Logo
City of Claremont

Project Manager

City of Claremont, Claremont, California, United States, 91711

Save Job

Job Summary Under the direction of the Director of Planning & Development, the Project Manager leads the coordination, oversight and implementation of major development and redevelopment initiatives within the City of Claremont. This role proactively identifies and advances key public‑private, municipal and philanthropic projects aligned with the City’s strategic goals; manages project teams; oversees budgets, schedules and contracts; ensures compliance with regulatory requirements; and cultivates positive relationships with stakeholders, community partners, investors and public officials.

Why You’ll Love Working Here Working for the Department of Planning and Development means being part of a dynamic team dedicated to revitalizing and shaping the future of our community. You’ll have the chance to lead transformative projects, partner with local business and civic leaders, and contribute to making Claremont a vibrant place to live, work and invest. If you thrive in a collaborative, fast‑moving environment and are committed to excellence in public service, this role offers meaningful impact and strong professional growth.

Essential Job Functions The following functions are considered essential for this position. They are representative, not exhaustive.

Lead and manage development and redevelopment projects from inception through planning, design, procurement, construction/implementation, and closeout. This includes establishing project objectives, scope, deliverables, schedule (e.g., Gantt charts or other tools), budget, resource allocation and risk mitigation strategies.

Work closely with the Director to identify, prioritize and evaluate initiatives that advance citywide development goals (e.g., downtown revitalization, housing, commercial investment, mixed‑use projects, infrastructure enhancements, community placemaking). Prepare project briefs, feasibility analyses and decision‑support materials.

Identify potential federal, state, and private grant opportunities; prepare competitive grant applications and supporting materials; and manage associated reporting, compliance, and performance tracking requirements in coordination with relevant City departments.

Coordinate and integrate the contributions of multiple stakeholders—including city departments (e.g., public works, engineering, building/planning, finance), contractors/consultants, property owners, developers, community groups, state/federal agencies and funding partners—to ensure timely, cost‑effective and quality outcomes.

Administer and monitor project budgets, contracts and vendor performance. Review and approve payments to contractors and consultants in accordance with City policies. Track project status, maintain documentation, and prepare regular status reports for the Director.

Manage grant‑funded initiatives and related compliance: overseeing the City’s applications, administration, reporting and closeout of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program as well as other federal, state and local grants as assigned. Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, funding agency guidelines and City strategic priorities.

Conduct research, analysis and data‑driven reporting on development trends, market conditions, financial incentives, cost estimates, economic impacts and risk exposures. Draft clear, professionally written reports and presentations for decisionmakers, stakeholders and the public.

Prepare bid specifications, distribute solicitation documents, evaluate proposals and recommend award of contracts (as appropriate) for City‑led development efforts or partnerships with private developers.

Proactively identify efficiencies, opportunities for innovation or improvement in processes, policies or infrastructure that support economic development and redevelopment goals.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Peripheral/Additional Duties

Attend City Council, Planning Board or other commission meetings as requested by the Director.

Provide support or backup for team members when required, participate on cross‑departmental committees, and contribute to special projects when required.

Review and recommend improvements to City facilities, equipment or systems in support of development/redevelopment initiatives.

Actively engage in professional development and training to keep abreast of changes in planning, construction, project management and funding practices.

Supervision Received Works under the general supervision of the Director of Planning & Development. Assignments are performed independently, following City policies and best practices. Advice and assistance are available for unusual or difficult matters. Work is reviewed for overall effectiveness, goal achievement and compliance with directives.

Supervision Exercised May supervise or direct the work of subordinate personnel, consultants or contractors as assigned. Typically, direct supervisory responsibility is limited; however, significant project decisions impact broader departmental and City‑wide outcomes.

Responsibility for Public Contact Frequent daily contact with internal and external stakeholders requires tact, discretion and professional judgment.

Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, civil engineering, project management, business administration, public administration, economic development or a closely related field.

Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, state or federal government, or private sector experience in community/development project management, public‑private partnerships or economic development.

Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Certification/Licenses

Valid driver’s license required.

Certification as a Local Public Agency (LPA) or equivalent desirable.

Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or other recognized professional credentials is preferred.

Familiarity with state grant compliance program certifications is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of

Principles and practices of development, redevelopment, economic development, and public‑private partnerships.

Knowledge of or ability to perform or oversee comprehensive material testing on construction projects—including concrete, asphalt, and soils—to ensure quality control, durability, and compliance with applicable industry standards and project specifications.

Applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards governing development, planning, zoning, procurement, grants and public infrastructure.

Project management methodologies, budgeting, scheduling and contract administration.

Use of computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Microsoft Project or equivalent scheduling tools; knowledge management/database systems; GIS applications preferred.

Economics, finance, forecasting methods and incentive program design.

Best practices in stakeholder engagement, public outreach and community relations.

Ability to

Lead and coordinate complex development projects involving multiple agencies and stakeholders.

Establish project priorities, adapt to changing conditions, meet critical deadlines and deliver results with minimal supervision.

Prepare, present and communicate clear and persuasive oral and written reports to a wide range of audiences including elected officials, business leaders and the public.

Analyze data, interpret technical documents and draw valid conclusions.

Read and interpret construction plans and site documents, review bids and contracts, and oversee implementation of work.

Build and maintain effective working relationships across departments, with developers, community stakeholders and elected/appointed officials.

Apply sound judgment, attention to detail, and high standards of quality and ethics in all work.

Tools & Equipment Used

Standard office equipment including personal computer, word‑processing, spreadsheet and project‑management software, telephone, copier/fax, vehicle for site visits.

Field equipment for on‑site inspections or meetings as required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Typical work is performed in an office environment (approximately 80%) with regular site visits (approximately 20%) to construction/development locations.

Exposure to New England weather, construction conditions, outdoor elements, and occasional dust, noise or vibration associated with project sites.

Physical demands involve frequent sitting, walking and standing; occasional climbing, bending, crouching; occasional lifting/carrying of up to 25lbs.

Cognitive and sensory requirements: ability to talk, hear, and see sufficiently to perform the essential duties.

Special Conditions & Additional Information

Some evening or weekend work may be required to attend public meetings, hearings or stakeholder engagement events.

Travel within the region is required for site visits and meetings.

This role may require possession of a city‑issued vehicle or access to a personal vehicle when performing on‑site duties.

Merit Plan – Level 10 Annual Salary Range: $55,805.18 – $91,037.79 (dependent on qualifications and experience)

While this position offers a broad pay range, the City’s intent is to hire within the early stages of the range. We’re seeking a candidate who brings a strong foundation, enthusiasm to learn, and a desire to grow and develop alongside our outstanding team.

Status Full-Time, Salaried

Reports To Director of Planning & Development

How to Apply Submit your resume to

hr@claremontnh.com . We’ll contact candidates whose experience best aligns with the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement, and duties may change at the discretion of the employer.

The City of Claremont is an Equal Opportunity Employer

#J-18808-Ljbffr