Director, Construction Project Management

Director, Construction Project Management

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Compensation: $120,000- $150,000

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

Position Summary

The Construction Project Manager plans and manages construction, infrastructure, renovation, and preservation projects across Mount Vernon’s historic and modern properties. Working with Operations and Maintenance, Preservation, and other departments, this position oversees projects from initial planning through closeout, ensuring delivery within approved scope, schedule, and budget while protecting historic resources and supporting ongoing operations and the visitor experience.

GENERAL STATEMENT

This description summarizes the position’s primary responsibilities and qualifications and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may change to meet organizational needs.

Essential Duties

• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, team responsibilities, and communication plans. Coordinate stakeholders and project teams throughout the project life cycle.
• Manage assigned new construction, renovations, building stabilization, infrastructure, life safety, and exhibition or storage improvements, including HVAC, electrical, security, fire protection, and drainage projects.
• Prepare, negotiate, and administer consultant agreements and construction contracts within delegated authority; coordinate procurement, review deliverables, and monitor contractor performance.
• Develop and track project budgets, funding sources, expenditures, and changes; verify deliverables and report financial status, schedule progress, and decisions requiring approval.
• Coordinate and monitor on-site work; inspect progress and quality for conformance with approved drawings, specifications, and applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Coordinate disruptions with affected departments to protect historic resources and maintain operations.
• Identify and resolve project issues; maintain risk assessments, action lists, decision logs, and schedules, and escalate significant concerns promptly.
• Coordinate project meetings, agendas, minutes, and correspondence; prepare and review drawings, proposals, procedures, progress reports, and presentations within the scope of the role.
• Establish and maintain accurate project records and digital documentation standards, including 3-D models, point clouds, photographs, and metadata. Coordinate digital documentation teams and manage digital assets from procurement through archiving.
• Complete project closeout, archive records, and coordinate transfer of documentation and ongoing maintenance responsibilities to Operations and Maintenance or Preservation.
• Direct assigned project support staff, interns, and other contributors; evaluate completed projects and incorporate lessons learned to improve project delivery.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in construction management.
• At least 10 years of construction management experience, including 2–3 years managing medium to large, multimillion-dollar projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in digital modeling, documentation protocols, and related best practices.
• Experience with historic preservation projects or historic resources strongly preferred.
• Construction management experience in public-facing settings such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, or education preferred.
• Knowledge of construction planning, methods, sequencing, contract administration, cost control, scheduling, quality assurance, and risk management.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, technical reports, and digital models; assess progress and identify discrepancies requiring resolution.
• Ability to coordinate work affecting historic and modern resources while balancing preservation needs, operational requirements, and project objectives.
• Proficiency in Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit for project analysis, Navisworks Manage, Microsoft Project, and Microsoft Excel.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Visio, and Adobe Photoshop and Bridge.
• Ability to maintain accurate, organized, and accessible project files, digital assets, and documentation.

Project & Leadership Collaboration

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to manage concurrent projects, prioritize competing demands, and exercise sound judgment in a complex, changing environment.
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical issues, communicate recommendations, and prepare accurate reports and correspondence.
• Ability to lead meetings, facilitate decisions, negotiate effectively, and maintain productive relationships with colleagues, leaders, consultants, contractors, and service providers.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, respond promptly, take initiative, and handle sensitive project information with discretion.

Work Environment

Work takes place in office settings and at active construction sites throughout the estate, including historic buildings and outdoor areas.

Physical Requirements

• The position requires on-site inspections and movement through construction areas and uneven terrain, with adherence to site safety procedures and required protective equipment.
• Essential functions may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee recognition at 5 years of service
• Monthly employee events
• Employee referral program
• On-site Library
• Discount on Public Event Tickets
• Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
• Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and The General’s Canteen
• Free parking
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid leave for sick time, vacation, and Holidays
• Flexible spending account for medical care

Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences, and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.