Project Manager

SDSU Research Foundation•San Diego, CA

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

As Project Manager, reporting to the Associate Director of Leasing & Construction, you are a contributing force to the organization’s mission, vision, values, strategic goals, and objectives. Your leadership transforms vision into reality by guiding design, tenant improvement, and capital projects across a diverse portfolio of facilities and land. You advance initiatives that balance feasibility, design, and budget while ensuring spaces are safe, efficient, and ready to support discovery, innovation, and growth. By collaborating with faculty, researchers, tenants, and stakeholders, you help create environments that strengthen the organization today and position it for tomorrow’s success.

Requirements

Comprehensive knowledge of the latest releases of AutoCAD and Microsoft Project
Comprehensive knowledge of the CBC, ADA and ADAAG codes and requirements
Knowledge of BOMA method of space calculation
Ability to read, draft, and understand working architectural/engineering construction documents
Knowledge in preparation, understanding of specifications for interior planning and construction
Excellent leadership and management skills, with ability to motivate teams to produce quality performance and results within tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to extrapolate and interpret raw data for development of technical reports and budgets
Ability to work as a team as well as with a high degree of autonomy, making independent and technical decisions, and solving problems “on the fly”.
Ability to coordinate the accurate and timely production of projects from start to finish and work under deadlines and budgets.
Ability to maintain professionalism and excellent judgment at all times, and provide an outstanding level of customer service.
Strong organizational and project management skills with drive to meet division objectives
Knowledge of cost-estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling construction projects
Knowledge of state, federal, city and local regulations in planning and B occupancy construction
Ability to develop or participate in writing specifications for equipment, systems or services
Ability to create RFQ/RFP packages and negotiate contracted service agreements
Flexibility to work after normal business hours to accomplish required tasks and during emergency situations
Ability to relate well to others within the project environment.
Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or equivalent experience in drafting, architecture, engineering, interior design, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in all areas of space planning and tenant improvement project management.

Nice To Haves

Previous related work experience in a university, non-profit, or space planning firm setting.

Responsibilities

Lead design, tenant improvement, and capital projects from concept through closeout, ensuring adherence to codes, budgets, schedules, and foundation standards.
Facilitate meetings with faculty, researchers, tenants, consultants, and contractors to define scope, align design, and maintain a collaborative team environment.
Conduct onsite assessments, kick‑off meetings, and punch‑list walkthroughs to verify progress, resolve field conditions, and ensure safe, compliant execution.
Develop bid analyses, track construction budgets, integrate value engineering, and maintain Gantt chart schedules to meet critical timelines.
Prepare schematic designs, AutoCAD drawings, and construction documents; oversee interior layouts, equipment planning, and tenant programming for optimal use of space.
Review properties for ADA barriers, manage CASp reports, oversee permits and entitlements, and integrate corrective actions into long‑term facilities planning.
Manage the foundation’s plan library, update materials specifications, and ensure consistency with foundation and university standards.
Oversee CAD databases, produce graphics, and integrate data across software platforms to support reporting, asset management, and project accounting.
Provide timely updates, maintain project documentation, and ensure projects are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with the foundation’s mission.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Life and disability insurance plans
Generous employer contributed 403b retirement plan . We match 200% on the first 5% of contributions, up to 10% maximum employer matching contribution. All contributions are 100% vested.
Vacation and sick leave accruals
14 paid holidays and 1 annual personal holiday
Hybrid in-office/telework arrangements
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access to campus amenities, including Love Library, Aztec Lanes bowling alley, SDSU transit center, and a variety of coffee shops and eateries.
Discounted Aztec Recreation Center gym membership and SDSU events
Wellness workshops