Williams College

ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Director of Project Management for Williams College.  

For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below.

Position:

The Offices of Planning, Design and Construction and Facilities Operations, directed by the Associate Vice President for Campus Planning and Operations, are responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation and stewardship of Williams College’s buildings, campus landscape, and infrastructure. The College’s facilities include three million SF of space in 125 buildings on 450 acres, and comprise a variety of academic, research, administrative, athletic, and residential spaces. The project management team is in the Office of Planning Design and Construction within the Facilities Department.

Additional information about PD&C can be found at: https://facilities.williams.edu/planning-construction/

The Department oversees and performs facilities management, maintenance, operations, planning, design, renovation and construction of all campus buildings, utilities, and grounds. The interdisciplinary team of Facilities personnel, includes architects, engineers, project managers, asset managers, custodial, maintenance, utilities, and trades staff dedicated to creating and sustaining a campus that supports the mission of the College. The Department’s work supports the physical and natural environments necessary for the activities of faculty, students, alumni, visitors, and staff.

The Planning Design and Construction team within the department works closely with their colleagues in Facilities Operations and campus constituents to envision, plan, design, construct, and sustain new buildings, to renovate existing buildings and infrastructure, and to shape landscape and open spaces, protecting and capitalizing on the unique resources of this campus within the scenic Berkshires. Guided by the College’s mission, Strategic Plan, Framework Plan, Energy and Carbon planning, the interdisciplinary team of professionals in the department work closely with College leadership, faculty, staff, and students in planning and executing capital and renewal projects from inception through occupancy.

The Director of Project Management (DPM) is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing new construction and renovation projects, and the overall coordination of project management services for Williams College. The DPM provides leadership and support for the project management team and collaborates closely with colleagues leading the Facilities Operations and Energy & Utilities teams to effectively plan for, manage, and implement major capital and renewal projects in support of the College’s academic mission. The DPM brings thorough knowledge of project management best practices and various project delivery methods from project inception through project close-out. The DPM will work closely with end users and the Director of Facilities Operations (DFO) to ensure that projects are integrated seamlessly into campus operations upon turnover, throughout the construction warranty period and beyond.

The DPM provides senior level support to the AVP for Campus Planning and Operations in the development and implementation of the College’s capital plan, and in the development and implementation of strategic direction for the Facilities Planning and Management Department as it relates to their functional area.

The Director will be responsible for managing project budgets, cost estimating, supervision of general contractors and construction management firms, coordinating project contracts and bid processes, and long-range facilities development plans. The Director will provide supervision to both permanent and term employees as needed for the proper functioning of the project management team and responsibilities, and directs and administers oversight and implementation of the College’s design construction standards. This position also supports the AVP for Campus Planning and Operations in the development and implementation of strategic direction for project planning and implementation.

Essential Job Duties:

• Provide leadership and oversight of the capital design and construction program to ensure projects are completed consistent with institutional, stakeholder and client needs. Develop and maintain systems, processes and procedures that lead to consistent and desirable project results.
• Facilitate development of best-in-class design guidance and construction management processes ensuring that projects are completed on time, on budget, and in accordance with applicable Town of Williamstown and State of Massachusetts building codes and zoning ordinances, energy and environmental regulations, and industry best practices. Guide project management teams to establish feasible and realistic budget estimates and project schedules, and ensure projects are delivered within budget constraints and on time.
• Supervise, support and mentor Project Management staff. Manage to optimize performance and ensure best practices in work methods and performance standards. Formulate internal administrative and operational processes to manage and mitigate risk on projects. Ensure all project operations within the department are conducted in accordance with appropriate safety regulations and College policy guidelines.
• Consult with the Associate Vice President for Campus Planning and Operations on strategic planning and logistical matters related to capital projects.
• Build effective relationships and practices with design and construction business partners to accomplish institutional project goals. Develop creative and innovative methods for improved project delivery ensuring optimal value for capital investments. Implement policies and practices to ensure cooperation between design and contractor teams, and coordination of work. Establish high standards of professionalism and accountability for designers, contractors and vendors engaged in projects to ensure cooperation and quality outcomes.
• Work closely with the facilities operations team and other partners integrate operational and maintenance requirements into short- and long-term renewal and new capital projects.
• Participate in strategic initiatives for improving stewardship of campus facilities through close coordination with Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Energy and Utilities, Office of Sustainability, Office of Information Technology, Campus Safety Services, and Risk Management and Procurement. Work closely with other directors and staff in the department to develop resources (i.e. campus design and construction standards, effective stakeholder and constituent engagement practices, project plan review process, commissioning, etc.) that will help guide decision-making relative to capital expenditures and operational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, analysis and strategic direction in identifying and implementing new and revised processes and procedures to achieve an integrated project delivery system focused on customer service and facilities stewardship.
• Provide advice and guidance on matters related to architectural and engineering design, bidding and procurement, construction delivery, contract administration, and project budgeting. Support and provide advice and guidance on avoiding or resolving contractual claims and disputes in concert with the Contracts Administrator. Ensure design and construction activities are conducted in a manner that avoids or minimizes disruptions to normal campus operations.
• Oversee all construction budgets and activities; confirm availability of funds, maintain expenditures within approved budgets, certify satisfactory and timely completion of work performed under contract; determine that expenditures are within the approved design parameters and scope of each project. Maintain appropriate records, regularly submit reports as required. Establish and maintain a uniform format/system for monthly reporting on Project Controls, including schedule, budget status, and actual and projected expenditures. Advise Associate VP for Campus Planning and Operations and/or other levels of College administration on the status of all design and construction projects as required.
• Facilitate interaction between Facilities Operations, Campus Sustainability, CSS, OIT, EHS and RM departments, clients, and other stakeholders, managers, supervisors, etc., during planning, design, construction, inspection, and commissioning of renovation and new construction activities. Adopt best practices in building turn-over activities and transition of completed construction to operations.
• Ensure that College facilities are designed and constructed compliant with fire and life safety codes, applicable building and energy codes, ADA requirements, regulatory and statutory requirements, sustainability best practices, Campus Design and Construction Standards, and College policies and practices. Establish appropriate rapport with local and state authorities-having-jurisdiction.
• Consult with College clients and staff to identify needs and services and explore opportunities for project process improvement. Respond, in a timely and complete manner, to inquiries and concerns from College staff, faculty, students and public relative to services provided.

About Williams College:

Williams College is a private liberal arts college located in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in the rural Berkshires region of northwestern Massachusetts. Founded in 1793 with funds from the estate of Colonel Ephraim Williams, it is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the state and has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and selective admissions. The campus spans roughly 450 acres and includes over 100 academic, athletic, and residential buildings, with notable facilities like the Hopkins Observatory and the Williams College Museum of Art, complementing its historic and scenic setting.

Academically, Williams emphasizes a liberal arts education focused primarily on undergraduate instruction. The curriculum is organized into multiple divisions covering the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with around three dozen majors and interdisciplinary programs available. The college maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio (about 6:1 or 7:1), fostering close mentoring and collaboration between students and faculty. In addition to its undergraduate focus, Williams offers several graduate programs in fields such as development economics and art history and encourages study abroad and research opportunities as part of its academic experience.

Student life at Williams is characterized by avi brant residential community where many students live on campus and participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and outdoor activities.The college’s rural setting in the Berkshires offers cultural attractions, hiking, and seasonal events, contributing to a close-knit atmosphere. Traditions like Winter Study—a short term in January for immersive courses—and the spontaneous Mountain Day help define the student experience both on and off campus.

Capital Program:

The Williams College Capital Program focuses on major renewal, a strong commitment to sustainability, integrated planning and implementation, alignment of process with industry best practices, financial and environmental stewardship, a holistic approach to project management and meaningful engagement between colleagues, clients and the campus community.

Williams College recently completed a framework plan, followed by comprehensive programming studies for athletics and recreation, residence hall renewal, and reuse of the current museum of art. Following these studies, the College has developed a ten-year capital investment program and is poised to undertake over $500M of major capital projects and $200M in annual renewal during this time frame. The focus of capital activity will be primarily strategic facilities and infrastructure renewal and replacement, closely coordinated with implementing the College’s strategic plan and energy and carbon management strategies.

Recently completed and ongoing projects include:

• A $40M Multipurpose Recreation Center, completed in January 2026; and
• A new $175M custom-designed museum of art aiming for ILFI certification;
• Annual renewal –up to $18M a year, including $1M in annual sustainability projects.

Anticipated projects include:

• A new 250,000 GSF athletics complex to replace several outdated facilities, along with critical enabling projects;
• Major renewal of Lasell Hall to complement the new athletics complex;
• Major renewal of residential facilities in a phased twenty-year program;
• Major renewal of Lawrence Hall the former museum of art, an iconic architectural campus landmark;
• Upgrades and replacement of campus electrical infrastructure, and other initiatives to support the College’s energy and carbon strategy;
• Major renewal of dining halls;
• Exterior landscape and circulation to enable universal access and pedestrian safety; and
• Annual renewal projects, typically around $18M - $20M a year for a range of small and large renovation priorities across a range of campus buildings.

Location:

Williamstown, MA

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (engineering or architecture) or related to construction or project management or the equivalent. Advanced degree desirable.
• Ten years of direct experience in planning, design, and management of major capital construction projects, including LEED certified buildings.
• Familiarity with high performance building and landscape design, construction and standards.
• Knowledge of utility systems, current energy efficient building systems, and energy conservation best practices.
• Documented success in meeting budget and schedule targets. Ability to develop and maintain project budgets, cash flow projections, and schedules.
• Experience with developing and implementing long-range capital and renewal programs in a higher education or similar setting.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills and experience with at least 5-plus years of experience successfully managing a team of project management professionals with comparable project activity.  
• Conceptual thinker who is attentive to details.
• Familiarity with Town, State, and Federal codes and ordinances.
• Deep experience with understanding and managing architectural and construction contracts and knowledge of contract language and requirements.
• Recent construction or construction management experience on projects of comparable scale and complexity.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and other professionals. Ability to work with and align diverse constituencies and opposing interests.
• Must have a LEED AP or LEED GA certification or the ability to obtain within 24 months of employment. Experience with other sustainability certifications desirable but not essential.
• PM Software –AutoCAD, REVIT, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, Procore or other Project Management systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel, Project and other programs
• Knowledge of OSHA construction safety standards and regulations.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs., walk half a mile unaided, climb ladders and stairs, and enter and leave excavations for the purpose of observing and planning work.

Williams College is committed to building a broadly diverse and inclusive community where members from all backgrounds can live, learn, and thrive.

The Salary Range for the Director of Project Management role is $170,000 - $190,000.

Why is this a Compelling Position?

The mission of Williams College, “to provide the highest quality liberal arts education,” is advanced by the rich variety of backgrounds and experiences that faculty, staff, and students bring to the work that they do together. The college is committed to building and sustaining a learning and working environment in which members from all backgrounds can learn, live, and thrive. To achieve this, they embrace diversity as a core value by welcoming and supporting people from all segments of society.

Williams invests in employees by offering healthcare, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, paid leave, access to gym facilities, discounts with local vendors, retirement plans, and more. The vibrant campus is home to around 2,000 students who benefit from a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, and their energy is the heartbeat of an active population. Many people come to Williams for the job and stay for decades because of the lively environment and warm neighbors. You’re more than a person doing a job; you are joining their community.

‍