Project Manager

Post Date

Nov 19, 2025

Location

Merced,
California

ZIP/Postal Code

95340
US
Feb 16, 2026 Insight Global

Job Type

Contract

Category

Project Manager

Req #

SFR-ee680ed9-40b7-424f-b07b-25a347143749

Pay Rate

$46 - $57 (hourly estimate)

Job Description

The Activation Project Manager will lead the strategic and operational planning for the opening of a new building. This role will report to the Space, Capital Planning and Real Estate team and will work closely with Planning, Design and Construction Management. The position is responsible for orchestrating cross-functional efforts to ensure the building is fully operational, aligned with institutional goals, and ready for occupancy on schedule.

Key Responsibilities
• Activation Strategy & Planning
o Develop and manage comprehensive activation plans for new building openings, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
o Coordinate readiness activities across departments (IT, Facilities, Security, Academic Affairs, etc.) to ensure seamless transition to occupancy.
• Project Tools & Reporting
o Create and maintain a RAID log (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, Dependencies), project dashboards, Smartsheet trackers, and a master project timeline.
o Develop and maintain a project website to communicate progress, milestones, and key updates to stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement
o Serve as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders, external vendors, and university leadership.
o Facilitate regular meetings, status updates, and decision-making forums to align expectations and resolve issues.
• Operational Readiness
o Oversee move-in logistics, furniture and equipment installation, signage, wayfinding, and space utilization planning.
o Ensure compliance with university standards, safety protocols, and accessibility requirements.
• Budget & Resource Management
o Collaborate with capital planning and finance teams to monitor activation budgets and expenditures.
o Track procurement and delivery of activation-related assets and services.
• Risk & Issue Management
o Identify potential risks to activation timelines and develop mitigation strategies.
o Maintain issue logs and escalate critical concerns to senior leadership as needed.
• Documentation & Reporting
o Prepare activation reports, dashboards, and post-occupancy evaluations.
o Document lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of activation processes.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to HR@insightglobal.com.To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, Architecture, Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7-10+ years of experience in project management, preferably in higher education, real estate development, or facilities activation.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through execution.
• Strong knowledge of space planning, capital project lifecycle, and operational readiness.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar).

Nice to Have Skills & Experience

• PMP or equivalent certification.
• Experience with LEED-certified or sustainable building initiatives.
• Familiarity with university governance and academic operations.

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.