Construction Manager/Owner's Representative

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT J29:7 At J29:7, we are a diverse and passionate team of professionals dedicated to making a significant difference in underserved communities through our expertise in urban planning, architecture, construction, real estate development, and community engagement. We firmly believe in the power of inclusive neighborhood development and addressing systemic issues to create equitable and thriving communities.

Our firm takes a holistic approach to community master planning, recognizing that successful development extends beyond physical infrastructure. We understand that sustainable and transformative change requires a comprehensive understanding of social, economic, and environmental factors that shape communities. By integrating the expertise of architects, construction-oriented professionals, real estate developers, and community specialists, we bring a multidisciplinary perspective to our projects. We rise early and stay late because we are passionately driven by the work that we do. But make no mistake about it, we all left “jobs” when we stepped into our roles at J29:7 to pursue purpose in the communities that we’ve been called to serve and you couldn’t pay us enough to be doing what we have fun doing daily.

POSITION OVERVIEW

J29:7 is seeking a dynamic and self-motivated candidate to join our growing team. J29:7 works directly with communities and stakeholders to bring urban planning and development to reality through design and construction. Our work is mission driven, fulfilling, and provides diverse work experience and culture.

This position requires applying critical thinking to a wide range of project issues and opportunities including but not limited to supporting the acquisition and pre-development activities, leading the design solicitation and design review, leading pre-development, design, pre-construction solicitations and activities, construction solicitation, construction, closeout, and oversight and support of leasing and marketing activities as needed. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to coordinate the design and lead the construction project efforts for multiple projects within and outside of the organization, often serving as an Owner’s Representative on projects.

This position will also serve as the primary point of contact for client interaction, design and engineering consultants, professional consultants, and general contractor/construction manager consultants. The Construction Project Manager reports directly to the Chief Design & Construction Officer and manages the daily design and construction job responsibilities listed below.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

J29:7 seeks a highly motivated candidate with great communication skills, an eye for design and construction building and an entrepreneurial spirit. This candidate thrives in a fluid environment and takes initiative. The candidate has proven project management acumen with strong leadership to keep the project deliverables and project team on track. Most importantly, the candidate is great at building trusting relationships that lead to collaborations with our clients, partners, funders, community members, local business/property owners, governing staff, and peer organizations. Above all, you align with the mission and vision of holistic community development for the communities you are positioned to build in.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The projects will focus on both renovation and new construction and the asset types will range from educational facilities, community centers, housing, and mixed use commercial retail facilities to name a few. Projects will may be performed on behalf of a related party of J29:7 or an external client by which we provide Owner’s Representative Services.

• Advise the client/Owner throughout the project, providing recommendations to deliver the project on budget, on schedule, and within the aligned project scope.

• Support and advise on acquisition, due diligence, and financial pro forma models for capital project budgets.

• Coordinate Architect/Engineer (A/E) and General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) solicitations, including support for contract execution.

• Manage project schedule, permitting, and consultant RFPs.

• Lead the coordination of A/E teams through schematic design, design development, and construction documentation, ensuring alignment with project space programming.

• Support value engineering efforts throughout the design phase to maintain budget compliance.

• Serve as the primary representative for the organization during construction, monitoring budget, commitments, and expenditures, including the review and submission of monthly draw packages.

• Coordinate overall project communication with the client, project team, city agencies, and stakeholders, providing monthly progress reports.

• Review and negotiate project design amendments and change orders on behalf of the Owner, providing recommendations to inform decision-making.

• Oversee construction closeout, including securing O&M manuals, warranties, As-built documents, and necessary certificates (e.g., Certificate of Occupancy).

• Work with other team members to develop internal templates and procedures as it relates to design projects.

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the CDCO.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, Master’s degree preferred

• Minimum of 5-7 years of design, construction management & direct project management experience

• Understands real estate proforma and capital outlay budgets highly desirable

• Understands and can manage project gantt schedules

• Experience with managing complex urban affordable housing, commercial retail space, historic renovation, major and minor renovation, and mixed-use development projects is highly desired

• Experience providing value engineering options

• Experience estimating and costing out a project

• 3 - 5 years experience as Owner’s Representative highly desirable

• Understand financial incentives, Brownfield, Tax Increment Financing, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, OPRA, New Market Tax Credits, and Historic Tax Credits is highly desired

• Must be willing to travel, job location is preferred to be located in Chicago or SE Michigan, but can be remote.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• PMP or other project management certification preferred

• Residential Builders License or other certifications highly desired

SKILLS AND TOOLS

• Ability to read and understand architectural drawings. Knowledge in Google Gantter, Microsoft Project, Asana, Procore or similar programs, Understands contracts, design, and construction practices. Knowledge of the entitlement/permitting process and construction delivery methods and agreements. Familiarity with design and construction best practices, general building codes, and various building types and systems

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Commensurate with experience (starting at $70k)

• Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance offered

• 401(k) Offered

• Generous PTO & Paid Holiday Policy