Project Manager - Interior Design & Fit-Out

Project Manager - Interior Design & Fit-Out

Company: Villanova University

Job Location: Villanova, 19085

Category: Planning, Design, and Project Management

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: 20260061S

Location: Villanova, PA

Work Schedule: full-time/12-months

Department: 813-Space Management

Position Summary

Why work at Villanova?

• Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
• Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.

The Project Manager- Interior Design & Fit-Out manages, the planning, design, documentation, bidding, and construction of small- to mid-scale interior renovation projects across the University. This position focuses on interior projects that are designed and documented in-house.

Under general supervision, the Project Manager is responsible for programming studies, space planning, interior design, construction documentation, furniture coordination and procurement, and construction administration. The role provides end-to-end project management from initial concept through closeout, ensuring projects align with University standards, schedules, and budgets.

Additionally, the Project Manager - Interior Design & Fit-Out supports the Engineering and Construction Project Management Team by providing management support for the interior design and furniture selection and procurement for capital projects, as needed.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Capital Planning, Programming & Space Studies

Supports University departments in the development of annual capital budget requests, including preparation of preliminary project scopes and cost estimates. Supports programming studies, space planning, and interior renovation concepts. Conducts needs assessments, test fits, adjacency studies, and preliminary layouts to inform project scope, budget, and schedule. Prepares conceptual plans and feasibility studies to support capital and maintenance funding req

Interior Design & Construction Documentation

Designs and documents small to mid-scale interior renovation projects with exterior design consultants. Develops interior layouts, finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, furniture plans, and construction documents using AutoCAD and/or Autodesk Revit. Selects interior materials, finishes, fixtures, and furniture consistent with University standards, durability requirements, and budget constraints. Coordinates interior design and documentation with Facilities, IT, AV, and other campus stakeholders.

Bidding, Procurement & Construction Management

Manages bidding, procurement, and construction activities for assigned interior projects in coordination with Procurement. Prepares bid packages, purchase requisitions, and construction contracts. Evaluates bids and provides recommendations for contractor selection. Manages construction activities, coordinates contractors and vendors, monitors construction progress, quality, safety, and schedule performance, and resolves field issues related to interior renovation work. Provides on-site field oversight as required and coordinates punch list and closeout activities.

Furniture & FF&E Procurement and Coordination

Manages furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) procurement for assigned interior renovation projects, including furniture selection, budgeting, ordering, and installation. Provides furniture planning, specifications, and procurement support for larger capital projects managed by other project managers. Reviews furniture submittals, shop drawings, and mock-ups and coordinates installation with contractors, vendors, and campus stakeholders.

Financial Oversight & Project Closeout

Develops and tracks project budgets for assigned projects. Reviews and processes contractor, vendor, and furniture invoices and evaluates change orders, providing recommendations for approval. Coordinates project closeout activities, including as-built documentation, furniture inventories, warranties, and closeout records. Provides day-to-day project oversight of contractors, vendors, and furniture suppliers associated with interior renovation and fit-out projects.

Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or closely related field and/or equivalent technical training, knowledge, and experience at the project management level in interior design and construction.
• Strong knowledge of interior design principles, finishes, furniture systems, and interior construction materials and techniques. Demonstrated experience preparing interior construction documentation, managing bidding and procurement, and administering construction contracts for interior renovation projects. Experience coordinating furniture procurement and installation is required.
• 5+ years' experience in interior design, architecture, or a related field with demonstrated responsibility for programming, design documentation, bidding, construction, and closeout of interior renovation projects. This experience must include management of projects from programming and design through construction, closeout, and occupancy.
• Must be proficient in AutoCAD; knowledgeable in construction methodologies, codes applicable to interior work, and project management principles; able to solicit, evaluate, and manage bids and cost proposals; skilled in Microsoft Office; and capable of reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with computer scheduling, spreadsheet and database programs is desirable but not essential. Proficiency in Autodesk AutoCAD, Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Bluebeam is required. Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and other 3D modeling software is preferred.

Familiarity in coordinating multiple interest groups and stakeholders is important.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with administrative, faculty, and staff clients; with vendors and contractors.

Must have strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work tasks, and work either independently or as part of a team consisting of a wide variety of individuals.

Excellent communication, negotiating, writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills oriented to customer service are required.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours

Work outside with moderate exposure to weather, noise, dust and other conditions typical of construction projects.

Walking, bending, reaching, climbing ladders, and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Salary Posting Information

This position falls within salaried grade 18 and the range is $94,700-118,400. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Grade 18