Capital Projects Manager

Job Description:

The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for over 40 years.

As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of an inclusive community committed to excellence. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

ABOUT THE POSITION

As a Capital Projects Manager at The Chicago School, you will play a pivotal role in the successful planning, execution, and management of our capital projects. Reporting to the Executive Director of Facilities and Real Estate Planning, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our campuses and facilities, creating innovative spaces that inspire learning, collaboration, and growth.

You will work closely with key stakeholders across the university, including leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners, to develop and implement capital project strategies that align with our mission and vision. From concept to completion, you will support all aspects of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, vendor selection, and construction oversight.

With a strong focus on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, you will navigate complex challenges and drive projects forward, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Your ability to build relationships, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs will be key to your success in this role.

If you are passionate about creating spaces that inspire learning and innovation, and you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, we invite you to join our team as a Capital Projects Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of The Chicago School and the students we serve.

This is a remote position based in Chicago, with the requirement to travel frequently, as needed, to one of our locations in Chicago, California, Texas, or Washington, D.C.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Project Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement capital project strategies that align with the university's mission, vision, and strategic priorities
• Oversee all aspects of project management, including budgeting, scheduling, vendor selection, and construction oversight
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop project scopes, timelines, and deliverables
• Monitor project progress, identify potential issues, and develop solutions to keep projects on track

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners
• Communicate project updates, milestones, and challenges to stakeholders in a clear, concise, and timely manner
• Facilitate meetings and discussions to gather input, build consensus, and drive decision-making
• Serve as a liaison between the university and external partners, including architects, contractors, and vendors

Budget and Contract Management

• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with university financial goals
• Process and manage contracts with external partners, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures
• Monitor and report on project expenses, identifying variances and developing corrective action plans as needed
• Collaborate with university finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting

Facilities and Transition Management

• Coordinate the planning and execution of facility relocations and transitions, including move management and decommissioning of existing spaces
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for the effective management and maintenance of university facilities
• Collaborate with campus operations teams to ensure the ongoing operation and upkeep of university buildings and grounds
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for facility improvements and upgrades, developing business cases and securing necessary approvals

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Construction Management, or Business Administration or the equivalent in terms of formal education or training
• A minimum of three years of experience in capital project management, facilities management, or a related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated success in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept to completion
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills
• Additional formal education or training in a relevant field such as Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or Business Administration
• Experience managing capital projects in a higher education or nonprofit setting
• Familiarity with typical capital project lifecycles and the associated tasks from the owner’s perspective
• Proficiency in project management software and tools

Compensation & Benefits

https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/career-opportunities/

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please note: For the protection of faculty, staff, students, and all who enter our facilities, The Chicago School strongly recommends that all employees are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 per CDC guidance.