Construction and Planning Specialist

Space Management (BL-SPAC-IUBLA)

The Office of Space Planning provides strategic and thoughtful planning for how space owned and leased by Indiana University is used. Applying the most efficient management, utilization, and space programming processes allows Space Planning to achieve the best use, functionality, and organization of space to meet university goals and the objectives of both current and proposed facilities.

The Cost Estimator is responsible for developing, analyzing, and maintaining construction cost estimates to support the University's capital planning, renovation, and new construction initiatives. This position provides independent cost analysis during the planning and pre-construction phases of projects to support informed decision‑making regarding scope, feasibility, and budget development.

Working within the Office of Planning, the Cost Estimator collaborates with campus stakeholders, architects, engineers, and project managers to evaluate project scope and prepare conceptual and detailed cost estimates. The role supports the University's capital planning process by providing reliable cost data, cost modeling, and value analysis to ensure projects align with institutional priorities and financial parameters.

The Cost Estimator serves as a technical resource to university leadership and project teams by providing objective cost information throughout project development and assisting in the review of design consultant and contractor estimates.

• Reports to the Executive Director of the Office of Planning (or designated senior planning leadership) and works closely with Capital Projects, Facilities Operations, design consultants, and campus stakeholders.
• Develops and implements standardized cost estimating procedures and best practices across the Office of Planning, Capital Projects, and Facilities.
• Improves financial stewardship by producing reliable estimates throughout all project phases, supporting proactive budget management and informed leadership decisions.
• Reduces dependency on external consultants for routine and preliminary estimates, resulting in cost savings and faster project response times.
• Provides market analysis and benchmarking related to labor, materials, and regional construction trends to improve forecasting accuracy.
• Supports strategic capital planning by supplying leadership with dependable cost data for project feasibility evaluations and investment prioritization.
• Enhances coordination among Planning, Facilities, Procurement, and campus stakeholders to align project scope, assumptions, and financial expectations.

• Manages, supervises, inspects, and coordinates new construction and remodeling projects on assigned campuses; monitors construction timeline to ensure contractors maintain accurate schedule and perform to university standards; reviews and approves contractors' billing performance. Coordinates necessary interruption of services between administration, Physical Plant, and contractor.
• Reviews engineering drawings and specifications and serves as project coordinator with architects, engineers, contractors, and administrators. Reviews and approves shop and as‑built drawings for university archives and Physical Plant use.
• Provides feedback and recommendations to administrators and concerned parties on project cost analyses and alternatives after project bids have been submitted. Advises interior designers of special circumstances and facilities requirements; advises and assists architects and engineers with contract change orders as required by new functions, unforeseeable conditions, code requirements, or design refinements.
• Maintains documentation of all assigned projects with IU‑issued software, including timelines, schedules, substantial completion, and other elements of construction.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

Required

• 5 years of construction management experience and/or large‑format planning, experience managing multi‑disciplined construction projects with scopes of work including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical