROCESS IS LIKE

We work as fast as we can to make hiring decisions. However, it may take several weeks for all the parties involved to review your application. We keep in touch each step of the way and inform you of the status of your application.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION:

• The salary range for this position is $6,334.34 - $6,800.00 depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. 
• Hybrid Work Philosophy: We believe that a balanced approach to work—combining the flexibility of remote work with the collaborative energy of in-person engagement—creates the most effective and fulfilling environment for our organization. Remote work empowers individuals with autonomy, focus, and work-life balance, while in-office days foster connection, creativity, and shared purpose. Having at least two days in the office is essential to maintain strong interpersonal relationships, encourage spontaneous collaboration, and reinforce our shared culture. These in-person interactions help build trust, align teams, and spark innovation in ways that are difficult to replicate remotely. By embracing a hybrid model of two days in the office and three days remote, we enable both personal productivity and collective innovation, ensuring our culture remains strong, inclusive, and adaptable.
• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.