Capital Projects Manager

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.  

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here. 

What We Offer: 

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.  

Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?  

Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs. 

Benefits - We care about your well-being. 

Agency Description 

The Managing Director’s Office (MDO) manages and oversees the operations of the City. Working with five Cabinet-level Deputies, operational oversight is divided into specific departmental clusters: Community Services, General Services, Arts, & Events, Health & Human Services, Public Safety & Criminal Justice, and Transportation, Infrastructure, & Sustainability.  

The Capital Program Office (CPO) is a newly created office within the Office of the Managing Director’s purview, responsible for capital planning and implementation for a number of City agencies, including but not limited to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Police, Fire, Prisons, Health, Office of Homeless Services, Fleet, The Free Library and Public Property. CPO is assigned to work with the City Planning Commission, Budget Office and client departments in the creation of the annual capital budget and capital program, by evaluating proposed capital projects in terms of cost, schedule of work, timetable for completion, utility and practically as well as benefit to the City and compliance with the priorities of the Administration. The CPO oversees the engineering and architectural functions for, and otherwise is responsible for implementing projects set forth in the City’s current and future capital budgets and programs. 

Position Summary 

 This is project management work focused on overseeing the design, development, modification, and review of construction plans for building projects, as well as coordinating the development and management of grant-funded capital construction initiatives. The role involves collaborating with community representatives, city departments, and governmental organizations throughout the construction process to ensure alignment with project objectives and capital improvement goals. Additionally, the responsibilities include developing strategic long-term plans for future building construction projects to support the department’s growth and infrastructure needs. 

Essential Functions 

• Assist in all phases of design and construction for diverse and complex projects completed by the Capital Program Office, including initiatives under the Rebuild program. 

• Manage architectural services for conservation, rehabilitation, construction, and development projects. 

• Prepare and compile project documents, concept diagrams, and reports. 

• Conduct feasibility studies to assess the practicality of major engineering and architectural projects. 

• Create plans and construction documentation, including construction details and technical specifications. 

• Develop technical solutions to project challenges. 

• Coordinate design direction with project staff and directors. 

• Prepare renderings, graphics, and architectural designs for capital projects. 

• Conduct site analysis and assess existing buildings for new projects. 

• Produce professional architectural specifications, construction details, and supporting documentation. 

• Create sketches or hand drawings for perspectives, as needed. 

• Present design concepts and communicate project intentions to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Supervise and participate in design implementation. 

• Oversee contracted professionals during the design and construction phases to ensure coordination between technical disciplines and adherence to project objectives and timelines. 

• Review plans and documents, assist in resolving scheduling issues, and ensure compliance with project goals. 

• Develop spending plans and budget protocols; recommend revisions to plans and specifications as needed. 

• Coordinate capital projects funded by City departments, federal, state, and private foundation grants. 

• Prepare periodic reports in line with grant requirements, monitor compliance, and engage with grantors to address concerns. 

• Respond to correspondence from non-profits, contractors, consultants, and governmental agencies regarding project-related inquiries. 

• Review estimates and reports to ensure construction compliance with all aspects of the project. 

• Work under the supervision of a senior architect or design engineer. 

• Perform related duties as required. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). 

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

• Strong graphic design abilities, both hand-drawn and computer-generated. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Familiarity with regional plant materials commonly used in landscape and architectural design. 

• In-depth understanding of construction materials, methods, and the preparation of construction/contract documents. 

• Fundamental knowledge of grading, drainage design, and stormwater management practices. 

Skill in: 

• Preparing and evaluating architectural plans, including those produced by staff and consultants. 

• Managing various types of local, state, and federal grant processes and programs. 

• Producing detailed technical drawings, specifications, and construction documentation. 

• Solving technical problems and offering innovative design solutions. 

Ability to: 

• Ability to collaborate effectively in team settings as well as work independently. 

• Analyze and interpret architectural and engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents. 

• Effectively communicate complex ideas to a range of stakeholders, including internal teams, clients, and external partners. 

• Adapt to new challenges and evolving project requirements in a dynamic work environment. 

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals. 

• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of work. 

Completion of a bachelor’s degree with major course work in architecture, architectural engineering, landscape architecture, engineering, structural engineering or a closely related field.  

Two to three years of professional experience in architectural or engineering work, focusing on preparing plans, designs, and specifications for projects.  

Demonstrated ability to manage building design projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to time and budgetary constraints while maintaining high-quality standards.

Note: This position is on-site, in-person, 5 days a week.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

Interested candidates should apply through Smart Recruiters:  

Any questions related to this position should be directed to Lydia Furst, Chief Deputy City Solicitor, Affirmative & Special Litigation Unit ([email protected]). 

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx