The Position

The Senior Project Manager will oversee the scope, schedule, budget, consultants, and contractors for various projects, including marine infrastructure improvements, brownfield remediation, and commercial/industrial land redevelopment. This role involves managing all aspects of project execution from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Ideal Fit

The Senior Project Manager plays a critical role in advancing complex infrastructure, redevelopment, and environmental remediation projects by identifying, securing, and administering grant funding. This position leads the full project and grant lifecycle—from evaluating funding opportunities and preparing competitive grant applications to managing compliance, reporting, and reimbursement for awarded funds. In addition, the Senior Project Manager provides comprehensive project management support for multi-stakeholder initiatives focused on harbor management, marine infrastructure improvements, brownfield remediation, and industrial land redevelopment. The role involves coordinating consultants and internal teams; helping define project scopes, schedules, and budgets; tracking progress and risks, and supporting delivery through design, construction, and closeout. This position offers the opportunity to directly shape transformational public investments by stewarding critical funding resources that advance long-term economic, environmental, and community benefits.

Primary Responsibilities

Grant Management & Funding Strategy

Identify, evaluate, and pursue federal, state, regional, and private grant opportunities aligned with Port Authority priorities.
Serve as Development team lead for EPA Revolving Loan Fund, managing compliance, reporting, and stakeholder coordination to support brownfield cleanup and redevelopment in close coordination with the Port Authority’s finance team.
Lead or support development of competitive grant applications, including project narratives, budgets, schedules, and supporting documentation.
Coordinate internally and with external partners to assemble grant materials and secure required approvals.
Administer awarded grants, ensuring compliance with funding agreements, procurement requirements, labor standards, and reporting obligations.
Manage grant reimbursements, cash flow tracking, and audit documentation in coordination with finance staff.
Monitor grant performance metrics and prepare report for funders, senior leadership, and governing boards.

General Project Management

Align project scopes and schedules with grant eligibility, funding constraints, and award conditions.
Track grant funded expenditures and reimbursement timelines to support accurate budgeting and cash flow.
Create and manage project schedules, track status, and identify critical path items.
Estimate project costs, secure funding, and monitor budgets and reimbursements.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Provide updates and recommendations to senior management and present at board meetings.
Coordinate with communications team on community engagement efforts and project update meetings.
Hire and manage consultants, coordinate entitlement processes, liability assurances, and secure permits/approvals.
Support site acquisition, lease negotiations, and river tenant relationships.
Strengthen tenant relationships and address emergency needs as they arise.

Position Requirements

10 years of progressive experience in project management, including demonstrated experience with grant-funded capital projects
Proven success identifying funding opportunities and securing grants for infrastructure, redevelopment, environmental, or economic development projects
Bachelor’s degree in real estate, public administration, engineering, construction management, geology or related fields preferred
Professional Engineer, Real Estate License, or grant-related certification or training preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong understanding of grant compliance, reimbursement, and reporting requirements.
Ability to translate complex technical projects into clear, compelling grant narratives.
Experience coordinating with funding agencies, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
Proficiency in spreadsheet and project management software.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience producing grant applications and funder reports.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.

Working at the Saint Paul Port Authority

At the Saint Paul Port Authority, we are a small but mighty team. If you’re interested in wearing multiple hats and working for a fast-paced, results-driven organization, this is the place for you. You will be joined by colleagues who are committed to being collaborative, innovative, and risk-taking, while always working with integrity.

The Saint Paul Port Authority offers a best-in-class benefits package focused on supporting the health and wellness of our employees. We believe in work-life balance with an environment that offers flexibility. This includes generous health and retirement plans and paid time off. Parking in downtown Saint Paul is provided.

The Saint Paul Port Authority is committed to building a diverse team that reflects our community. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*Salary commensurate with education and experience

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $92,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Ability to Relocate:

Saint Paul, MN 55102: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Saint Paul Port Authority

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