Job Title

Since 1966, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has been dedicated to providing innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective educational programs and services to meet the diverse needs of children and adults in Greater Hartford. Serving 33 member districts and reaching additional communities statewide, CREC supports approximately 12,000 students annually through more than 120 educational programs. Our offerings include professional learning and coaching for educators, specialized programming for students with diverse needs, and PreK-12 education across 16 inter-district magnet schools. Additionally, CREC provides school construction, operations, and cooperative business services, while also delivering programs that help adults build real, job-ready skills.POSITION SUMMARY:The Senior Project Manager supports the Project Management Office (PMO) in delivering construction, renovation, and smaller-scale capital improvement projects across CRECs schools and facilities. This role assists with schedules, budgets, documentation, and stakeholder communication to ensure projects move forward efficiently and in alignment with PMO standards. Reporting to the Manager of Operations and working closely with the PMO team, the Senior Project Manager plays a key role in maintaining momentum on active projects while contributing to the improvement of systems, tools, and workflows.ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:Duties/ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership and DeliveryLead the planning, tracking, and execution of renovation, remodeling, and large-scale capital projects in alignment with PMO standards.Establish and maintain project schedules, budgets, documentation, operating procedures, and communication logs.Direct project meetings, ensure coordination among contractors, architects, engineers, and vendors, and resolve issues to maintain progress.Conduct site visits to monitor work quality, compliance, and adherence to timelines.Oversee project closeout, including punch lists, closeout documentation, and archiving.Provide rapid response and decision-making support for urgent project needs or time-sensitive issues.Project Support and CoordinationAssist with planning, tracking, and delivery of renovation, remodeling, and smaller-scale capital projects.Maintain project schedules, documentation, and communication logs in accordance with PMO standards.Support the preparation and review of contracts, agreements, change orders, and closeout documentation.Conduct site visits to observe progress and coordinate with contractors, architects, and vendors.Prepare closeout packages, punch lists, and project archive materials.Provide occasional support with urgent project needs or time-sensitive issues.Budget and DocumentationManage project budgets in collaboration with the Finance Coordinator, ensuring cost control and proper allocation of resources.Review and approve invoices, payment applications, and change orders for accuracy and compliance.Maintain comprehensive digital and hard-copy documentation to support audits, state requirements, and grant reporting.Prepare financial and project status updates for internal and external stakeholders.Vendor and Contract SupportOversee vendor and contractor coordination, including compliance, performance tracking, and documentation management.Lead contract reviews, procurement coordination, and negotiation of change orders.Ensure alignment between vendor deliverables and project specifications, quality standards, and schedules.Supervision and Team DevelopmentSupervise Project Coordinators, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight.Delegate assignments, review work quality, and ensure adherence to PMO processes and standards.Foster professional development by coaching team members and supporting skill-building opportunities.Collaboration and Process ImprovementWork closely with PMO colleagues and internal departments to align project needs with organizational goals.Contribute to the development of PMO procedures, templates, and dashboards.Promote teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:This position supervises temporary Project Coordinators, providing direction, mentorship, and oversight of daily assignments. The Senior Project Manager ensures coordinators work meets PMO standards and contributes to successful project PETENCIES:Leadership and Supervision - Provides clear direction, mentorship, and oversight to project coordinators and team members.Project Management Expertise - Demonstrates mastery in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and delivering complex capital projects.Financial and Contract Oversight - Ensures accuracy, compliance, and accountability in budgets, invoices, and contracts.Strategic Thinking - Anticipates challenges, develops solutions, and aligns project outcomes with organizational munication and Stakeholder Engagement - Delivers clear, timely, and tailored communication to staff, leadership, contractors, and vendors.Collaboration and Teamwork - Builds strong working relationships across departments and promotes a cooperative, team-based environment.Problem-Solving and Decision-Making - Responds quickly to issues, makes sound judgments, and maintains progress under pressure.Adaptability and Resilience - Adjusts effectively to shifting priorities and maintains a solutions-focused mindset.Attention to Detail and Organization - Maintains accurate records, documentation, and reporting for compliance and audits.Process Improvement Orientation - Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows and enhance PMO systems and practices.QUALIFICATIONS:5-7 years of experience in project management, with construction, facilities, or capital improvement experience strongly preferred.Demonstrated success in supervising or mentoring staff.Proven ability to manage large budgets, contracts, and multiple concurrent projects.Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management platforms (Procore, MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent).Familiarity with construction and facilities management terminology, workflows, and compliance standards.Ability to travel frequently to local project sites and oversee field mitment to CRECs mission and values, with a team-oriented, student-centered mindset.TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSMotor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide transportation to job sites, meetings, etc. as required.PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.WHATS IN IT FOR YOU?Group Health Insurance PlansBasic and Supplemental Life InsuranceLong Term Disability and Short Term Disability options403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with Employer Matching Contribution if applicableFlexible Spending Account Pre-Tax Savings for Health Care, Dependent Care, and Limited Purpose Post Deductible (if contributing to an HSA)Comprehensive benefit time packageEmployee Assistance ProgramBereavement time and R