What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager, Design & Construction position at About the Work?
Project Manager – Design & Construction
New York City | 115,000-140,000 | Full Time | Hybrid (3 days in office)
About the Work is a New York–based owner's representation firm managing capital projects from concept through occupancy. We are looking for an experienced, strategic Project Manager to join our team.
We work alongside institutions that shape lives and strengthen communities, turning vision into built reality. Founded in 2016 and now in its 10th year, About the Work has delivered 39 capital projects totaling more than 1 million square feet across New York City and the region, supporting mission-driven organizations in education, culture, community development, and social services.
Our work has served over 5,000 students and educators, engaged more than 3,000 artists and audience members, and brought strategic leadership to four distinct project types across both new construction and complex renovations. Recent openings include The Green-House at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley Shakespeare theater center in Garrison, NY. We are a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) in New York City and New York State.
The role:
- Support and progressively lead capital projects end-to-end—from pre-development through construction and occupancy—ensuring alignment with client goals, scope, budget, and schedule
- Serve as the primary client lead, driving communication, decision-making, and clear, actionable reporting across all stakeholders
- Manage procurement and oversight of consultants and contractors, including RFP processes, contract negotiation, and team performance
- Oversee project financials and administration, including budget management, cost tracking, and review of invoices, requisitions, and change orders
- Drive project execution by managing schedules, identifying risks early, and coordinating solutions to keep projects on track
- Opportunity to grow into full project ownership over time, working closely with senior leadership and taking on increasing responsibility as trust and experience are built
You are:
- Skilled at driving clients and project teams through capital project design and construction
- A clear and proactive communicator who can translate complex technical issues into actionable next steps
- Comfortable navigating design and construction-phase issues, identifying practical solutions, and supporting project teams to move work forward
- A steady presence who earns the trust of clients and teams through expertise, sound judgment, and a practical, solution-oriented approach
You have:
- 7 years of experience in architecture, engineering, construction management, or owner’s representation
- Deep understanding of design and construction administration processes and building systems
- Experience reviewing, negotiating and strategically administering consultant scopes and contracts
- Experience managing consultant and contractor invoices and requisitions
- Familiarity with coordinating public sector and nonprofit capital projects is a plus
About Us: We are a collaborative team based in New York City, in the office three days a week (four days a week for your first six months). Our projects support nonprofit, cultural, and public sector clients doing meaningful work in their communities.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 3 months of paid parental leave
- 401(k) with a 3% company match, plus an employer-paid defined benefit plan after one year of service
- 15.5 vacation days and 11 paid holidays
To Apply:
Applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter, both in .pdf format, to be considered. Applicants must also answer the following questions:
- Provide three examples of strategic construction administration efforts that you drove that saved the Client money.
- What’s one clause or contract term you always look for when reviewing a subconsultant or subcontractor agreement, and why?
- When reviewing a consultant or contractor invoice or requisition, what common issues do you check for?
- Give three examples of projects you worked on that were ground-up or involved adaptive reuse/complex existing conditions. Briefly describe your role on each.
Email your resume, cover letter, and responses to admin@atworkllc.com with the subject line "Project Manager Position – [Your Name]" to be considered.
About the Work is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Salary : $115,000 - $140,000