Construction Project Manager

Bellingham & Whatcom County Housing Authority•Bellingham, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA), an independent municipal organization, is a high performing leader in affordable housing. BHA offers opportunities for people to thrive by ensuring access to quality, affordable homes. Our vision is that every person has the opportunity to live in a safe, secure, affordable home. We are recruiting for an experienced and service focused Construction Project Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is committed to the highest standards in public service. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Construction Project Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing capital improvement, modernization, and development projects. This role ensures that all construction activities comply with HUD and/or LIHTC requirements, local and state regulations, project budgets, schedules, and BWCHA goals. Responsibilities span a wide range of affordable housing development activities, including scope development, document preparation, procurement, construction project management, and serving as the primary representative during design and construction protecting BWCHA interests and ensuring high-quality, cost-effective project delivery that strengthens the affordable housing community. This position requires extensive construction and development experience, sound judgment in both office and field settings, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively. The Construction Project Manager exercises considerable judgment in planning, developing, and managing projects ranging from small improvements to large rehabilitation or construction efforts. The role oversees project budgets and schedules, ensures compliance with contract terms, and supports the overall efforts of the Development Department.

Requirements

Proficient understanding and ability to complete construction contract management and budget monitoring.
Ability to organize and establish priorities for assigned projects and duties with minimal supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with a variety of public and private entities including employees, clients, and community members.
Ability to communicate well with groups and individuals, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, on active construction sites. Tolerance for exposure to dust, fumes, noise, chemicals, and temperature variations common on construction projects.
Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, reflective vests, gloves and sometimes respirators.
Extensive knowledge of development, construction and contracting procedures, policies, and regulations (including federal and state contract law).
Familiarity with HUD regulations, Davis-Bacon, Section 3, and federal procurement rules.
Knowledge of public and private financing options including HUD Public Housing, CDBG, HOME, Washington State Housing Trust Fund, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Rural Development, bond issues, non-market resources, and Federal Home Loan Bank's Affordable Housing Program.
Strong communication, negotiation, and documentation skills.
Ability to work effectively in occupied housing environments and community settings.
Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations.
Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read, interpret and apply complex rules, policies, and regulations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of programs.
Ability to multitask and perform high volumes of detailed work with speed and accuracy.
Four-year degree from an accredited college in Construction Management, engineering, architecture or related field. Any combination of education and experience that evidences the ability to perform the duties of the position may be substituted.
Five years of construction or project management experience, preferably involving occupied multifamily housing.
Proficient in computer and information technology with at least three years of project management skills in Excel and other data resources required in the field of construction and development management.
Must possess a valid Washington State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License and an acceptable driving record (according to BHA standards).
Ability to move about construction sites, including uneven terrain, mud, gravel, stairs, and scaffolding. Ability to climb ladders and access roofs, crawl spaces, mechanical rooms, and other tight or elevated areas. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. Ability to stoop, perform repetitive activities and sit in an office environment for prolonged periods of time. Ability to drive from place to place and navigate construction sites during all phases of construction.
Ability to analyze development and construction activity to ensure maximum efficiencies, goals and timelines are achieved. Must be capable of resolving complex operating problems, supervising and leading employees and able to work effectively with others, including the general public and government agencies.

Nice To Haves

Three years of experience with government housing programs, affordable housing development, planning, real estate development or program management is desired.

Responsibilities

Identifies and catalogues capital needs, identifies needed repairs, and recommended plans.
Develops project scope, budget, schedules, and deliverables
Coordinates pre-construction activities including feasibility studies, environmental reviews, and resident impact planning.
Lead procurement of architects, engineers, and contractors in compliance with HUD and BWCHA policies.
Prepares and coordinates construction contracts, bid forms, bid specifications, pre-construction conference materials, bid opening support and program reporting.
Identify and prepare applications for public funding, including project scopes, budgets, schedules, and required technical documents.
Reviews architectural and engineering designs for constructability, compliance, cost efficiency, and accessibility (ADA/504/UFAS).
Facilitates design meetings and ensures stakeholder input is incorporated.
Serves as BWCHA’s primary on-site representative to monitor construction progress, quality, and compliance.
Conducts regular site inspections and prepares progress reports.
Manages RFIs, submittals, change orders, and pay applications.
Tracks project budgets, spending, and cash flow.
Enforces contract terms and ensures contractor performance aligns with project requirements.
Ensures adherence to HUD regulations, Davis-Bacon wage requirements, Section 3, procurement rules, and environmental standards.
Maintains required construction, financial, and procurement documentation.
Provides regular project updates to BWCHA leadership, residents, and external partners.
Coordinates with property management, maintenance, relocation teams, and community stakeholders.
Provides procurement related technical assistance and quality assurance to BWCHA staff, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Provides senior level knowledge and assistance with construction and development to organizational staff.
Coaches staff in the development and implementation of work plans and/or initiatives to support BWCHA’s strategic business plan.
Oversees final inspections, punch lists, commissioning, and project turnover.
Ensures delivery of warranties, O&M manuals, and as-built documentation.
Supports long-term transition to property operations and maintenance.
Assists the Director of Development with other assigned development or procurement activities that advance the agency’s mission.