Portfolio & Space Project Manager

University of Washington•Tacoma, WA

About The Position

The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to interdisciplinary and innovative teaching and scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships. UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. More information about UW Tacoma and its strategic plan can be found here . UW Tacoma (UWT) Facilities has an outstanding opportunity for a Portfolio & Space Project Manager. The Portfolio & Space Project Manager is a critical member of the Facilities unit of the Finance & Administration (F&A) team, supporting strategic planning, space program management, building coordination program management, and project execution. This position oversees space data analysis, inventory management, space request processing, and the coordination of move/add/change (MAC) services. Additionally, the Portfolio & Space Project Manager is responsible for managing furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and signage, wayfinding, art, and graphics (SWAG) programs. The role ensures that University spaces and assets are efficiently utilized and maintained in compliance with applicable regulations, while providing essential services to support campus growth and operational needs. UW Tacoma is one of the fastest-growing institutions in Washington, occupying over 900,000 square feet across a 15-acre campus footprint. The Portfolio & Space Project Manager must balance competing demands from various departments while ensuring space planning aligns with university objectives. Strong analytical skills are required to interpret complex regulations and policies, resolve engineering and architectural challenges, and make data-driven recommendations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, planning, facilities management, or related field.
At least three years of experience in space planning, project management, or related areas.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to prepare decision-support materials such as reports, presentations, and graphics.
Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and deliver high levels of customer service.
Strong interpersonal skills, experience collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
Excellent organizational skills in identifying and prioritizing work activities; ability to work on multiple and concurrent projects.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint

Nice To Haves

Model and maintain the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness and honesty.
Build and maintain the trust of others.
Work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and educationally diverse populations.
Establish Rapport: Interact effectively with others to establish and maintain smooth working relationships.
Build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation and mutual respect.
Maintain an open, approachable manner, and treat others equitably and respectfully; preserve others’ self-confidence and dignity and show regard for their opinions.
Demonstrate Personal Responsibility: Demonstrate responsible personal and professional conduct, which contributes to the overall mission and goals of the University; accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work; earn trust, respect, and confidence from the UW Tacoma community.
Communicate plans and activities in a manner that supports strategies for unit involvement and accomplishment of mission and outcomes.
Demonstrate awareness of how positive words and actions may impact or contribute to situations to enhance the outcomes.
Be Adaptable & Flexible: Adapt to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
Respond positively to change, embracing and using new practices or values to accomplish goals and solve problems.
Manage change in a way that reduces the concern experienced by others.
Remain calm under stress.
Be open to different and new ways of doing things.

Responsibilities

Conducts space utilization analysis and assesses current space inventory for condition and program suitability.
Develops short and long-range space planning recommendations and guidelines, ensuring efficient use of University space.
Manages FF&E, ensuring the proper selection, procurement, and installation of furniture, fixtures, and equipment for campus spaces.
Oversees SWAG, ensuring that signage, wayfinding, art, and graphics are effectively implemented to enhance campus functionality and aesthetics.
Coordinates and manages all MAC projects, ensuring alignment with campus objectives and strategic growth plans.
Serves as the liaison between campus departments, leadership, and stakeholders regarding space assignments, faculty and staff relocations, and ongoing space needs.
Develops and implements guidelines, standards, and procedures for space allocation and move requests, ensuring compliance with best practices and University policies.
Leads the development and execution of minor capital projects and facilities improvements, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Collaborates with campus departments to create construction-phasing plans, minimizing disruption to departmental operations.
Reviews architectural and engineering plans to ensure alignment with University functional and technical requirements.
Works with stakeholders to develop project budgets, schedules, and plans for campus facility improvements, ensuring they meet campus growth and operational needs.
Oversee the maintenance and updating of space management databases, including the Space Inventory Management System (SIMS) and GIS data, ensuring data integrity across related systems.
Coordinate annual physical inventory assessments, updating space data such as room numbers, square footage, and occupancy levels.
Manage the maintenance of "as-built" drawings and specifications for all campus facilities.
Administers the Building Coordination program, facilitating essential services such as security, health and safety representation, utility shutdowns, building renovations, and general management.
Coordinates efforts between operational units (e.g., Campus Safety & Security, Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology) to ensure seamless building operations.
Develops and maintains campus policies and procedures for Building Coordination, ensuring efficient communication and execution of essential services for academic and operational units.
Collaborate with the Facilities and F&A teams to improve processes and enhance service.
Assist other staff in meeting deadlines.
Support, coordinate, and lead special projects or assignments as needed.
Participate with and serve as support for other Facilities and F&A activities.