Design & Construction Project Manager

Design & Construction Project Manager

Are you passionate about transforming ideas into spaces that support learning, research, and student success? Auburn University Facilities Management is seeking Design & Construction Project Managers to lead a diverse portfolio of campus construction and renovation projects that make a lasting impact on the Auburn community. In this role, you'll guide projects from concept to completion, overseeing every phase of the project life cycle, including planning, design, construction, occupancy, and closeout. Whether managing building renovations, infrastructure improvements, or new construction initiatives, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of one of the nation's premier universities.

Success in this position requires strong collaboration and communication skills as you'll work closely with faculty, staff, administrators, students, Facilities Management teams, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies. You'll help balance project goals, budgets, schedules, stakeholder expectations, and campus standards while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and with excellence. This is an exciting opportunity for project management professionals at various career stages who enjoy solving complex challenges, building relationships, and seeing tangible results from their work. From improving existing facilities to delivering new campus spaces, you'll help create environments where the Auburn Family can learn, work, and thrive.

Responsibilities:

• Project Management: Directs the full scope of a capital project, from concept through closeout. Manages the selection and integration of project elements including finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Aligns design solutions with user needs, project goals, and code compliance, coordinating closely with FFE Project Manager.
• Budget and Financial Management: Creates, develops, and manages budget and financial reporting for assigned projects in coordination with administrative teams and client funding availability. Obtains input from FFE project manager, OIT, Risk Management, FM Operations, and others on specialty budget line items. Works with Project Team and PD&C Estimator(s) to ensure budget is reconciled with actual contract values and project expenditures. Oversees the execution of contracts, purchase orders, task orders, and other items ensuring compliance with budget while coordinating with procurement and vendors.
• Schedule Management: Creates and manages project schedules, monitors progress, and provides recommendations for mitigating schedule risks. Develops schedules for design milestones, approvals, bidding, construction, and project closeout of overall project. Coordinates long-lead equipment and materials to ensure timely delivery to meet overall project completion date. Identifies risks and potential schedule impacts; Ensures risks are mitigated.
• Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration: Prepares and presents scopes to end users/lead clients; Reviews consultant communications and presentations to ensure professionalism and quality progress. Documents decisions and revisions; Provides guidance and recommendations in the best interest of the client and University. Coordinates with internal facilities and campus stakeholders for project buy-in, scope confirmation, and coordination of impacts including development and presentation of communication materials. Develops reports and presentations to inform Facilities Management and campus leadership of project progress and issues; May develop executive presentations on Board of Trustees-level projects. Collaborates with Dir, Construction and PD&C Leadership to develop construction safety plans and communication materials.
• Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance: Manages and coordinates with contractors, consultants, and campus stakeholders to ensure projects meet design and construction standards, state building code compliance, sustainability goals, Image and Character Guidelines, and Campus Master Plan guidance. Participates in design reviews for managed projects. Coordinates mock-ups and building finish approvals with University Architect and/or Exec Dir, PD&C to uphold Image and Character as required. Coordinates inspections and reviews with Quality Assurance team and state inspectors as required.
• Leadership and Consultant Management: Works with Studio Leadership to recommend consultant selection and contractor prequalification requirements. May lead RFQ selection process on larger projects as needed. Leads project teams including contractors and consultants, assistant project managers, and FFE Project Managers to ensure team alignment with project goals. Collaborates with the broader project team and stakeholders to maintain integration and cohesion. Mentors and supports Level I and Level II D&C Project Managers. Participates in professional development programs, presentations, trainings, and may mentor junior staff as appropriate. Participates in personnel search and/or process improvement committees.

Qualifications:

Level I:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Design, Engineering or related field.
• Valid Driver's License

OR

• Associate's degree and 4 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.

Level II:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Design, Engineering or related field and 3 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.
• Valid Driver's License

OR

• Associate's degree and 7 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Design, Engineering or related field and 5 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.
• Valid Driver's License

Level IV:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Design, Engineering or related field and 7 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.
• Valid Driver's License - Upon Hire
• Professional Engineer (PE) - Desired
• Registered Architect (RA) - Desired
• AICP - Desired
• NCIDQ - Desired
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Desired

Level V:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Building Science, Interior Design, Engineering or related field and 10 years of experience in project management, program management, construction, interior design, architecture, or engineering practices and principles.
• Valid Driver's License - Upon Hire
• Professional Engineer (PE) - Upon Hire
• Registered Architect (RA) - Upon Hire
• AICP - Upon Hire
• NCIDQ - Upon Hire
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Upon Hire

Contract Type: Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We're Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.