Facilities Project Manager III

Rice University•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The facilities project manager oversees all aspects of new construction and renovation projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, and completion. Responsibilities include developing budget estimates and reports, preparing project and contract documents, managing the selection and oversight of external design professionals, coordinating the preparation of construction documents, leading the contractor selection process, and guiding the project team through design and construction phases. Rice University’s Facilities and Capital Planning (F&CP) project management group provides comprehensive project management services supporting improvements and maintenance of the university’s infrastructure, directing the architectural development of capital improvements, and providing consultation on maintenance issues. The F&CP project management team includes professional project managers who are responsible for managing all aspects of new construction and renovation projects on the Rice campus. This team delivers engineering and project management services to enhance and maintain campus infrastructure, guide the architectural development of capital improvements, and provide strategic support. The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical thinker who exercises sound independent judgment, effectively prioritizes competing demands, and solves complex problems. They bring demonstrated experience in project management, a solid understanding of contract management, and strong business acumen, along with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.
3+ years of related experience in construction/facilities project management
Demonstrated ability and experience managing projects effectively, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, communications, and procurement components
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences
Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate across cross-functional teams, and influence stakeholders without direct authority
Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment, taking direction from multiple stakeholders as needed
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and consistently meet deadlines
Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and high‑pressure situations using resilience and diplomacy
Demonstrated technical expertise within the relevant discipline to successfully deliver projects
Ability to provide guidance and coordination to internal staff and external consultants to achieve project objectives

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, or a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management
Professional licensure as an Architect or Engineer, or active progress toward licensure with the ability to obtain within three years
Minimum of five (5) years of recent, relevant experience in construction project management
Experience managing the design and construction of facilities in urban environments
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, as well as Microsoft Project scheduling software
Working knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) software

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of new projects
Manage the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closeout
Independently direct complex, multidisciplinary projects requiring high levels of coordination and functional integration
Prepare contract documents using University templates
Effectively develop budget estimates, reports, and cost projections for assigned projects
Oversee the selection and management of external design professionals, including the preparation of construction documents
Manage the contractor selection process and oversee project teams through both design and construction phases
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure environmental compliance
Develop project action plans and estimate resource requirements, including labor, materials, time, and budget
Research and recommend innovative construction methods and materials to improve efficiency and cost‑effectiveness
Investigate installation issues and recommend corrective actions
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of project management procedures and standards
Complete special projects and other duties as assigned
Assist with administrative functions for coordinating documentation required for LEED certification; maintain record documents with assistance from the department coordinator and organize and schedule progress meetings