Project Manager - Planning, Design & Construction

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student‑centered, applied‑research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four‑year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU’s main campus is in Bowling Green, KY – a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever‑evolving communities. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents, and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing work and family life. Paid‑time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Job Description Job Purpose This position is responsible for managing all phases of capital construction and renovation projects at WKU, ensuring timely completion within defined scope and budgetary constraints. The role involves coordinating with architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, and internal stakeholders to deliver projects that meet institutional standards and align with the university’s strategic goals. From planning and design through code review, construction, and close‑out, the position ensures projects are executed efficiently and effectively. Additionally, this role administers and oversees all aspects of building construction and renovation, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards while fostering collaboration with other university departments and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Responsibilities include managing project budgets, processing contract payments, and handling change orders to ensure financial accountability and cost‑effectiveness. Essential Functions Project Planning (10% of time) Collaborate with clients and university support units to develop project scopes. Develop preliminary project estimates. Develop preliminary project schedules. Assist with obtaining project approvals and setup. Set up project files following standardized filing formats and keep them current. Ensure project authorizations and funding sources have been identified and approved. Project Design (20% of time) Procure design services per Kentucky statutes and University policies. Collaborate with design consultants to develop plans and specifications. Lead and schedule all design meetings. Work with university departments such as Facilities Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Parking and Transportation, IT, and others as needed. Work with Environmental Health and Safety to address life‑safety, permits, and hazardous‑materials issues. Ensure relevant design information is placed in project files. Prepare plans and specifications when required. Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures. Project Construction (50% of time) Procure construction services per KRS. Work closely with WKU Procurement to bid projects. Update status reports at least once per month. Review financial reports and resolve any outstanding issues monthly. Write purchase orders and approve progress payments. Accompany building officials and EHS on any site inspections. Regularly visit project sites and document progress through reports and photographs. Inspect projects to ensure quality, adherence to plans/specifications, and safety compliance. Monitor project schedules and costs, maintaining adherence to budgets and integrating within a management software/university program. Review schedule with contractors and university client on a regular basis. Review project budgets with contractors and university clients on a regular basis. Ensure relevant construction information is placed in the project file. Project Closeout (5% of time) Ensure completion of all punch‑list items and final inspections. Ensure building commissioning and delivery of O&M manuals. Coordinate the turnover of completed projects to operations and maintenance teams. Coordinate training for clients and maintenance personnel. Verify receipt of all warranties, as‑built drawings and close‑out documentation. Conduct a one‑year walkthrough with contractors, clients, and Facilities Management. Confirm that all invoices are paid, contracts closed, and project files updated. Ensure that relevant information is placed in the project file. Communication (15% of time) Provide regular status updates to clients, supervisors, and stakeholders. Immediately report project issues to relevant parties. Maintain accurate records of all communications and ensure they are documented in project files. Communication and Department Support Act as the primary point of contact between stakeholders, contractors, and project teams. Provide regular project updates and reports to leadership and stakeholders. Support departmental objectives by contributing to planning initiatives and process improvements. Represent the department in meetings, fostering collaboration across teams. Provide input to direct supervisor on ways to improve the department. Assist other project managers with subjects outside of their expertise. Seek training in “weak” areas of experience. Make all departments of Facilities Management feel part of the project team by requesting input during design, construction and close‑out. Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success Leadership: Ability to lead project teams effectively and foster collaboration. Organization: Excellent time management and prioritization skills. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with AutoCAD, BIM, Microsoft Project, or similar tools. Problem‑Solving: Aptitude for resolving project conflicts and obstacles proactively. Daily decision making on high dollar purchases, projects, and contracts. Maintain effective communications and reporting with WKU and state agencies. Knowledge of Kentucky Model Procurement Code and/or public procurement processes. Professional certifications such as LEED AP, PMP, CCM, P.E., or RA. Experience managing higher education, government, or public sector capital projects. Requirements Education and Experience Four‑year college degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management, or a related field. Minimum of three (3) years of related project management experience. Knowledge of building codes, standards, and regulations. Physical Effort Required Operate a computer for extended periods. Ability to visit and navigate active construction sites, including climbing stairs, ladders, or scaffolding. Standing, walking, and occasional lifting of objects up to 40 pounds. Exposure to weather conditions and construction site hazards. Mental Effort Required Strong problem solving and analytical skills to address project challenges. High level attention to detail for reviewing plans, specifications, reports, and onsite quality of work. Interpret and analyze blueprints, drawings, and building codes. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration. Salary Range $70,500 – $97,000 Background Check Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre‑employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices. Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU’s Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at View email address on click.appcast.io or by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU’s website. Application Requirements Resume You will receive email confirmation that your submission has been received. The candidate review process will generally begin as materials are received. #J-18808-Ljbffr