Title: Senior Project Manager I

Employee Classification: Senior Project Manager I

Campus: University of North Texas - System Administration

Division: SYS-Sys Facilities Plan & Constr

SubDivision-Department: SYS-Sys Fac Construction-Gen

Department: SYS-SIPC Staff Capital Project-951000

Job Location: Denton

Salary: Commensurate with experience

FTE: 1.000000

Retirement Eligibility: TRS Eligible

About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

The Office of Strategic Infrastructure, Planning, and Construction (SIPC) at the University of North Texas System (UNTS) seeks a Project Manager (PM) to manage and execute capital improvement projects across the University of North Texas System and the three independent university institutions.

Position Overview

The Office of Strategic Infrastructure, Planning, and Construction (SIPC) at the University of North Texas System (UNTS) seeks a Senior Project Manager I (SPM-1) to manage and execute capital improvement projects across the University of North Texas System and the three independent university institutions.

Reporting to the Director of Project Management, the SPM-1 is responsible for managing capital improvement projects of moderate complexity involving multidisciplinary teams across the UNTS Enterprise. The SPM-1 provides oversight of project scope, schedule, and budget while ensuring compliance with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and best practices in construction and project management.

The SPM-1 serves as a key liaison among campus stakeholders, design teams, and contractors, facilitating collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. With a focus on operational excellence, the SPM-1 ensures that projects are delivered efficiently, meet institutional objectives, and support the academic, research, and service missions of UNTS.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field, and three (3) years in a leadership capacity while overseeing capital improvement initiatives; experience in project management, facilities planning, design, and construction; or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training. Employees in this job may be responsible for conducting research on, working on, or having the ability to access critical organizational infrastructure and they must be able to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure related to this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The SPM-1 must have a strong understanding of building systems, materials, and construction technologies, with the ability to apply innovative solutions that enhance project outcomes. Knowledge of regulatory frameworks, including local building codes, environmental standards, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) requirements, is required to ensure compliance throughout project execution.
Proficiency in project lifecycle management, including planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout, is essential. The SPM-1 should be familiar with contract administration, procurement processes, and risk management principles to support the successful delivery of capital projects.
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are necessary to identify project risks, assess challenges, and develop effective solutions. The SPM-1 must be able to interpret technical documents, financial reports, and construction schedules, using data-driven decision-making to maintain project alignment with institutional goals.
The SPM-1 must demonstrate effective leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, and foster a collaborative work environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for conveying complex project details to university leadership, design professionals, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Proficiency in project management software, such as PMWeb, and scheduling tools, such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project, is required. The SPM-1 must also be competent in Microsoft Office applications, with familiarity in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainability-focused technologies considered beneficial.
A commitment to professional development and mentorship is expected, with the ability to support junior staff and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. The SPM-1 must also demonstrate a customer-focused approach, ensuring that projects align with institutional priorities and stakeholder expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold an advanced academic qualification, such as a master’s degree in architecture, engineering, architectural engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, or business administration.

Experience within higher education, institutional, or public-sector environments is highly valued, as is familiarity with Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) requirements and state procurement regulations.

The SPM-1 should demonstrate proficiency in project management principles and practices, particularly in managing capital improvement projects from inception to completion. Proficiency in project lifecycle management—including planning, programming, budgeting, design, procurement, construction, and closeout—is desirable. Familiarity with various construction delivery methods, risk management strategies, and contract administration is beneficial.

Candidates should have experience managing projects with budgets exceeding $5 million, showcasing the ability to navigate complex project requirements while delivering quality outcomes. Practical experience with sustainability practices, such as LEED certification processes and other green building standards, is preferred.

Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) are desirable.

Active membership in professional organizations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), or similar groups, is a plus and underscores a commitment to industry best practices.

Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership and mentoring abilities, with a proven ability to guide junior staff and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders. A focus on innovation, strategic thinking, and customer service excellence is critical to success in this role, along with the ability to adapt to the dynamic needs of the University of North Texas System (UNTS).

Additional safety credentials or certifications, such as First Aid and CPR, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Training, are advantageous for addressing on-site safety requirements and readiness.

Candidates are also expected to have completed or demonstrate the ability to complete construction safety certifications, such as the OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license to support travel requirements across UNTS campuses and project sites.

Job Duties

• % - Responsible for managing the execution of capital improvement projects from feasibility through closeout, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, budgets, and schedules. This includes developing project scopes, monitoring progress, and implementing strategies to mitigate risks and ensure timely delivery. - (Essential)
• % - Assist the Director of Project Management in implementing best practices for project delivery, ensuring consistency across multiple projects. Manage day-to-day project activities, including scope definition, schedule tracking, budget monitoring, and risk assessment. - (Essential)
• % - Assist with contract administration by overseeing design and construction agreements, ensuring compliance with UNTS policies, regulatory standards, and state procurement laws. This includes providing technical oversight and approving project documentation, design documents, specifications, construction submittals, change orders, and financial reports to maintain quality, accountability, and compliance. - (Essential)
• % - Act as the primary liaison between project stakeholders, including campus leadership, end-users, design teams, and contractors, ensuring clear and transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle. - (Essential)
• % - Collaborates with the Director of Project Management to prepare presentations and reports for UNT System leadership, providing updates on project status, challenges, and key milestones. - (Essential)
• % - Represent projects in institutional and external regulatory reviews, supporting permitting, inspections, and compliance efforts to ensure projects meet all applicable standards. - (Essential)
• % - Mentor and support junior project managers and project coordinators, fostering a culture of professional development and continuous improvement. - (Essential)
• % - Assist in training team members on project management methodologies, tools, and institutional processes. Provide guidance, training, and technical oversight to build the capacity of the project management team. - (Essential)
• % - Leads project coordination meetings and helps resolve conflicts among multidisciplinary teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and institutional priorities. - (Essential)
• % - Develop and monitor project budgets, tracking expenditures and ensuring fiscal accountability. - (Essential)
• % - Implement cost control measures and value engineering strategies to maximize project efficiency and minimize financial risk. - (Essential)
• % - Identify and mitigate project risks, escalating critical issues to the Director of Project Management for resolution when necessary. - (Essential)
• % - Supports process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery methodologies. - (Essential)
• % - Champions sustainable building practices, ensuring compliance with environmental policies and energy-efficiency standards. - (Essential)
• % - Assist in incorporating lessons learned from past projects into future project planning and execution. - (Essential)
• % - Oversees the completion of project closeout activities, including final inspections, punch lists, and as-built documentation. - (Essential)
• % - Coordinates with operations and maintenance teams to facilitate a smooth transition of new facilities into active use. - (Essential)
• % - Participates in post-project evaluations, assessing outcomes and identifying areas for future improvements. - (Essential)

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Environmental Hazards

• Low temperatures.
• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Elevated temperatures.
• Noisy environments.

Work Schedule

Generally, M-F, 8am - 5pm

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. 

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.