Sr. Project Manager, Planning & Site Dev., GO

Empire State•Town of Onondaga, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Project Manager will be a dynamic, highly organized, and experienced professional responsible for the end-to-end management, administration, and execution of multiple, complex planning, economic development, and real estate development projects essential to GO-SEMI’s strategic initiatives. The core objective of this role is to significantly expand site readiness and bolster the semiconductor supply chain across New York State. This requires ensuring a portfolio of projects—from initial planning and site acquisition to infrastructure build-out and regulatory approvals—are delivered on scope, on time, and within budget, successfully navigating a landscape of numerous interdependencies and diverse public/private stakeholders. The Senior Project Manager is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, serving as a central nexus for project information and coordination. They will act as the principal liaison between the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Planning and all external parties, including consultants, legal counsel, developers, community groups, and all levels of government (federal, state, and local agencies). Success in this role hinges on the ability to proactively identify, map, and mitigate systemic risks and interdependencies inherent in large-scale, politically sensitive development projects.

Requirements

Education Level Required: Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, business administration, management, or a related field (master’s degree preferred). Associate’s degree with 7 years direct, relevant experience may substitute.
Relevant Experience required: A minimum of five (5) years of experience required. Proven experience in a leadership or administrative role, preferably in economic development, real estate development or urban planning. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Experience working with architecture, engineering and planning consultant industry desired.
Knowledge Required: Excellent written and verbal communication to skills including ability to communicate clearly in public settings, is critical. High competency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook & PowerPoint). Proficiency in ArcGIS and project management software (e.g Monday.com). Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. Strong attention to detail and independent follow-through are highly important. High level of discretion and confidentiality. This position will work closely with the AVP and other senior ESD leaders to support overall success of the GO-SEMI office.
ALTERNATE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES: A minimum of 5 years of satisfactory service in another (relevant) position with Empire State Development. Up to 2 years of accredited post-secondary education, or service in the U.S. military may be substituted for service at ESD.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with architecture, engineering and planning consultant industry desired.

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage specific projects or initiatives as delegated by the AVP.
Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones, objectives and schedules are achieved.
Prepare and facilitate regular meetings and communications with ESD leadership, agency partners, and project stakeholders, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items.
Provide project-specific oversight, guidance and schedule tracking for federal/state/local environmental reviews, permits, and approval processes, identifying potential issues and proposing solutions to keep projects on track.
Assemble, curate and manage information systems, such as databases, site inventories, GIS mapping, project management software and custom project trackers.
Prepare and review documents, reports, project schedules and presentations for accuracy and completeness.
Review and synthesize technical data and reports related to community planning, zoning, site development, real estate and infrastructure systems.
Support the AVP in the development and implementation of GO-SEMI/ESD strategic projects and initiatives.
Collaborate with the AVP to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation within the office.
Drive the development of new technological, data collection/management and information sharing initiatives in response to shifting strategy and opportunities.
Other projects and duties as assigned by the Executive Director.