Program Manager - K-12 Education (DSA)Location: San Mateo, CA Salary: $190,000 - $220,000This Program Manager leads a portfolio of K-12 education projects across the San Mateo and Peninsula area, providing owner's-side oversight for multiple concurrent projects and teams.
The role is responsible for running a program—not a single project—while managing Senior Project Managers, ensuring DSA compliance, and serving as a trusted partner to school district leadership. The position requires deep California K-12 experience, strong public-sector credibility, and local presence.Must Haves12+ years of progressive experience in owner's-side construction management, program management, or public-sector project deliveryProven experience leading multi-site, multi-project K-12 education programs in CaliforniaDemonstrated ability to run a program rather than a single project, with responsibility for multiple concurrent projects across multiple clients and locationsDirect experience managing, mentoring, and overseeing Senior Project Managers and project teamsDeep working knowledge of California DSA requirements, processes, and compliance expectations for K-12 projectsStrong credibility working with school districts, superintendents, facilities leadership, and public-sector stakeholdersExperience navigating public procurement, governance, board approvals, and community-facing processesDemonstrated success managing scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality across complex, compliance-driven programsAbility to synthesize program-level reporting, forecasting, and executive-level communicationExcellent written, verbal, and organizational communication skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office and common construction/project management platformsAbility to live on or very near the San Mateo Peninsula area and travel locally without reliance on long bridge commutesNice to HavesExperience working directly with Bay Area school districts and Peninsula-based education clientsBackground delivering modernization, upgrade, or capital improvement programs rather than only ground-up constructionFamiliarity with DSA closeout, certification, and post-construction requirementsExperience establishing or improving program-level standards, processes, and controlsWorking knowledge of Primavera P6, Procore, or similar scheduling and project controls toolsProfessional certifications such as PMP, CCM, or DBIAExperience supporting bond-funded programs or long-term capital improvement plansResponsibilitiesServe as the owner's-side Program Manager overseeing multiple K-12 projects across multiple school districts and locationsLead and manage a portfolio of concurrent education projects, ensuring consistency, compliance, and performance across the programDirectly manage, mentor, and oversee multiple Senior Project Managers and project teamsAct as a trusted advisor and primary program-level point of contact for district leadership and key stakeholdersEstablish and maintain program-level controls for budget, schedule, risk, reporting, and qualityEnsure all projects comply with California DSA requirements, public-sector processes, and district standardsCoordinate architects, engineers, inspectors, contractors, and consultants across the full programProvide clear executive-level reporting on program status, risks, forecasting, and key decisionsLead program-level planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across projectsProactively identify and mitigate risks impacting schedule, cost, safety, and complianceSupport procurement strategies, consultant selection, and contractor coordination as neededFacilitate stakeholder meetings, presentations, and public-facing communicationsEnsure successful delivery of projects while maintaining strong client relationships and long-term program continuity