Position Overview
Under administrative direction, the Project Manager plans and manages assigned Detroit Public Library facility renovation, construction, repair, and capital improvement projects from initial scope through closeout. The position coordinates consultants, contractors, procurement, schedules, budgets, site access, communication, and documentation to deliver safe, functional improvements at the Main Library and branch locations.
- Position Type
- Full Time
- Agency
- Facilities
- FLSA Status
- Exempt
- Bargaining Unit
- Non-Represented
- Revision Date
- September 2026
General Purpose
Under administrative direction, the Project Manager plans and manages assigned Detroit Public Library facility renovation, construction, repair, and capital improvement projects from initial scope through closeout. The position coordinates consultants, contractors, procurement, schedules, budgets, site access, communication, and documentation to deliver safe, functional improvements at the Main Library and branch locations.
Supervision
Works under the direction of the Assistant Director of Facilities or designee. This position does not ordinarily supervise Library employees but directs and coordinates the project work of consultants, contractors, and vendors within delegated authority.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position has primary responsibility for delivering assigned facility projects across occupied public buildings. It emphasizes project scope, schedule, cost, quality, contract administration, and coordination with Library operations. Departmentwide building operations and personnel management remain with Facilities leadership unless specifically delegated.
Primary Responsibilities
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop project scopes, objectives, budgets, schedules, milestones, risk mitigation plans, and communication strategies for assigned capital and facilities projects.
- Coordinate site assessments, feasibility work, design, estimates, specifications, permits, and construction documents with qualified architects, engineers, and other professionals.
- Work with Purchasing on solicitations, bid review, contractor selection, purchase orders, and contract documentation in accordance with Library policy and delegated authority.
- Lead project meetings; coordinate consultants, contractors, Library staff, branch leadership, public service, security, and information systems to reduce disruption to library services.
- Monitor construction and renovation work through regular site visits; document progress, safety concerns, deficiencies, schedule changes, and corrective actions; refer technical determinations to licensed professionals.
- Track commitments, invoices, change requests, contingencies, and forecasts; review supporting documentation and recommend approvals within established authority.
- Coordinate required inspections, testing, accessibility review, occupancy requirements, and closeout with appropriate professionals and authorities; maintain organized project records.
- Provide timely written status updates, budget and schedule reports, and Commission materials as requested; escalate material delays, cost changes, and risks.
- Complete project closeout, including punch lists, warranties, operating manuals, training, final documentation, and turnover to Facilities staff.
- Assist in the implementation of systemwide facility condition assessments and structural evaluation recommendations; develop project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and procurement strategies to address identified deficiencies and capital needs.
- Manage assigned projects within the Library's Capital Improvement Program, ensuring projects are completed within approved scope, schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Assist with development and implementation of facility master planning initiatives by providing project data, cost estimates, feasibility analyses, scheduling information, and implementation recommendations.
- Develop project budgets and cash flow forecasts; monitor contingencies; evaluate change orders; identify cost-saving opportunities; and maintain project financial controls throughout project delivery.
- Ensure completed projects are incorporated into facilities asset management systems, including documentation of asset inventories, warranty information, maintenance requirements, and lifecycle replacement data.
- Coordinate and document project activities necessary to support grant-funded capital projects, including reporting, compliance documentation, milestone tracking, and funding agency requirements.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, facilities management, business administration, or a closely related field, and five years of progressively responsible experience managing building construction, renovation, or capital improvement projects, including budget, schedule, consultant, and contractor coordination; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in occupied, multi-site, public-sector, cultural, or institutional facilities is preferred.
Required Licenses or Certifications
A valid Michigan driver’s license and ability to travel among Library locations are required when operating a vehicle for Library business, subject to applicable Library policy. No professional license is required for this position; work requiring a licensed architect, engineer, or trade professional must be performed or approved by an appropriately licensed individual.
Preferred Credentials
Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or equivalent recognized project management or construction credential is preferred. OSHA 30-hour Construction training, LEED accreditation, or relevant facilities credentials are also desirable. Equivalent demonstrated project experience may be considered in place of a preferred credential.
Experience managing:
- Public-sector capital projects
- Historic building renovations
- Occupied facility renovations
- Multi-site facility portfolios
- Grant-funded construction projects
- Facilities condition assessment implementation
Required Knowledge
- Construction and renovation project phases, estimating, scheduling, drawings, specifications, contracts, change control, and closeout.
- Applicable building, fire, accessibility, environmental, and occupational safety requirements and the role of qualified design professionals and inspectors.
- Public procurement practices, contract monitoring, budget reporting, and records management.
- Project scheduling and tracking software, spreadsheets, and standard office applications.
Required Skills
- Managing concurrent projects, deadlines, budgets, risks, and competing operational needs across multiple facilities.
- Reading plans and specifications, reviewing proposals and invoices, documenting field conditions, and resolving project issues.
- Communicating clearly with staff, contractors, design professionals, leadership, public agencies, and the public.
- Preparing accurate project reports, cost forecasts, schedules, meeting records, and recommendations.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work takes place in offices, public library spaces, and active construction or maintenance areas. The employee must be able to travel among locations, walk through project sites, stand and move during inspections, review visible work conditions, and use standard office equipment. Site visits may involve stairs, uneven surfaces, noise, dust, and weather exposure. Occasional work outside regular hours may be needed to coordinate projects or respond to urgent project issues.
The Library will consider reasonable accommodations that enable qualified individuals to perform essential functions.