Program Manager, Campus Interiors

Overview

Princeton University’s Facilities, Office of Capital Projects (OCP), is seeking an experienced, dedicated professional to fill the position of Program Manager, Campus Interiors.

The Program Manager for Campus Interiors will lead a team of professionals managing all aspects of projects that range from small renovations to being a part of a larger team for new capital projects, with budget responsibilities ranging from $10,000 to $15,000,000. With over 200 projects active simultaneously, this position is responsible for all aspects of program management, including oversight of projects from inception and scoping through design and construction, including project occupancy and close out. Delivery of projects on budget and on time is essential to this position.

The work of the Interiors team includes: 1) independent projects of limited scale focused principally on interior renovation, including uses such as classrooms, faculty and staff workspace, student spaces, dining facilities, athletic spaces, dormitories, residents; and 2) the coordination of furnishing and personnel moves for large capital projects in collaboration with capital project management teams. The Program Manager for Campus Interiors will also focus on the improvement and standardization of project delivery processes and methodology, including project intake, resource utilization, budgeting, cost accounting, governance, and project tracking.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

As a member of the OCP Senior Staff and reporting to the Executive Director, Office of Capital Projects, the Program Manager for Campus Interiors will manage a team of 8 to 10 Interior Project Manager professionals.

• Direct staff and manage workload for project delivery, including:               
  • Interiors projects:
    • As part of large project teams, responsible for the coordination of furnishings and interior finish selections and placement as well as driving and coordinating FF+E mock-ups, the execution of the furnishing specifications, contract documents, bids, and installations and the move management of personnel.
    • Mid-sized projects where Interiors are part of a project team within other program portfolios. Responsible for the coordination of furnishings and interior finish selections and placement as well as driving and coordinating the execution of the furnishing specifications, contract documents, bids, and installations and the move management of personnel.
    • Mid-sized and small projects where internal staff manage the design, procurement, and execution projects directly with user groups.
  • Project Managers managing multiple projects using either outside consultants and contractors or internal staff and resources.
  • Managing and assigning projects, monitoring, and adjusting workload.
  • Closely monitoring processes to confirm, document and create cost ranges, funding requests, and schedules for projects.
  • Managing process for periodic reporting on project tracking.
  • Ensuring project teams are communicating with internal and external stakeholders, such as campus clients, Provost Office, Finance, University Architect, Public Safety, Grounds and Building Maintenance and Engineering.
  • Collaborate with the Provost Office and departmental representatives to establish project funding.
• Oversee procurement and execution of studies related to furnishing selections and associated professional services.
• Customer Service: Oversight of projects and engagement with clients to ensure an elevated level of customer satisfaction. Managing staff and client communications to ensure information is appropriately shared and to promote consistent and rapid project delivery and manage customer surveys, both informal and formal.
• Directly manage highly visible projects, including: Lead the process from inception through the completion of installation/construction; lead engagement with clients, project teams, OCP partners, internal resources, and stakeholders as well as external consultants, suppliers, and contractors; interface with campus entities necessary to ensure that project scope and objectives align with university policies and priorities; oversight of budgets and schedules and serve  as the lead role in governance processes.
• Communicate at all levels of Facilities and the University ranging from institutional leadership and user groups to project delivery teams. Initiate and promote communication across all levels to promote improved services and increased communication regarding project status.
• Maintain client satisfaction by developing and fostering client relationships and securing customer feedback formally and informally.
• Actively collaborate with project teams for large capital projects.
• Manage and coordinate the engagement of external consultants, suppliers, and contractors in connection with project delivery.
• Develop and enhance process improvements to promote more transparent, consistent, and efficient project delivery.
• Develop and maintain interior design standards and guidelines, ensuring the approved guidelines are applied when conducting internal design reviews with interior project managers and design professionals, providing consistency in approach and design application across campus while meeting the requirements of the internal clients.
• Drive value engineering exercises to continuously improve interior design standards and mitigate unnecessary costs.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Professional degree in architecture or interior design from an accredited higher education institution.
• NCIDQ certified.
• Diverse interior design experience including a minimum of ten years project lead and experience managing multiple design and construction projects simultaneously, including budget and schedule management across projects. 
• Experience in collaborating on projects with leadership and teams.
• Experience in the design and construction process from project inception and programming through design, bidding, construction, commissioning, and project occupancy and turnover.
• Have a general knowledge of applicable building codes, sustainability, wellness, and ADA requirements.
• Significant demonstrated success in leadership of both people and organizations, with proven skills in leadership and communication to effectively engage and motivate staff.
• Extensive experience and a well-developed experience in the decision processes and leading/managing diverse teams with conflicting needs or requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex matters and is an excellent problem solver (e.g., strategic, structured, and data-driven) and project manager.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with varying scope and multiple stages of completion.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Knowledge of procurement strategies within a large institution.
• Knowledge of contract furniture industry in terms of furniture selection, specification, bidding and procuring and installation.
• Computer skills, including MS Office applications, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, and web-based data applications.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn and implement modern technology.
• Experience in program level reporting on project metrics, project risks and contingencies.
• Successful experience in business process improvement related to the design and construction process.
• Ability to thrive in a rapidly changing environment with multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in delivering projects in an institutional environment or specifically for a higher education institution.
• License and Professional Accreditations.
• WELL AP, LEED, PMP, CPM certification.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours 36.25 Eligible for Overtime No Benefits Eligible Yes Probationary Period 180 days Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail) Yes Physical Capacity Exam Required No Valid Driver’s License Required No Experience Level Director #LI-SB1

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