Preconstruction Project Manager I

Under the general supervision and direction of department leadership, the Preconstruction Project Manager focuses on supporting and managing various aspects of the preconstruction process. Key responsibilities include ensuring accurate design documentation, developing comprehensive cost estimates, and crafting competitive proposals for assigned projects. A core function involves active participation in design development, requiring collaboration with architects, engineers, and clients to optimize project designs for functionality, cost-effectiveness, and constructability. This also includes conducting value engineering and constructability reviews to analyze designs and provide recommendations for improvement. The position builds upon foundational experience, demanding proficiency in preconstruction processes and the ability to contribute to strategic project planning, with a strong emphasis on integrating design development considerations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Document Management: Maintain comprehensive digital and physical project documentation, including drawings, specifications, RFIs, and submittals, ensuring all stakeholders have access to the latest revisions. 2. Design Support: Assist in the development of conceptual and schematic design documents, leading coordination with design professional when necessary. 3. Estimating & Cost Control: Perform quantity takeoffs, gather and compile cost data, develop unit cost databases, and prepare detailed cost estimates. This includes soliciting and evaluating quotes and creating bid comparison sheets. 4. Communication & Coordination: Effectively communicate with all project stakeholders, schedule and lead meetings, and prepare agendas and minutes. 5. Reporting & Presentation: Prepare and present comprehensive reports and presentations. 6. Preconstruction Software: Learn and maintain proficiency in preconstruction software, including estimating tools, takeoff tools, and project management platforms. 7. Design & Office Software: Maintain advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and design software such as AutoCAD and Revit. 8. Departmental Support: Provide competent and efficient service to the Preconstruction Department, applying experience and judgment to accomplish goals. 9. Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety regulations, including wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 10. Other Duties: Perform additional assigned duties as required. 11. Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. 12. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ. Tier 1 This role will primarily involve data gathering, document control, design documentation, and performing basic quantity takeoffs with a strong emphasis on learning and development to build proficiency in all preconstruction processes. Responsibilities include assisting in: 1. Developing conceptual and schematic design documents. 2. BIM coordination and model navigation. 3. Building unit cost databases. 4. Preparing cost estimates. 5. Soliciting quotes from design professionals, vendors and subcontractors. 6. Creating bid comparison sheets. 7. Scheduling and coordinating meetings. 8. Preparing presentations and reports. 9. Learning and utilizing various preconstruction software. Tier 2 This role leads complex preconstruction phases, with a strong emphasis on strategic input and advanced technical execution. A pivotal part of this position involves design development, collaborating closely with architects, engineers, and clients to refine project designs and ensure constructability. Responsibilities will include: 1. Advanced Data Management & Document Control: Directs complex data gathering and manages advanced document control, ensuring meticulous revision management and leading bid document distribution. 2. Design Development & Optimization: Leads the development of conceptual and schematic design documents, spearheads BIM coordination, and applies in-depth knowledge of design guidelines and building codes. Actively participates in design reviews, conducting value engineering and constructability analyses to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate potential design and construction issues. 3. Comprehensive Estimating & Cost Control: Performs detailed quantity takeoffs across all trades, gathers and compiles comprehensive cost data, and develops/maintains robust unit cost databases. Prepares detailed cost estimates, executes complex calculations, and leads the solicitation and evaluation of quotes, including the creation and analysis of bid comparison sheets. 4. Strategic Communication & Presentation: Leads project meetings, prepares and presents comprehensive preconstruction information and reports, and actively participates in client presentations. Tier 3 (Lead) This role demands an expert-level understanding and application of all preconstruction processes, with a significant focus on strategic planning and mentorship. This position not only leads complex preconstruction efforts but also builds the capabilities of the team. 1. Leadership & Mentorship: This role actively mentors and guides Level 1 and 2 Preconstruction staff, sharing expertise in cost estimating, value engineering, and constructability. This includes regular check-ins, providing constructive feedback, and assisting in the development of training materials and programs. 2. Process & Infrastructure Development: Responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing robust processes and infrastructure across all key preconstruction areas: o Document Management: Establishes and manages comprehensive project document systems, including revision control and bid document distribution. o Design Development: Leads all aspects of conceptual and schematic design development, including templating and process standardization. This involves establishing justification, standards, and methodologies for integrating specific design software and workflows. o Quantity Takeoffs: Develops and maintains all aspects of takeoff development, including templating and process. o Cost Data & Estimating: Develops and maintains infrastructure for compiled cost data and mentors staff in preparing detailed cost estimates, generating reports, and performing complex calculations. 3. Strategic Impact & Optimization: Applies expert knowledge of design guidelines and independently interprets building codes. A critical component of this role is leading value engineering workshops and conducting thorough constructability reviews, while also mentoring staff to identify and mitigate potential design and construction issues and optimize project designs and specifications. Leads client meetings, presenting detailed preconstruction information. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience A bachelor's degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field is preferred; however, equivalent work experience will be considered. Basic knowledge of design and estimating processes and construction terminology, materials, and methods is required. Must be detail-oriented, possess strong organizational skills, and well-developed communication skills. Understanding of legal and contractual aspects of construction projects. Tier 1 1. Internship or entry-level experience in the construction industry is preferred. Tier 2 1. 3-5 years of experience in preconstruction management. 2. Demonstrated ability to develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates and proposals. Tier 3 (Lead) 1. 8+ years of experience in preconstruction management, with a focus on large and complex projects. 2. Demonstrated ability to develop accurate and comprehensive cost estimates and proposals. 3. Proven track record of mentoring and developing junior preconstruction staff. ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension 1. Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information. 2. Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner. 3. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University. 4. Strong organizational skills. 5. Strong computer skills, including the ability to read and understand 2D and 3D drawings. 6. Ability to convert verbal and written directions into technical documents (conceptual/schematic designs, calculations, narratives). 7. Proficiency in creating presentations using computer-based software. 8. Commitment to ongoing technical education and skill development. 9. Commitment to customer service. 10. Working knowledge/Advanced knowledge of the construction process. 11. Ability to visualize creative design options and their impacts. 12. Awareness of the impacts of design ideas on costs. 13. Very detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and quality. 14. Ability to complete assignments efficiently and on time. 15. Ability to access and navigate construction sites in various conditions. Problem Solving 1. Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Physical and Sensory Abilities 1. Required to travel to local and campus locations, navigating all types of construction sites. 2. Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. 3. Regularly required to hear and speak to effectively communicate orally. 4. Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb to move about the interiors, exterior and grounds of construction sites. 5. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop to conduct business. 6. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds. WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The work environment is primarily a climate-controlled office setting with good lighting and moderate noise levels. Occasional outdoor event facilitation and visits to construction sites may expose the employee to extreme temperatures, humidity, and noise. Some travel between buildings, campuses, and local meetings is also required. Driving Requirements If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee's position. Time Type Full time Location Onsite The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University's hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the "religion" component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs. Before you begin an application, please review our application process. Whatever capacity you work in at Liberty University, you'll be playing a supportive role in our mission of Training Champions for Christ. Liberty has a wide variety of engaging and challenging positions available that are waiting for committed men and women of integrity just like you. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971. As one of the nation's largest Christian universities, Liberty employs a diverse community of faculty, staff, and student professionals who are united by a shared mission and commitment to excellence. Through their dedication and service, Liberty employees help create a collaborative, faith-driven environment that supports meaningful work and lasting impact.