Project Manager-Capital Planning presso National Aquarium

Job Title: Project Manager- Capital Planning

Posting Date: September 2025

Job Department: Finance & Capital Planning

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site/ Hybrid

Location: National Aquarium Pier 3 501 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202/ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202/Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a Project Manager-Capital Planning to translate project goals into successful project execution. This role will be responsible for managing a wide range of maintenance, renovation and new construction projects from concept through construction and operations. 

The Project Manager develops or refines overall project scopes, timelines, and strategies for each assigned project. Once defined, this role is responsible for managing project budget, schedule, and scope. This individual acts as a liaison between staff, consultants, and contractors throughout the project planning, design and construction phases. This individual facilitates the information gathering process, identifies and solves complex problems, and directs project teams to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.

The Project Manager provides administrative support to the Capital Planning department and acts as a liaison between internal and external teams as required. Collaborates with VP, Directors, and team members to ensure project interface and delivery.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

·       Simultaneously manage multiple design, construction, and operational projects of varying scales typically from $50K to $1M and up to $5M.

·       Work with the VP of Finance & Capital Planning to budget and schedule projects in alignment with the Capital Plan

·       Manage project workflow, which may vary depending on the project. Facilitate development of project deliverables with staff, professional consultants, contractors, and other key stakeholders in a highly collaborative process.

·       Shepherd projects and teams through all phases of project execution, from concept through construction, with a focus on managing relationships to maximize design and construction quality and resources.

·       Focus on team building and team process both within the Capital Planning Team, and with cross-functional teams including Experiential Design, Exhibit Fabrication & Operations, Animal Care staff, Facilities, AV/IT, Marketing, Development, Conservation, Finance, and Guest Engagement.

·       Manage all phases of a project from programming, conceptualization, schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction administration and commissioning.

·       Prepare and manage project budgets, schedules, tasks, and project documentation. Negotiates win-win solutions between conflicting needs to meet project goals. Provide excellent service and innovative creative solutions that are timely, effective, and aligned with specified budgets and timelines.

·       Facilitate project communication, including effectively and efficiently scheduling and running team meetings, preparing agendas, recording meeting minutes, and summarizing next steps.

·       Develop and manage project budgets, produce expense tracking documents, and process invoices in financial systems, as necessary. Develop cashflow schedules for assigned projects.

·       Manage and regularly update project schedules and cost reports in collaboration with the VP of Finance & Capital Planning, contractors, and other staff.

·       Develop scope and bid packages for projects. Manage external project teams of designers, consultants, vendors and contractors. Monitor contract/installation progress and contractor performance to ensure completion within project scope, budget, and schedule.

·       Provide owners representation/project management services by contracting with a general contractor or construction manager which then holds subcontractor contracts. In such cases the PM would be responsible for managing the budget, schedule, and quality of work performed by the GC/CM.

·       Provide general contracting by contracting directly with vendors and subcontractors and managing their budget, schedule, and quality.

·       Must be able to write bid specifications and handle all aspects of the bid process, including evaluation and award of bids, and negotiation with contractor and utility companies.

·       Coordinate project work with other internal activities and minimize disruption to ongoing Aquarium operations.

·       Manage compliance with all project related grants.

·       Maintain all current and archive files in keeping with departmental and institutional standards

·       Develop and document concept drawings for small scale renovation projects

·       Support company mission.

·       Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

·       Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·       Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.

·       Minimum of 8 years progressive work experience managing facilities or capital projects ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, preferably in an institutional setting, zoo, aquarium or museum.

·       Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills

·       Organized and detail oriented with ability to multi-task and work under pressure with minimal supervision.

·       Quick learner willing to take on challenges with an open mind

·       Experienced in all phases of managing design and construction projects and required documentation, financial and administrative tools including RFPs, construction drawings and specifications, bid documents, project schedules, RFIs, ASI, schedule of values, pay applications, etc. 

·       Strong skills in Outlook, Excel, Word and Microsoft Project

·       Aptitude and experience in computer systems ideally including: Teamwork or similar work order systems; Adaptive, Nexonia and Intact or similar accounting systems; Autocad or other CAD systems; Procor or other construction management systems

·       Ability to read design and construction drawings and specifications

·       Ability to develop and manage RFPs and contracts

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Salary range ($64,700-82,474 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.