Capital Improvement Project Manager, Architecture at San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world.

Why You'll Love Working at SAN

• Location: Project Management Complex, located on the San Diego International Airport campus. Work alongside with our Construction JV partners on the waterfront, providing stunning views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. Regular visits to new and ongoing construction sites throughout Airport campus.
• Hybrid Schedule: This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary for Project Manager is starting at $154,964-$178,209. The full pay range for a Project Manager is $114,788-$195,139.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement plan options that include a choice between our comprehensive pension plan or a 401(a) defined contribution plan, with the option to add a 457(b) deferred compensation plan and retirement health reimbursement account. You can also take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails.
• Application Deadline: August 10, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

About the Job

The Airport Design & Construction department is seeking a Capital Improvement Project Manager, Architecture with a proactive mindset and technical expertise to lead architectural projects from concept to completion. This role offers the opportunity to manage capital improvement projects ranging from $1 million to $40 million, delivering innovative and impactful solutions that shape the future of San Diego International Airport as well as some tenant improvement projects.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of the entire project lifecycle, from initial planning and design to construction and closeout. They will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. A sharp focus on financial oversight, including budgeting and cash flow management, is essential to drive successful outcomes. This is a unique chance to shape the future of one of the world’s busiest single-runway airports: transforming airport infrastructure, fostering collaboration across teams, and delivering impactful projects that enhance the travel experience for millions.

What You’ll Do

• Stakeholder and Project Coordination: Collaborate with stakeholders to develop scopes of work, define project roles, and track project scope, schedules, and budgets to ensure timely and on-budget completion. Facilitate regular meetings and communicate project milestones and updates. Review consultant-prepared construction documents for compliance with scopes of work.
• Leadership and Team Development: Plan, organize, and evaluate team performance; set goals for development, provide coaching, and ensure accountability for project commitments.
• Contract and Consultant Management: Negotiate consultant agreements and task authorizations, lead the development of construction contracts, manage contractor payments, review change orders, and ensure contract requirements are satisfied from initiation to closeout.
• Project Execution and Oversight: Manage changes in project scope, schedule, and cost; prepare and review designs, specifications, and documentation; and secure necessary permits and approvals to advance project goals.

The Skills You Need

1. Leadership & Influence: Motivates others through relationships, clear expectations, and an engaging approach; secures support for ideas, projects, and solutions.
2. Project Management: Develops processes to achieve strategic goals, ensures project efficiency, and fosters collaboration for on-time completion.
3. Critical Evaluation: Assesses business requirements, identifies challenges, evaluates alternatives, and determines optimal solutions while clarifying objectives.
4. Problem-Solving & Agility: Analyzes situations, collaboratively develops solutions, and adapts to evolving circumstances and obstacles.
5. Interpersonal Communication: Communicates effectively across verbal, digital, and written formats, establishes clear expectations, and collaborates with stakeholders to build consensus.
6. Technology Proficiency: Leverages electronic systems and tools to support project and organizational needs.

Requirements

The Experience You Need to Have

• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in a public agency or consulting organization focused on program management, project management, construction management, design, construction or a closely related field, at least three of which were in a management capacity or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in architecture, civil engineering, project management, construction management, or a closely related field.

Preferred Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

• Master’s Degree with a degree in architecture, civil engineering, project management, construction management or closely related field.
• Possession of an architecture license or current registration as a Professional Engineer in any state in the United States.
• Project Management certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or a Professional Certificate in Construction Project Management from an extended learning program.
• Certifications as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional, Accredited Airport Executive (AAAE), AutoCAD Certified Professional, Certified Professional Autodesk Revit, Building Design and Construction Systems (BDCS) Certification, National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB), Certified Construction Manager from the Construction Management Association of America, Certified Design-Build Professional from the Design-Build Institute of America.
• Project management experience in a medium or large airport is preferred.

Lacking some of the skills or experiences we've listed? No worries! Here at the San Diego International Airport, we're on a mission to cultivate a workforce as dynamic and diverse as the community we serve. While certain roles may require specific qualifications, we understand that talent comes in many forms. Some of our positions may not require specific degrees, and we're always open to individuals who bring a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence. If you think this could be you, we encourage you to apply, and even if this position isn't the right role for you, we will add you to our database to consider for other opportunities in the future that align with your unique knowledge and skills. There's a chance we have the perfect spot for you to land!

EEO Statement

It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Physical & Mental Demands

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter).

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law.