Assistant Director of Capital Projects

Job no: 497316
Position type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Denver, CO
Division/Equivalent: Facilities Planning & Management
School/Unit: Facilities Planning & Management
Department/Office: FPM-Administration
Categories: Business Operations / Services, Admin / Executive / Office Support, Facilities Management & Planning

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The Department of Facilities Management & Planning (FMP) supports the mission of the University of Denver by stewarding the physical University owned resources to provide a healthy and safe educational environment for our campus community.  Through services of the departments of Capital Planning, Facilities Management, Parking & Mobility Services, Auxiliaries & Real Estate, and Business & Operations, FMP is responsible for the maintenance of more than 5 million GSF of facilities located throughout the state of Colorado including on the 130 acres of the University Park Campus, the 740 acres of the Kennedy Mountain Campus, as well as additional sites.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Capital Projects & University Architect (DCP&UA), the Assistant Director of Capital Projects is responsible for directly managing 2 to 6 Project Managers serving FMP and providing coordination with key partners across campus relative to campus-wide support for construction projects. The position is pivotal as it serves to effectively coordinate a wide range of simultaneous projects ensuring appropriate support by FMP professional project managers and alignment to key campus serving partners such as FMP units (Parking Services, Grounds & Landscape, Operations, Mail Services, Environmental Health & Safety, etc.) as well Campus Safety, IT, AV Services, Registrar, legal counsel, etc. This role supports the shaping and ensures implementation of projects in a manner that creates efficiencies and economies of scale over multiple fiscal years.

In addition, this position is responsible for:

  • Developing and documenting departmental processes and procedures for implementing, managing, and record keeping of capital projects.
  • Aggregating individual project metrics to present comprehensive reporting on various items such as participation by disadvantaged businesses across the project portfolio on an annual basis.
  • Prequalification, conducting the selection process, and contracting for General Contractors.
  • Subcontractor evaluation for preapproved status for construction projects
  • Construction contract review and participation in contract development and negotiations
  • Ensure adherence to University construction standards, review of proposed exceptions and/or adjustments to those standards

Essential Functions

In addition to following the University of Denver’s policies and procedures, principal responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • ASSIST IN DEVELOPMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF CAPITAL PROJECTS THROUGH SUBORDINATE PROJECT MANAGER TEAM.  (10%)
    • Serve as a primary resource for project teams to oversee that construction for the University meets standards for aesthetic, safety, quality and functionality as developed in design process. 
    • Maintains University design and construction standards, coordinates with various stakeholders design reviews for construction, and serves to evaluate and advocate for the appropriate system choices. 
    • Consult with and advise University stakeholders regarding design and construction costs and schedules. 
    • Collaborate and cooperate with other FMP departments and across the University to further implement sustainability guidelines.
  • OVERSEE THE FACIITIES CONTRACTS OPERATION TO ENSURE EQUITY AND QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION BIDDING AND CONTRACTING DOCUMENTATION. (20%)
    • Ensure all contracts and required project documentation needs are met; establishing and maintaining the technical base of knowledge for the University's physical facilities. 
    • Support the evaluation of qualified architects, engineers, specialty consultants etc., periodically serving as a chair, cochair, or member of a committee in the consultant selection process. 
    • Provide input for the Architect of Record selection process, maximizing quality and cost control for consultants and contractors.
    • Assist DCP&UA to develop and implement an evaluation program for clients, architects, project/construction managers, contractors and other consultants after project completion. 
  • COORDINATES THE EFFORTS OF THE CAPITAL PROJECTS TEAM WITH FACILITIES OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL CONSTITUENTS (20%)
    • Performs duties in the areas of responsibility to assist and support the DCP&UA and AVC of Facilities Planning and Management in fulfilling the University's mission in the development and implementation of the University's integrated facility plan (IFP). 
    • Assist teams to develop successful conceptual solutions and implement effective and cost-conscious solutions for capital projects.
    • Develop and manage proactive communication protocols for all constituents, including the University's senior leadership, primary project clients, as well as community members and stakeholders. 
    • Maintain positive relationships with the external design and construction community to best facilitate the process of consultant and contractor selection. 
  • OVERSEE PROCESS DEVELOPMENT (30%)
    • Develop and continuously improve the framework and methodology for project scheduling, including appropriate planning and project management systems with milestone identification and reporting. 
    • Works with Capital Project Team and other units in Facilities Planning and Management to identify areas for process improvements and develop team-oriented solutions to those problems. 
    • Work with DCP&UA to develop standardized budget forms and processes that allow for planning and financial management of capital projects.
    • Work with FMP’s Executive Director of Budget and Administration and staff to manage vendor contracting and procurement processes.
    • Work with FMP’s Executive Director of Budget and Administration to maintain standard funding policy for capital projects.
    • Develop and oversee file management system for both active projects and historic archives, coordinated with the Office of the University Architect, Office of Space Management, and other FMP operations for access and usability.
    • Coordinate with DCP&UA, Office of the University Architect, and FMP operations to develop and oversee project close-out procedures and requirements for management of records and historical archives with access by Operations.
    • Work with Capital Projects team to define and document departmental processes.
    • Create project specific guidelines for capital projects and develop implementation of facilities design guidelines to raise the quality and consistency of project outcomes.
    • Oversee the inspection and commissioning processes for adherence to standards, contracts, codes and regulations and ensure that all needs are met for proper project closeout and handover to Facilities Planning and Management
  • PERFORMS SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: (20%)
    • Lead the FPM project management team with a collaborative, team oriented and effective approach. 
    • Utilize change management practices in order to encourage consistency and engagement from staff in moving towards more consistent project management methodologies. 
    • Provide leadership and guidance, coach, mentor, manage performance and ensure training of department staff for professional growth and development and succession planning. 
    • Has supervisory oversight of Project Management personnel, including making recommendations regarding hiring and firing decisions, training, development, evaluation and disciplining. Interprets, administers, and enforces work rules, rules of conduct, departmental and University policies, procedures, and performance standards.
    • Recommend and implement changes or improvements in staffing levels, procedures, budget levels and equipment and computerized management systems.

Other duties as assigned.     

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret construction drawings, construction specifications, building codes and other printed regulations as they apply to the design and construction industry. 
  • Ability to write reports, project descriptions and scope(s), and routine business correspondence. Ability to present information effectively, respond to questions and concerns immediately and facilitate satisfactory resolutions to problems. 
  • Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.  Must have the self-confidence and assertiveness to present and support conclusions to a variety of groups including high level administrators, architects, engineers, project stakeholders, facility staff as well as external constituents.
  • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as square footage, area, volume, circumferences and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to apply concepts and analyze data. 
  • Knowledge of cost accounting and purchasing methods in alignment with University of Denver Policies and Procedures.
  • Ability to perform complex analysis. Ability to make decisions using professional judgment. Ability to mediate and/or resolve disputes or claims. 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and work with all levels of staff across various departments.
  • Possess strong analytical skills and strong application troubleshooting skills.
  • Proven track record in good customer satisfaction and service delivery commitment.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
  • Knowledge of key industry trends and developments.
  • Excellent ability in developing processes, documenting processes and the operationalizing them.

Required Qualifications

  • Professional Licensure in the State of Colorado (or the ability to establish reciprocity) to practice Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management.
  • Education: Professional degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management
  • Ten years of demonstrated experience in construction project management with evidence of growth in responsibility.
  • Prior experience managing a department or functional area. Experience in direct as well as shared supervision of multiple project teams, including project managers, design and construction professionals, and project stakeholders.
  • Functional knowledge of facility management practices and procedures.
  • Experience in working with various construction delivery methods.
  • Knowledge of computer software applications (CAD, Word, Excel, MS Project)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Architecture, Engineering or Construction Management
  • Additional Professional accreditation such as LEED AP, Professional Engineer, Project Management Professional.
  • Experience working in a higher education setting, or similar complex business or organizational structure.
  • Experience with Database Management Software

Working Environment

  • Primarily an office environment but activities extend to active construction sites, areas maintained by Facilities Maintenance (including mechanical and electrical rooms, rooftops, etc.), as well as site visits to remote campus owned facilities (Kennedy Mountain Campus, Mount Evans observatory, East Range, etc.).
  • Extensive walking and stairs throughout campus.
  • While performing duties of this position, when the employee is on active construction sites there will be exposure to heavy equipment, outside weather, heights, high noise levels, chemical fumes, dust, among others.
  • The position is eligible to be considered for a combination of on-campus and remote work.

Physical Activities

  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk and to visit construction sites which requires stepping over obstacles, climbing ladders and the ability to balance.
  • The employee is regularly required to lift and carry objects up to 30 lbs.
  • The job requires some driving.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Schedule

The University’s administrative offices are open Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work schedule may vary.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 15.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $115,000 - $125,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Denver prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Equal Pay Act; Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.

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