Planning, Design and Construction
Senior Project Manager
Job Summary:
This position manages one or several phases of capital project development, including planning, design, and/or construction at the University. Ensures project scope, design, schedule, and budget are being adhered to and adjusted when necessary to meet University requirements for major or large buildings, infrastructure, and site-improvement projects. This position is accountable for performing complex duties in the coordination and management of all phases of project development, including planning, design, and construction.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops or monitors budgets and schedules based on project requirements, assisting with developing or monitoring capital budget requests for projects related to major renovations and new buildings, deferred maintenance, interior fit-outs, site work, and utility and/or infrastructure projects.
- Accountable for aspects of project management on building, site, and utility renovations and/or installations during the planning, design, construction and/or turn-over phases of the project.
- Oversees the preparation of design documents, plans, and specifications of projects within specialty area relative to major building renovation, deferred maintenance and/or new construction projects, especially when in the role of planning or design management.
- Coordinates and oversees contract administration and construction activities of large, complex projects from pre-construction, through the bidding and procurement phase, to construction completion and acceptance, especially when in the role of construction management.
- Performs reviews of programs, plans, design documents, and specifications for all phases of planning, design, and/or construction, including the oversight of the planning, design and/or construction process, especially when in the role of planning or design management.
- Conducts and runs meetings with university stakeholders, internal department staff, and outsourced design and/or construction professionals for administered projects.
- Ensures code compliance and quality assurance of all assigned projects related to planning, design and/or construction management.
- Serves as a resource and project leader in matters regarding project scope, design, planning, budget, cost analysis, schedule and/or regulatory compliance issues.
- Serves as a liaison with University and State officials in such matters as planning, capital budget, design, and construction, as appropriate, to carry out responsibilities. May represent the Project Director as designated.
- Monitors the quality of work, safety, budget and timely completion of construction projects, in accordance with university and department policies, procedures and priorities, especially when in the role of construction management.
- Performs/Supervises the preparation, accuracy and completeness and data entry of all information in UPDC financial and project tracking software including project status reports.
- Facilitates necessary communication and coordinates with university departments to ensure uninterrupted continuity during all project phases on matters related to department-specific interests and scopes of responsibility (i.e. parking, police, environmental, etc.).
- Performs construction administration duties; directs the workflow and supervises the processing of administrative paperwork from bidding to construction completion, acceptance, and closeout; reviews paperwork for accuracy and adherence to policies and procedures. Reviews and approves payment requisitions with backups for consultants and contractors.
- Required to perform permitting and construction related activities including response to Requests for Information during bidding, addenda, and information during construction, shop drawing review, submittal approvals, and field observations of different site conditions, as required by construction administrators.
- Conducts research and analysis to develop plans and technical reports, especially when in the role of planning or design management.
- Reviews and interprets technical, environmental, economic, and legal information if required by the assigned project, especially when in the role of design or construction management.
- Serves as a member of the University architect/engineer/contractor selection board for assigned projects.
- Conducts all work in accordance with the University Planning, Design and Construction Policy & Procedure Manual; makes recommendations for changes and improvements as needed.
- Maintains current knowledge and professional expertise through review of professional journals, memberships with state, national and professional organizations, attendance at meetings, conferences and seminars, and other professional activities related to professional development.
- Performs related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in related field and 12 years of related experience in planning, design, or construction management of capital projects OR Master’s degree in related field and 10 years of related experience in planning, design, or construction management of capital projects.
- Two (2) years of experience must be in the planning, design and construction of large, complex construction projects.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, complex, multi-phase projects with significant budgets (e.g., $10M+).
- Demonstrated knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, life safety codes, and accessibility standards (e.g., ADA compliance).
- Experience with contract administration, including procurement processes, bidding, and contractor oversight.
- Experience managing project budgets, cost controls, scheduling, and risk mitigation.
- Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including internal departments, external consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret construction documents, including drawings, specifications, and technical reports.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional licensure or certification in a relevant field (e.g., Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or Project Management Professional (PMP).
- Experience working in a higher education or public sector environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable design and construction practices, including LEED, WELL, SITES or other green building standards.
- Experience with industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, or Microsoft Project.
- Experience with enterprise systems used in higher education (e.g., financial systems, project tracking platforms, CMMS).
- Demonstrated familiarity with environmental regulations, permitting processes, and sustainability compliance requirements.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a full-time, permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.
Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Incumbents must possess the physical ability to perform the required duties set forth above. May be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.
Must be able to regularly lift, hold, carry, pack, unpack, transport, and deliver materials, supplies, and equipment weighing up to approximately 50 lbs. to and from job sites, storage, etc.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
Must have a valid drivers license.
This position is categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff. Candidates must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Must have a willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends.
TO APPLY
Qualified applicants must apply online Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499549 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 30, 2026.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.
All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.
The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.
The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.