Project Manager - Los Angeles

Reports to: Project Director

Start Date: Immediately

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Pacific Charter School Development, Inc. or PCSD, a California non-profit public benefit corporation, is the leading developer of charter school facilities nationally. PCSD was founded in 2004 with the mission to create affordable, high-quality facilities for charter schools with high academic results. PCSD works solely with non-profit operators of charter schools to acquire land, build school facilities, and match the project with affordable financing from a lender, all in an effort to bring more high-quality charter school seats to chronically undeserved communities. Together with operators, we are transforming public education across the country, making college readiness and achievement more tangible for all.

Since 2004, PCSD has developed $900M+ in total projects, leveraging philanthropy, private financing, and state funding to create 100+ campuses serving over 42,000 students across multiple districts and municipalities. PCSD manages revolving equity funds and development activities across three regions – Southern California (based out of Los Angeles), Northern California (based out of Oakland), and Washington State (based out of Seattle) – and proudly serves a diverse base of the highest performing charter school networks as well as single-site operators, including KIPP Public Schools, Envision Education, Caliber Schools, Green Dot Public Schools, Bright Star Schools, Ednovate, and many more. PCSD is also a national facility thought leader having worked in Boston, Memphis, New Orleans, and San Antonio.

PCSD is looking for a Project Manager to support the development of new charter school facilities in the Southern California region. The Project Manager will be based in or around Los Angeles, CA and s/he will be responsible for managing and/or overseeing a minimum of 3+ projects, at various stages of development. The Project Manager will ultimately manage all phases of the facilities development process including site selection, due diligence and entitlements, design, financing support, and construction through project closeout. The Project Manager will need to be able to operate independently as well as work as a team member, as they will be responsible for directing and managing the activities of architects, engineers, contractors, attorneys and other consultants as necessary to complete development projects. The Project Manager will report to the Project Director and will work closely with charter school clients and PCSD’s Finance and Project Management Teams to execute on the day-to-day project management activities.

 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Project Manager’s role will include day-to-day management of his/her Project(s) and interfacing with charter school clients.  Previous experience in facilities planning and construction and/or real estate development is required. The Project Manager’s direct responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Site Selection

• Work with school clients and real estate brokers to identify and evaluate potential sites with the assistance of contractors, architects, and others.

• Create preliminary project budgets and schedules, evaluate potential sites, and provide recommendation for site feasibility.

• Draft purchase or acquisition offers, negotiate site acquisition and review contracts for site acquisition.

Due Diligence and Entitlements

• Identify necessary environmental and technical due diligence studies required for the project.

• Solicit proposals from consultants and evaluate and make recommendations about consultant selection; negotiate and manage consultant contracts and deliverables.

• Review and finalize all reports; coordinate agency reviews as needed.

• Determine zoning requirements for proposed sites; work with land use consultant to obtain entitlements and assess any risks to the project.

• Coordinate community outreach process with school support for key stakeholder buy-in.

• Oversee entitlement process, attending public hearing and other key meetings.

Design

• Oversee project scoping and design to ensure affordable final product based on school client’s facilities needs and financial objectives.

• Negotiate contract with architect; manage project design and interaction between architect and school client.

• Work with design team to ensure on-time and on budget delivery of project, particularly tied to key design and permitting milestones.

Budget, Schedule, Financing

• Manage project budgets and schedules.

• Support PCSD’s finance team and school client in obtaining project financing.

Construction

• Manage construction bid and award process, including issuing RFP, reviewing bids, and recommending contractor selection.

• Manage budget and schedule during construction.

• Attend regular construction meetings, visit construction site to assess and ensure construction progress.

• Review and approve contractor payment applications and loan draws.

• Review, negotiate and approve all change orders.

• Serve as primary lead for resolution of issues during construction.

Closeout & Occupancy

• Ensure completion of punch list walk with contractor and school, as well as final inspections and obtaining Certificate of Occupancy.

• Support school in coordinating move-in.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of real estate development experience, including at least 2 years as a Project Manager; experience developing educational facilities and/or State-funded projects a plus.

• Demonstrated success in managing an interdisciplinary team of professionals to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

• Self-starter who takes ownership of his/her projects; ability to achieve independently while leading a project team and coordinating as needed with school clients, colleagues and external stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

• Organized and detail-oriented.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to communicate clearly to diverse stakeholders and across a cross-functional project team

• Interest in improving public education and passion for PCSD’s mission; contributes to maintaining a positive organizational culture

• Bachelor's degree required; relevant work experience or graduate degree in real estate, business, construction, engineering, urban planning or architecture a plus.

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

In response to Covid-19, this position is temporarily remote. PCSD employees are instructed to abide by their applicable state and local mandates and work remotely until further notice. Once we are able to return to a general office environment, this position will be based out of our office location in Los Angeles, CA. Please only submit an application if you are able to work remotely from Los Angeles and commute to our Los Angeles office on a daily basis once we are able to resume normal operations.
Any applicants should ensure they meet the basic technical skills and have the proper equipment to be effective in a temporary telecommuting environment. PCSD will provide employee with a laptop, including a built-in speaker and webcam for videoconferencing capability, as well as a computer mouse and keyboard. Applicants will need to verify that they have reliable access to the following:

• High-speed, stable internet
• Headset or headphones with a microphone
• Cell phone
• A private, quiet space to work
• Personal transportation

COMPENSATION

Annual salary starting at $110,000 depending upon experience. Benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance as well as 401(k) matching contributions.