Director of Project Management - UC Riverside

Another Source's client, University of California, Riverside, is recruiting a Director of Project Management to join their team in Riverside, California.

Here's a little about UC Riverside and Planning, Design & Construction:

The University of California, Riverside (UCR) is a nationally recognized research university and a member of the prestigious UC system, known for advancing social mobility, innovation, and community impact. As one of the fastest-growing campuses in the UC system, UCR is actively expanding its academic, research, and student-focused infrastructure to support its dynamic and diverse population.

UCR’s Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) department plays a central role in shaping the campus of the future. The team leads the planning, design, and delivery of a wide range of capital projects, from cutting-edge research facilities and academic buildings to housing, infrastructure, and campus modernization initiatives. Learn more here: https://pdc.ucr.edu/

About this role:

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor and Campus Architect, this role plays a critical leadership function within Planning, Design & Construction and contributes to the university’s long-range capital planning and development strategy.

As Director of Project Management, you will lead and develop a team of approximately 5 project managers, along with contract and augmented staff, overseeing a highly active and complex capital portfolio of more than 100 projects ranging from small tenant improvements (~$50K) to large-scale capital projects exceeding $400M. This includes major initiatives such as student housing expansion, healthcare and clinical facilities, infrastructure renewal, and modernization of legacy campus buildings.

This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic oversight and active engagement in complex project challenges. You will operate at a high level while also staying closely connected to project execution, supporting your team, resolving issues, and ensuring successful delivery across a demanding and visible portfolio. Success in this role requires strong political acumen and the ability to effectively navigate competing priorities across a complex university environment.

You will partner closely with campus leadership, faculty, Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, and external partners, serving as a trusted and highly visible leader across a complex, matrixed environment.

Scope & Impact:

• Lead strategy, planning, and execution of a diverse portfolio of capital improvement projects across campus
• Supervise and develop a team of project managers, supporting performance, growth, and delivery outcomes
• Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance
• Contribute to long-range campus planning and capital development strategy in partnership with senior leadership
• Provide leadership in construction services, engineering standards, and technical project delivery
• Ensure alignment with UC policies, public works requirements, and regulatory frameworks governing capital projects
• Act as a key liaison across campus, partnering with leadership, faculty, and operational units to align priorities
• Collaborate closely with Contracts, Campus Planning, Facilities, and Construction partners to ensure seamless project execution
• Provide hands-on guidance to project managers, helping navigate challenges related to scope, schedule, and budget
• Oversee consultant and contractor selection, negotiations, and performance
• Identify risks early and implement solutions to keep projects moving forward within active and occupied campus environments
• Establish and refine project management standards, processes, and performance metrics to improve delivery outcomes
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership on capital planning and project delivery strategy

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• This role requires an active architectural license (or ability to obtain California licensure within a defined timeframe)
• 8 years of experience managing complex capital or construction projects
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and developing staff in a project-based environment
• Strong background in design and construction, with the ability to understand and guide day-to-day project challenges
• Experience working in complex, highly regulated environments, preferably within public sector or higher education
• Ability to navigate a complex, highly regulated, and politically nuanced environment
• Familiarity with California public works processes is highly desirable
• Additional professional licensure such as engineering is strongly preferred
• Experience working directly on construction sites such as project manager or superintendent
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills across diverse stakeholders
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment

Compensation & Benefits:

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $126,000 – $248,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The University of California offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work life balance. Learn more about UC benefits here:

https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Another Source works with their clients on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications, please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100 percent qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.