Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: EXS/12

Job Summary:

Reporting to a member of the Capital Programs leadership team, the Project Manager will be responsible for managing the programing, design, and construction of capital projects of varying size and complexity. As a Project Manager the primary responsibility will be to provide comprehensive project management and leadership on important projects related to Northwestern University's Research Laboratories and other scientific buildings. This individual is highly skilled in all aspects of project management services and is expected to lead the effort in managing projects from initiation through final project completion and closeout. Projects may be on either or both campuses (Evanston and Chicago/Streeterville).

The role will support the University's research divisions. Projects include new laboratory installations, modification to existing laboratories plus the installation and modification of all ancillary utility, HVAC and other support systems.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $115,000-$135,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

PRE-DESIGN:

* Facilitates the gathering of program information from faculty, staff, facilities personnel, and University management staff to develop the program requirements for University projects.

* Develops budgets, schedules, and cashflow forecast for assigned projects. Updates as necessary throughout project lifecycle.

DESIGN:

* Prepares and issues formal Requests for Qualifications/Proposals for architectural and engineering services.

* Manages the selection of professional consultants, architects, and engineers.

* Prepares and negotiates consultant agreements.

* Manages the work of consultant architects and engineers in translating the user requirements for University projects into architectural and engineering design.

* Lead design meetings with University users, architects, and engineers.

* Keeps leadership informed of project progress (schedule and budget) and manages payments to consultants.

* Reviews architectural and engineering drawings at various stages of design (schematic design, design development and construction documents) to assure that University functional and technical programmatic requirements and standards are met.

* Coordinates review by Operations Shop Supervisors, Risk Management, Office of Research Safety, etc.

* Prepares presentations for staff and leadership. Coordinates preliminary presentations to regulatory agencies.

BIDDING/PROCUREMENT:

* Solicits receives, tabulates, and reviews proposals from prospective contractors.

* Reviews with design team and other parties.

* Makes recommendation for award. Prepares contracts for signature, in consultation with insurance and legal counsel.

* Coordinate purchase of equipment and furnishings for University construction projects to ensure that correct products are purchased on a timely basis to meet project schedules.

CONSTRUCTION:

* Serves as liaison between University departments and the contractor to assure that the impact of the contractor's activities on departmental operations are minimized.

* Manages the construction process to assure that contractual obligations are met. Reviews project communication to protect university interests.

* Manages owner-initiated changes to limit impact on schedule and budget.

* Develops construction phasing plans to minimize impacts on departmental operations.

* Coordinates with Shop supervisors, Risk Management, Office of Research Safety, Northwestern IT, University Safety and Security, etc.

* Monitors construction progress to ensure schedule adherence.

* Promptly reviews and approves applications for payment and prepares cash flow forecasts

OCCUPANCY/TURNOVER:

* Manages occupancy activities such as furniture installation, equipment hook-up, data activation, and move-in.

* Manages prompt turnover of closeout documentation.

* Assists Facilities Finance in closing project account.

OTHER/MISC:

* Prepares budget estimates for proposed future programs/projects as requested.

* Assists in maintaining Design Guidelines, University Construction Specifications, and contract templates based on project experience, new products/technologies, and best practices.

* Performs other duties as requested by the Director of Design & Construction.

Miscellaneous

* Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree in engineering, architecture or construction management plus five (5) years of relevant experience in professional practice or related job discipline.

* Experience working on projects in a higher education or similar institutional environment.

* Experience in the preparation of comprehensive project budgets.

* Experience in selecting and managing professional consultants (architects, engineers, and other specialty consultants).

* Experience in leading projects through the regulatory approval process including the local building departments, fire marshals and other authorities having jurisdiction.

* Experience in selecting and managing contractors and/or construction management firms.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

* Ability to build and manage diverse project teams.

* Ability to produce concise, well written status reports. Excellent presentation and communication skills.

* Ability to prioritize tasks and multiple responsibilities in order to provide a high level of client service.

* Working knowledge of Building Codes, Life Safety Codes & ADA standards.

* Working proficiency in preparing and reviewing construction administration documentation (shop drawings/submittals, requests for information, change proposals, etc.).

* Working proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite of software.

* Basic knowledge of construction/project accounting standards.

* Basic knowledge of project financial monitoring, tracking and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Minimum 5 years' experience managing capital projects in a rigorous scientific laboratory environment with a university, biotech, pharmaceutical, healthcare, or a design and construction firm that supports these industries.

* Experience with complex regulatory approval processes

* Master's degree in architecture, engineering, a construction-related program, or similar area of study.

* Professional licensure in field.

* Familiarity with Capital infrastructure type projects.

* LEED credential.

* Participation in professional or trade organizations (AIA, ACEC, CSI, SCUP, etc.).

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

* Basic proficiency with building information modeling systems.

* Basic proficiency with Microsoft Project, Primavera, or similar scheduling software.

* Basic knowledge of OSHA regulations in a facilities environment (construction or general industries).

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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