Junior Project Manager - Architecture

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world's most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-the-art facilities. SAIC's undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world-as seen through notable alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia O'Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off

• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits

• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)

• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program

• Great employee discounts

• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

PLEASE NOTE: All applications must include a cover letter and link to a portfolio of work

Reporting to the Associate Director of Design and Construction, the Project Manager- Architecture is responsible for providing professional project management and leadership on important projects related to the all SAIC buildings. These projects could include but are not limited to: Envelope updates and facade maintenance, complete floor renovations, infrastructural projects that could relate to HVAC and other support systems, structural elements, finishes and the broadest spectrum of all construction divisions. The position will also work closely with the university's research divisions and applies deep knowledge and specialized expertise to coordinate and execute all phases of large capital projects. Leads the construction and renovation of physical assets and bringing assets online in the most efficient and effective manner.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the planning, design and execution of major capital projects by providing project leadership, communication, coordination & conflict resolution to ensure project goals are met

• Manage a project portfolio that could range from a single large complex project to a group of projects

• Support the department in pre-project planning activities

• Manage projects from initiation through final project completion and closeout

• Manage and be responsible for project budget, schedule, and procurement of design and construction services

• Provide leadership and drive progress of consultants to achieve expected functionality, architectural design outcomes and recommend alternatives if needed to keep the project on schedule and within budget

• Facilitate timely decisions with campus representatives to report progress and issues impacting the project goals to stakeholders

• Take responsibility for timely and comprehensive communications with all project stakeholders and the larger SAIC community

• Ensure design and construction documents comply with project requirements including established Facilities processes and standards

• Facilitate timely review of contract documents throughout all phases of the project. Assure that comments are responded to and resolutions of the comments are incorporated into the projects

• Facilitate timely reviews of accessibility, building, fire code, and historic preservation (where applicable) compliance to avoid delays to the project.

• Advocate with integrity for the University in contract negotiations

• Review and approve design and construction contracts, changes, technical service contracts, GMP submittals, bid documents, pay applications, in accordance with SAIC policies

• Apply departmental project control processes for consistency, to mitigate risks, and to assure compliance with policies, rules and regulations as well as all applicable authorities having jurisdiction

• General Continually communicate between the Design and Construction management team, and all other IRFM departmental stakeholders to ensure a common understanding of objectives, resources, and priorities

• Responsible for management of the construction process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or related degree in architecture, engineering required

• Architecture license or in process of obtaining license highly preferred

• 2+ years experience in architecture or project management

• Experience with large institutional projects

• High-Ed experience is a plus

• Familiarity with building processes and codes in a variety of settings, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the development of innovative solutions to problems in the design and construction process

• Detailed understanding of building systems, construction practices, contracting procedures, building design methodologies and code requirements

• Demonstrated negotiation skills in a management role for high-profile projects with active senior management involvement

• Demonstrated ability to manage preconstruction and construction project schedules

• Comprehensive understanding of project delivery gained through documented education and/or experience

• Strong supervision and management skills

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to drive project teams towards required outcomes

• Ability to work independently with general guidance and direction from the Associate Director

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills appropriate to managing the flow of information in support of decision making at the highest management levels of a complex institutional organization

• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams in preconstruction, construction and closeout, responsible for coordination, and lead preconstruction thru construction

• High-level proficiency with office software including Microsoft Office Suite or google equivalent; experience with construction/ project/or facilities management software; Auto-CAD; Adobe Suite (Acrobat, Illustrator and InDesign); Proficiency in Revit and Bluebeam is a plus

• Must be very detail oriented, while maintaining a big picture vision for the project

• Ability to perform multiple tasks and meet deadlines

• Customer service oriented and ability to work well under pressure

• Must have good follow-up skills

• Ability to physically enter a construction site (climb a ladder) and visually inspect work in progress

Closing Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.