Construction Project Manager

Benefits of working at VCU

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU’s benefits here.

Job Code 17221

Recruitment Pool All Applicants

Posting Number req8126

Unit FM Construction MBU

Department Facilities Management, Construction Management

Department Website Link https://fmd.vcu.edu/

Location VCU

Address 907 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Summary

VCU FMD Construction Management has an exciting opportunity for a Construction Project Manager to join the team!

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) combines learning, research, creativity, service, and discovery with a strong commitment to innovation and student success. When deciding where to work, VCU is a great choice because of the career opportunities, a wide variety of benefits available, a generous leave package, various discounts within the community, and a welcoming and supportive culture that prioritizes your well-being.

The Construction Project Manager is responsible for the coordination and management of non-capital construction projects to facilitate new and renovated facilities that support the mission of the University on both the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses. This position requires experience in the planning, design, and construction of new and renovated projects and has a focus on moderately complex construction projects with the flexibility to support other related needs.

The project management portion of construction includes supervision of construction contractors, architectural firms, engineering firms, consulting specialists, and associated university services throughout preconstruction, construction, and post construction operations to manage successful completion of all projects assigned. Proactive management of budget, scope, schedule, quality, and safety while maintaining good relationships with clients, customers, and stakeholders.

The core functions of this position include: defining and confirming client expectations, specifying, monitoring, and managing scopes of work, management, planning and estimating, monitoring schedules for vendor compliance, inspecting materials and workmanship to ensure compliance with contract documents, budget control and negotiations with contractors and A/E firms, project closeout through owner occupancy, effective written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Project Administration
  • Prepares and executes design and construction and associated procurements with assistance from contracting officers
  • Coordinates user operations and activities to ensure their integration into the project
  • Prepares and reviews design and construction documents and specifications to assure completeness, constructability, and code compliance and that the project meets University standards, meets the guidelines of the HECO Manual/CPSM and adheres to budget and schedule constraints while meeting client expectations
  • Negotiates and approves change orders
  • Prepares project closeout documents to also include project documentation required from contractor and approved by A/E
  • Set up project data and contractor information into project management information software in order to track entire project status and history
• Project Monitoring
  • Tracks and maintains project measures for budgets, scopes, and schedules through timely and accurate updates of project success criteria in the assigned Project Management software
  • Proactively monitors project quality and schedule compliance; joint effort with architect / engineer and VCU stakeholders to review and approve material submittals and shop drawings proactively
  • Proactively monitors site environmental conditions for compliance with State requirements
  • Monitors and reviews the University Construction Inspector's daily reports
  • Acts as the liaison between the owner and the contractor and the A/E
  • Proactively monitors activities of outside contractors and handles conflicts
  • Coordinates material purchasing and ensures State procurement guidelines are maintained
• Budget Control
  • Proactive budget management
  • Responsible for preparing and monitoring project budgets to ensure compliance with university and state purchasing procedures by analyzing periodic financial reports, by recommending authorization of expenditures, and by projecting and controlling cost overruns
  • Reviews and approves contractor, A/E, and vendor payments; notifies each for corrections when discrepancies are found
  • Enters project data in project management information software in order to track project budgets, commitments, and expenditures
• Problem Solving
  • Resolves construction and design conflicts through proper contract means
  • Oversees and coordinates the activities of the architects / engineers, consultants, outside contractors, in-house maintenance, vendors, and the users to ensure a timely and economical project completion
  • Identifies and meets the needs of the users
• Advisory
  • Confers with, and as scheduled by, the Assistant Director to apprise him/her of the status of on-going projects to include problems, changes, budget status, schedule status, and the construction inspector's performance
  • Meets with contractor, A/E, inspector to remain updated on issues, schedule and job progress
  • Keeps key departments, zone leaders, and owners updated on project progress, issues, and schedules through frequent and regular communication
  • Attends Unit and Departmental meetings as required by Unit and Departmental Leadership

Qualifications

Minimum Hiring Standards

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience
• Several years of experience as a project manager in commercial, industrial, or higher education design and/ or construction
• Ability to read and understand Construction Drawings and Specifications with a working knowledge of construction products, materials, technology, and building systems
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to analyze and solve problems
• Working knowledge of construction means, methods, state codes, and standards
• Effective verbal and written communication and negotiation skills
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License required
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Hiring Standards

• Effective management of project budgets and forces to the benefit of the University
• Strong understanding of CPM or other schedule management techniques
• Professional Certification (ie. PE, PMP, CCM, AIA, LEED)
• Advanced negotiation skills and above average written and oral skills
• Supervisory and management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently
• Experience with the Virginia Construction & Professional Services Manual (CPSM) and State Procurement and Virginia Capital Outlay construction management experience

Required Licensure/Certifications

• Valid Virginia Driver's License

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

(Details on physical demands, environmental conditions, emotional demands, and mental/sensory demands are omitted for brevity as per instructions to focus on main content.)

Salary Range: $65,000 - $72,000

Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

VCU Job Code: Project Manager FM 1 (17221)

Closing Date: on or before September 23, 2025