Director, Design & Construction

Overview

The Director of Design and Construction is a division leader within the Facilities Planning and Operations (FPO) department, responsible for overseeing the university’s capital design and construction projects. This role provides strategic direction and oversight to the team of project managers, ensuring successful planning, execution, and completion of multiple construction and renovation projects across campus. The Director is charged with enhancing project delivery by evaluating and streamlining project management procedures, improving communication with stakeholders, managing risks, and ensuring compliance with budgetary, regulatory, and university standards.

• Provide daily oversight of the planning, design, execution, and closeout of multiple capital construction and renovation projects across campus.
• Give strategic direction to the project management team, ensuring high-quality delivery of projects that meet scope, schedule, and budget requirements.
• Serve as a liaison for project managers, communicating progress, performance metrics, risks, and issues to the Associate VP.
• Mentor, develop, and support project managers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Allocate resources effectively across projects and teams to ensure organizational efficiency and workload balance.
• Oversee project budgets, monitor expenditures, approve financial transactions, and ensure adherence to financial targets in collaboration with the deparment’s budget office and stakeholders.
• Prepare and present detailed project and financial performance reports to senior leadership, offering insights for decision-making and future planning
• Ensure all construction activities comply with university policies, safety regulations, and industry standards.

• Evaluate and implement improved project management processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Identify inefficiencies and develop strategies for continuous improvement to increase project success rates.
• Lead initiatives that promote innovation, risk mitigation, and operational excellence within the project management function.
• Assist in master plan adherence, development and enhancements
• Assist in deferred maintenance assessments, strategic planning initiatives & comprehensive campus and space planning related to building use, development, renovation and replacement.

• Proactively identify, assess, and address project risks to minimize potential disruptions.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure project continuity and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and university standards to ensure full project compliance.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with university departments, leadership, consultants, and contractors
• Ensure effective, consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle to maintain stakeholder engagement and satisfaction.

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.

Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 6 years of project management experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple, large-scale, complex construction projects.
  Experience with process improvement, change management, and team leadership.
• Experience may be substituted for education based on the following: AA = 2 years experience; BA/BS = 4 years experience; MA/MS = 6 years experience;
  PhD = 8 years experience

Licenses and

Certifications:

Licensed architect or engineer preferred.

PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project management certification strongly preferred.
Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certifications are a plus.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

Direct supervision of project managers and support staff within the Design and Construction team.

• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational capabilities.
• Proficiency with enterprise-level project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera, etc.)
• Familiarity with contract management, procurement, and compliance requirements.