Project Manager (NY)

Project Manager, Real Estate

Who We Are

Excellence Community Schools (ECS) is a Charter Management Organization (CMO) supporting schools in the Bronx, NY and Stamford, CT. Our programs are based on a proven, nationally recognized model, which originated in our flagship school, the Bronx Charter School for Excellence, a National Blue Ribbon School.

Our Mission and Vision

Our schools prepare young scholars to compete for admission to and succeed in top public, private, and parochial high schools by cultivating their intellectual, artistic, social, emotional, and ethical development. We accomplish this by offering a challenging and rigorous academic curriculum, which at the earliest of grades has an eye towards college preparation. To achieve this, our schools create a supportive and caring environment that at all times has high expectations of all students. We offer a differentiated, project-based learning environment that seeks to develop high-level analytic and critical thinking skills in all of our students. Our engaging and rigorous approach to educating our scholars is implemented by a collaborative team of teachers.

Who We Need:

We are seeking individuals who are dedicated, ambitious, and committed to student success and education reform. Qualified candidates must demonstrate records of achievement, high degrees of personal responsibility, and the drive to do whatever it takes to ensure that every child achieves academic success. This individual must be committed to excellence, lead by example, and see collaboration as a key component of success.

Position Overview

The Project Manager, Real Estate will lead and manage real estate projects that support the growth, renovation, and ongoing facility needs of Excellence Community Schools. This includes oversight of site acquisition, renovation, construction, and coordination with internal stakeholders and external partners. The ideal candidate brings project management experience, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to providing high-quality educational environments. Reports to the Director of Real Estate/Co-Chief Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee real estate projects from concept to completion.
• Lead timelines, budgets, and work plans for construction, renovation, or relocation projects.
• Manage relationships with architects, contractors, engineers, consultants, and municipal agencies.
• Conduct site visits and ensure projects are progressing according to plan.

Real Estate Strategy & Planning

• Support school expansion by identifying viable sites for acquisition or lease.
• Conduct due diligence including zoning analysis, permitting, and financial feasibility studies.
• Coordinate with legal counsel and brokers to negotiate lease or purchase agreements.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as the point of contact between the real estate team and school leaders, operations, finance, and external vendors.
• Communicate project status, risks, and timelines with clarity and urgency to all relevant stakeholders.

Budgeting & Compliance

• Track and manage project budgets; ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising quality.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal building codes, health and safety regulations, and ADA requirements.
• Prepare reports, maintain documentation, and support funding or grant applications as needed.

Facility Readiness & Handover

• Oversee the preparation of new or renovated spaces for occupancy.
• Coordinate FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) procurement and setup.
• Ensure smooth transition for school leaders and staff into new facilities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in project management, real estate, construction management, architecture, or related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience managing real estate, construction, or facilities projects.
• Proficient in project management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Experience working in or with charter schools, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations.
• Familiarity with NYC or tri-state area real estate markets and permitting processes.
• PMP, LEED certification, or related credentials are a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary $75,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health Insurance, dental, vision & 403b Retirement Plan- Employer Match
• Paid Time Off/Paid Sick Leave/Parental Leave/FMLA
• Short-term, Long-term Disability benefits and Life Insurance
• $5000 Tuition Reimbursement