Job Description

The Design Project Manager is responsible for managing the predesign and design of moderate to complex Capital Improvement Projects ranging up to $300,000,000 across the University system (building and infrastructure construction). Responsibilities revolve around three primary functions 1) team leadership, 2) project execution â“ maintaining project scope (program and University-wide), schedule, and budget, while mitigating risk, and 3) communication. Under the direction of the Manager of Design & Construction and University Architect, this position engages with appropriate University clients and stakeholders to determine project requirements and then charts a course for project completion with an emphasis on project program, facilitation of predesign, design documents, and design execution. Partnering with CPM Delivery Project Managers and PSRE Planners regarding program, schedule, and budget, this position is responsible for managing the day-to-day design activities necessary to drive the successful completion of each Capital Improvement project, as well as general oversight and guidance for teamed projects.  

Responsibilities

Team Leadership (30%):
This position will lead a project team through the design process, or co-lead when teamed, for Capital Improvement Projects ranging up to $250,000,000. The Design Project Manager is the initial point of client/user contact, providing guidance for all team members involved in each project. The project team includes: University Clients, University Internal Partners, other CPM Delivery Project Managers (when teamed), Design Professionals, Contractors, and Vendors. Responsibilities for team leadership include:
● Building relationships with and engaging clients and stakeholders
● Monitoring program alignment and design quality
● Design adherence to scope, schedule, and budget
● Providing consistent project delivery throughout CPM project management
● Teaming with Delivery Project Managers and Project Coordinators, as well as Planners, to provide oversight and guidance
● Keeping CPM leadership informed as to project status or issues

Project Execution (20%):
This position represents the University's interests during all phases of the design and construction process, with an emphasis on project initiation, scoping, feasibility, budgeting, predesign, schematic design, and design development. The Design Project Manager will also provide design continuity for the project during construction documents, bidding, construction, occupancy, and project closeout phases. Responsibilities for project execution include: Project Initiation, Procurement, Design/Contract Documentation, Team Management, and Evaluation of the Work. 
Initiation (including but not limited to) (10%):
● Partnering with Construction Project Manager to develop overall planning schedule to achieve project goals
● Design Schedule development
● Assembling the project team and recommending appropriate project delivery method
● Working with clients to develop project program requirements
● Implementing internal partners/stakeholder requirements as appropriate
● Obtaining required approvals from CPM leadership and providing support to the Project Executive Committee, Capital Oversight Group (COG), and Board of Regents
● Partnering with Construction Project Manager to review budget and funding authorization

Procurement and Contract Management (including but not limited to)(10%):
● Developing appropriate scope of services and pursuing proposals for design services
● Participating in negotiation of fee and business terms & conditions of the contract(s)
● Directing the work of consultants and maintaining a clear understanding of the consultantâ™s scope of services
● Ensuring adherence to consultant contract terms & conditions
● Aggressively resolving issues relative to design performance
● Review/evaluate cost quotations, invoices, payment applications, and proposed change orders

Evaluation of the Work, Budget, and Schedule Management (including but not limited to) (10%):
● Understanding University-wide established processes, policies, and guidelines necessary to complete a project
● Determining and balancing University needs, client program requirements, and project budget
● Reviewing/guiding individual design choices and decisions
● Recommending and managing appropriate project contingencies
● Responding to key schedule milestones
● Ensuring University-wide interests are represented, rather than a singular project program; including: Master Plan, Design Guidelines, B3 Sustainable Building 2030 (SB 2030) Energy Standard, Operations/Maintenance, and Construction Standards.

Communication (20%):
This position manages the flow of information between parties and requires constant and accurate communication to successfully plan, execute, and complete each Capital Improvement Project. There are many facets and variables to each construction project along with a team of internal and external participants; effective communication is essential to maintain continuity throughout the projectâ™s duration and achieve the desired result. 
Responsibilities for communication include:
â—‹ Leading design progress meetings
â—‹ Timely and concise explanation of issues and decisions
â—‹ Leading Project Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings through Design Development to review design alignment with scope, schedule and budget
â—‹ Engaging internal partners for input and document review
â—‹ Ensuring accurate and timely Project Executive Committee meetings, COG meetings, and Regent submittals
â—‹ Informing CPM leadership of significant developments on a timely basis 

Work Environment

Primarily an office environment but will include frequent visits to construction sites. Hybrid work encouraged; current in-office expectation is 2-3 days or as needed for specific project requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

● BA/BS Degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or related discipline, plus at least 8 years of progressively more responsible experience in institutional/commercial/industrial construction. 
●      Licensed Architect, Certified Interior Designer, or equivalent design professional license/certification. 
● Demonstrated success managing to scope, schedule, and budget for mid- to large complex construction projects. 
● Direct work experience must include design and project management experience. 
● Personal computer experience with strong computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics presentation for Windows (MS Office Suite, InDesign, SketchUp). 
● Experience working with confidential and sensitive information.

Preferred Qualifications

● Project management/design emphasis on clinical and research laboratory projects. 
● Public sector project management experience. 
● Bluebeam, AutoCAD and/or BIM software skills. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

● Knowledge of architectural design principles and their application to built form.
● Facilities planning and construction management processes and procedures.
● Knowledge of estimating, budgeting, and scheduling practices.
● Knowledge of building codes and standards of practice.
● Knowledge of construction materials and methods.
● Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently, multi-task, and establish priorities.
● Well-developed oral and written communication skills with a diverse population. 

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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Job Tags

Contract work, For contractors, Work experience placement,

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