Careers at Lehigh

Project Manager - Facilities Department

Shape the future of Lehigh University's campus as our next Project Manager. This exempt, full-time position offers the opportunity to lead meaningful construction and renovation projects that directly support our mission of academic excellence and student success.

About the Opportunity

You'll manage campus projects from initial concept through final closeout, handling all phases including design coordination, budgeting, and commissioning. Working collaboratively with stakeholders, you'll assess project feasibility, develop comprehensive scope documents, and prepare detailed cost estimates. Your role includes overseeing contracts, managing change orders, processing invoices, and maintaining thorough project documentation. As the primary liaison connecting clients, contractors, and consultants, you'll ensure smooth communication while supporting larger initiatives under the Director's supervision.

Position Number: S83400

This position is a Grade: 10 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $67,270-$81,830 and is subject to change based on experience, skills and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as project manager and University liaison for a range of projects (office, residential, classroom, lab, and athletic), ensuring design and construction quality align with the University’s standards and character.
• Represent the University with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, code officials, and internal stakeholders; provide technical guidance, review drawings and bid documents, and support schedules and budget controls.
• Oversee project execution by directing design and construction activities, monitoring progress, ensuring compliance with codes and standards, reviewing submittals, resolving issues, and managing projects ranging from $10K to $150M.
• Maintain project records and reports, balance scope, budget, schedule, quality, risk, and resources, ensure clear communication and proper change documentation, and, in rare cases, serve in a general contractor capacity.
• Manage project budgets and financial operations, including cost estimates, cost control, account reconciliation, reporting, and close-out using University accounting systems and protocols.
• Develop and administer RFPs and bidding processes, including preparing proposals, selecting and vetting bidders, negotiating fees, and awarding contracts in consultation with leadership.
• Review and approve financial and contract actions such as payments, change orders, purchase orders, and work orders, ensuring compliance, resolving discrepancies, and making cost-effective decisions aligned with University priorities.
• Manage project communication and stakeholder engagement, interfacing with clients regarding scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining strong interpersonal collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and distribute standardized weekly progress reports (written and graphic) on scope, schedule, and budget status, and provide documentation and presentation support for senior leadership as requested.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Architecture or Construction Management or equivalent
• Five to eights years of related work experience
• Experiences in either project management, building design or facilities management
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for coordinating with diverse stakeholders
• Problem-solving abilities to navigate project challenges and unexpected issues
• Leadership and team collaboration skills to guide project teams effectively
• Time management and prioritization skills for handling multiple concurrent projects

Why Lehigh University?

Located in Pennsylvania's beautiful Lehigh Valley, our university provides an inspiring work environment where your contributions matter. Join a diverse, inclusive workplace where innovation thrives and every team member can reach their full potential. You'll have access to continuing education opportunities, university resources, and the satisfaction of supporting world-class research and teaching through exceptional facilities management.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the university’s mission. Lehigh University offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care, Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• This position is funded by soft dollars; there is no severance associated with this position.
• The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
• This position has direct contact with minors, therefore a background check is required.
• This position is responsible for driving University-owned vehicles as a routine function, therefore a valid Driver’s License and a good driving record is required.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.