Construction Manager

University Housing and Dining seeks candidates for the position of Construction Manager to be responsible for overseeing complex, sometimes multi-phased construction projects that significantly impact institutional operations. This role involves managing all aspects of project delivery—from planning and design through execution and close-out—while ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, and quality standards. The manager coordinates with internal teams, external consultants, and contractors, provides leadership and supervision, and ensures compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines. Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills are essential, along with experience in construction management, budgeting, scheduling, working on a team with a variety of backgrounds, and in team-oriented environments.

Specific Job Duties & Tasks

• Manage Large-Scale, Multi-Phased Projects
  Oversee complex capital projects with multiple contracts and phases, ensuring minimal disruption to campus operations.

• Lead Design Management
  Assist with oversight of the design process, ensuring compliance with codes, standards, and project scope; recommend consultants and resolve design conflicts.

• Coordinate Stakeholder Input
  Engage internal teams (IT, safety, utilities, accessibility) and external consultants to align project goals with institutional needs.

• Communicate Effectively
  Provide clear, timely updates to project teams and administration; maintain accurate records in project management systems.

• Develop and Manage Budgets
  Create and monitor project budgets, review cost estimates, and ensure alignment of scope and funding.

• Control Project Schedules
  Establish, monitor, and update schedules to meet completion targets; advise on constructability during design phases.

• Ensure Financial Accountability
  Analyze and report financial data, monitor contracts, and manage procurement of supplies and equipment.

• Maintain Compliance and Safety Standards
  Ensure adherence to safety guidelines, regulatory requirements, and university policies throughout all project phases.

• Resolve Issues and Disputes
  Identify and address design errors, omissions, and conflicts; recommend solutions to maintain timelines and protect university interests.

• Utilize Project Management Tools
  Maintain accurate project data and apply best practices for cost estimation, scheduling, and reporting.

For a detailed job description, please email Ruth Appleton at ruth-appleton@uiowa.edu.

About the Division of Student Life

The Division of Student Life is comprised of staff that embrace new ideas and thoughts, works together to keep our students safe, and provides them with life-changing experiences. The Division of Student Life includes 15 departments that span from Recreation Services to the Office of Leadership, Service and Civic Engagement and everything in between. We believe in working together as one team to achieve our mission: fostering student success by creating and promoting educationally purposeful services and activities within and beyond the classroom.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Professional experience (typically 3-5 years) in project management of projects during programming, schematic design, design development and/or construction document phases. 

• Excellent communication (written and verbal), probl