Senior Capital Projects Manager, Camp Michigania

Job Summary

The Alumni Association of the University of Michigan is seeking an experienced Senior Capital Projects Manager/Owner's Representative to oversee the planning, design, construction, and closeout of Camp Michigania's multi-phase capital program. The position will serve as the Alumni Association's primary owner-side project representative, coordinating the work of the construction manager, architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within approved budgets, and in alignment with the Association's strategic objectives and camp operations.

Monitor and evaluate project performance, including schedule, cost, quality, risk, change management, and contract compliance. Ensure appropriate coordination among project partners and escalate issues requiring owner decisions.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and problem-solver who can balance multiple priorities, motivate cross-functional teams, manage contractors and vendors, and keep the project moving forward. This position requires attention to detail, leadership skills, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities*

• Develop, manage, and execute project plans for individual projects within the overall capital program, from initial planning through completion. Establish and monitor milestones, dependencies, deliverables, and critical path activities, and ensure accountability for timely completion.
• Manage all project meetings, including kickoff, brainstorming, review, and lessons-learned sessions.  Complete with project closeout, archiving, and documentation.
• Lead project meetings, including kickoff, design review, construction, progress, risk, and lessons learned, and ensure decisions, action items, and accountability are documented and followed through on.
• Provide owner-side oversight of the change management process. Review the Construction Manager's evaluation and recommendations regarding proposed changes, including scope, cost, schedule, contingency impact, and responsibility; coordinate appropriate technical and financial review; and prepare recommendations for owner approval.
• Maintain project schedules, action items, decision logs, documentation, and project reporting using AAUM's designated project management platform. 
• Create and manage a project executive dashboard and related project status reports.
• Coordinate design development and integration among the architect, civil, structural, MEP, landscape, environmental, and other consultants. Monitor design progress against approved scope, budget, schedule, and owner requirements and identify potential conflicts, omissions, or scope gaps before they impact construction.
• Maintain the master project budget, including design, construction, construction management, engineering, permitting, furnishings/equipment, contingencies, allowances, and other owner costs. Monitor commitments, expenditures, change orders, contingency usage, and forecast-to-complete. Independently review CM cost reports and provide the CFO and executive sponsor with an accurate forecast of total project cost at completion.
• Establish and maintain a project risk register identifying financial, schedule, design, construction, regulatory, operational, and stakeholder risks; develop mitigation strategies and escalate material risks to the executive sponsor and project owner.
• Support procurement and contracting activities, including evaluation of consultant and contractor proposals, scope alignment, contract requirements, and owner approvals.
• Oversee project closeout, including punch lists, commissioning, warranties, as-built documentation, training, operating manuals, final payments, and transition to camp operations.
• Prepare concise executive- and Board-level reports that clearly communicate project progress, financial performance, schedule, key risks, major decisions, and required actions.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership by demonstrating AAUM core values: All In, Serving Heart, and Solution Seeker, and helping other staff members demonstrate those values.

Supervision Received

Reports directly to the Senior Vice President & CFO and works closely with the Executive Director of Camp Michigania to ensure project decisions and construction activities align with camp operations and strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications*

• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience managing complex capital construction projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects of $10M or greater, preferably through multiple phases.
• Significant experience working on the owner's side of construction projects and/or serving as an owner's representative.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating construction managers, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.
• Strong understanding of construction budgets, schedules, change orders, contracts, and project controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex construction and financial information into concise executive-level recommendations.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with higher education, nonprofit, hospitality, resort, camp, recreational, or institutional facilities.
• Experience with CM-at-risk or similar construction delivery models.
• Experience with projects involving significant civil/infrastructure work.
• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, business, or related field.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is hybrid with remote work and frequent travel to the construction site at Camp Michigania in Boyne City, MI. Candidates applying should live within a commutable distance to Boyne City, MI. 

Work Schedule

This is a part time position with 20 hours per week. The salary range posted reflects a full time equivalent position. 

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.