Assistant Director, Project Management

About the Department The University of Chicago is a world-class institution of higher education. Its mission is to produce a caliber of teaching and research that regularly leads to advances in fields such as medicine, biology, physics, economics, critical theory, and public policy. Our Facilities Services team supports that mission through efforts to maintain and enhance the University campus and environment and provide superior client service to our community including faculty, students, staff, neighbors, and visitors.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Capital Project Delivery, the Assistant Director, Project Management leads and manages a team, which can include Senior Project Managers, Project Managers, Assistant Project Managers, and consultants, and directly manages selected projects. Projects span large and complex new construction and renovation projects as well as utility infrastructure, maintenance projects, and minor renovations, including:
Technical, Research, and Laboratory Projects – Design and construction of spaces or buildings whose primary function supports research, or specialized technical functions requiring complex support systems, finishes, or other conditions. General and Large-Scale Projects – Design and construction of renovated space and/or new buildings of strategic institutional or business use, which may require specialized systems, processes, preservation, or construction methods.

Infrastructure Projects – Design and construction of projects whose scope primarily addresses deferred maintenance through recapitalization of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building automation, utility, or other infrastructure systems. Small-Scale and Programming Projects – Minor renovations, feasibility and programming studies, space allocation and assessment, and preliminary conceptual design and planning. The Assistant Director is part of Capital Project Delivery leadership and collaborates on overall policies and processes for both the Capital Program and project management, working toward successful delivery of scopes, budgets, and schedules.

This individual develops a thorough and ongoing understanding of the design and construction industry and is conversant in various construction project delivery methods to make informed strategic decisions for capital projects. The Assistant Director provides management direction and leadership in:
Project management across a range of project types, sizes, and scopes in compliance with established program-wide processes and protocols. Architect/Engineer, consultant, and contractor selection and oversight. Coordination with all Facilities Services units and other University partners to assure integrated delivery. Development and leadership of the project management team.

Manage assigned project management staff, including consultant staff, directing their day-to-day activities and efforts. Develop project managers by identifying skill gaps, ensuring availability of appropriate training, providing coaching and guidance, conducting annual performance appraisals, and proactively addressing performance issues. Direct the project management work of professionals and ensure that project managers provide the full range of project management services. Collaborate with other CPD leadership including Executive Director, Director(s) and Assistant Director(s) for program-wide direction.

Participate in setting and executing broader Facilities Services strategic mission, priorities, and resource allocation to maximize client satisfaction. Manage and oversee the project planning process for directly managed projects, including scope or program confirmation, on-site…