Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system that supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The facilities project manager oversees all aspects of new construction and renovation projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, and completion. Responsibilities include developing budget estimates and reports, preparing project and contract documents, managing the selection and oversight of external design professionals, coordinating the preparation of construction documents, leading the contractor selection process, and guiding the project team through design and construction phases.

Rice University’s Facilities and Capital Planning (F&CP) project management group provides comprehensive project management services supporting improvements and maintenance of the university’s infrastructure, directing the architectural development of capital improvements, and providing consultation on maintenance issues. The F&CP project management team includes professional project managers who are responsible for managing all aspects of new construction and renovation projects on the Rice campus. This team delivers engineering and project management services to enhance and maintain campus infrastructure, guide the architectural development of capital improvements, and provide strategic support.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and analytical thinker who exercises sound independent judgment, effectively prioritizes competing demands, and solves complex problems. They bring demonstrated experience in project management, a solid understanding of contract management, and strong business acumen, along with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

Workplace Requirements

This position is mainly on campus, offering the option to work remotely one day per week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus position. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions.

Working Conditions

This role requires the ability to conduct frequent construction site inspections across multiple locations, both on and off campus. The individual must be capable of climbing ladders and willing to access all university spaces as needed. Work is performed in shared environments and may involve varying site conditions.

Hiring Range

Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.

• 3+ years of related experience in construction/facilities project management

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability and experience managing projects effectively, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, communications, and procurement components

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences

• Proven ability to build relationships, collaborate across cross-functional teams, and influence stakeholders without direct authority

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment, taking direction from multiple stakeholders as needed

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and consistently meet deadlines

• Sound judgment and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex and high‑pressure situations using resilience and diplomacy

• Demonstrated technical expertise within the relevant discipline to successfully deliver projects

• Ability to provide guidance and coordination to internal staff and external consultants to achieve project objectives

Preferences

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, or a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management

• Professional licensure as an Architect or Engineer, or active progress toward licensure with the ability to obtain within three years

• Minimum of five (5) years of recent, relevant experience in construction project management

• Experience managing the design and construction of facilities in urban environments

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, as well as Microsoft Project scheduling software

• Working knowledge of computer‑aided design (CAD) software

Essential Functions

• Lead the design and development of new projects

• Manage the full project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closeout

• Independently direct complex, multidisciplinary projects requiring high levels of coordination and functional integration

• Prepare contract documents using University templates

• Effectively develop budget estimates, reports, and cost projections for assigned projects

• Oversee the selection and management of external design professionals, including the preparation of construction documents

• Manage the contractor selection process and oversee project teams through both design and construction phases

• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure environmental compliance

• Develop project action plans and estimate resource requirements, including labor, materials, time, and budget

• Research and recommend innovative construction methods and materials to improve efficiency and cost‑effectiveness

• Investigate installation issues and recommend corrective actions

• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of project management procedures and standards

• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Assist with administrative functions for coordinating documentation required for LEED certification; maintain record documents with assistance from the department coordinator and organize and schedule progress meetings

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

---

The project manager oversees all aspects of new construction and renovation projects, ensuring effective planning, execution, and completion. Responsibilities include developing budget estimates and reports, preparing project and contract documents, managing the selection and oversight of external design professionals, coordinating the preparation of construction documents, leading the contractor selection process, and guiding the project team through design and construction phases.