Capital Projects Manager

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts. Meijer Gardens is ranked among the 100 most visited art institutions in the world. The organization embraces the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture & sculpture. Meijer Gardens' commitment is to create a legacy of lifelong learning, enjoyment, and a rich cultural experience for generations to come. Department : Administration Supervisor : VP of Capital Development & Government Affairs Pay Type: Salary, Exempt, Full-time Compensation : Salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications. Position Summary: The Capital Projects Manager supports the planning, design, and delivery of capital improvement projects, campus infrastructure and building projects. Acting as the organization’s owner’s representative, this role is accountable for managing projects from concept development through construction, commissioning, and closeout. The Capital Projects Manager collaborates closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within approved budgets, and in alignment with the organization’s mission, quality and aesthetic standards, and long-term stewardship goals. This role requires progressively responsible capital project management experience and a demonstrated ability to deliver complex projects with disciplined financial and operational oversight.

Requirements

Education : Bachelor's or Master's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (required).
Experience : 5-7+ years of progressively responsible experience managing capital building and site projects, with demonstrated accountability for budget and schedule performance.
Skills/Knowledge/Licenses: Strong understanding of design and construction processes and project delivery methods (design-bid-build, CM-at-risk, etc.).
Ability to review and interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively.

Nice To Haves

Experience in owner-side, institutional, campus, cultural, or similar environments is strongly preferred.
Familiarity with sustainability practices and green building certification programs (e.g., LEED) preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management software.
Professional certifications such as PMP, CCM, LEED AP, RA, or PE are preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Project Planning and Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders and leadership to define project scope, objectives, budgets, schedules, and clear deliverables and measurable outcomes
Lead concept development, feasibility analysis, and risk assessment for proposed capital and infrastructure projects.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors from early planning through construction.
Establish project governance, reporting cadence, and decision-making processes for assigned projects.
Project Execution: Serve as the primary organizational representative for assigned capital projects.
Oversee design and construction activities, ensuring adherence to approved scope, quality standards, budgets, schedules, and contractual requirements.
Proactively identify and resolve project risks, conflicts, and change conditions to minimize cost and schedule impact.
Monitor project progress and prepare clear, timely reports for leadership and stakeholders.
Ensure effective project closeout, including commissioning, documentation, and transition to operations.
Budget and Resource Management: Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets, cost estimates, and cash flow projections.
Review contractor and consultant pay applications, change orders, and cost proposals in collaboration with Finance.
Identify opportunities for value optimization and cost control while maintaining design intent and project quality.
Maintain disciplined financial oversight and safeguard institutional resources through sound contract administration.
Serve as an organizational resource for general building and site-related inquiries.
Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Translate technical information into clear, accessible communication for non-technical audiences.
Communicate project updates, milestones, and potential challenges in a timely manner
Solicit and incorporate stakeholder feedback to enhance project outcomes while maintaining clarity of scope and forward momentum
Quality Assurance and Compliance: Implement and enforce quality assurance standards for design and construction.
Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, zoning requirements, safety regulations, accessibility standards, and environmental guidelines.
Support sustainable design and construction practices, including green building and environmental stewardship initiatives.
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.