Title: Executive Director of Design & Construction

Department: Campus Facilities and Services

Campus: Queens

Job Description:

The Executive Director of Design & Construction is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of all capital projects and physical improvements in connection with the University's vision, ensuring that they meet NYC agencies, state and federal regulations and procedures and are effectively managed from concept through planning, design, bidding, construction, and occupancy. The Executive Director oversees and leads the integration of sustainable design, a respect for the environment and conservation of resources into every project the University undertakes. She/he also leads the selection and hiring of consultants engaged by the University for capital projects and physical improvements, and oversees the work of consulting firms and in-house Design & Construction staff throughout these projects. This position helps manage the efficient use of space on campus by all departments and entities. The Executive Director develops long-range and detailed plans to meet the needs of the University, develops and oversees budgets for construction projects.

We are looking for a creative individual who is passionate about the built environment, someone with good work ethic, a positive attitude, and who will work cohesively with the entire Campus Facilities team as well as the other departments of the University.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the campus master plan through consideration of the program and growth needs of the University. The master plan supports the mission of the University with detailed short-, mid-, and long-term plans for campus facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of the University and is a tool to guide the development of the campus.
• Actively manage the University's space, review the allocation of existing as well as any new space proposed for University departments, colleges, and programs, and analyze existing available space to determine appropriateness for the proposed purpose, develop alternatives and make recommendations to the University administration regarding the appropriate space for a particular use, including any modifications or improvements that might be required.
• Work with all administrative and academic departments to continually improve processes and the effectiveness of the Design & Construction department.
• Ensure the success of all capital projects and other physical improvements by coordinating with other department/stakeholders.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time within budget and meets client expectations and needs.
• Advise and prepare periodic reports for senior administration regarding planning, design, and construction issues.
• Ensure that all construction projects undertaken by the University are in full compliance with applicable NYC agencies, state and federal regulations by developing and enforcing University policies and procedures for all facets of the planning, design, and construction process, including but not limited to, consultant selection and award of contracts for consultant services, bidding, award of construction contracts, insurance requirements, and project close-out.
• Ensure that all capital projects and physical improvements undertaken by the University are effectively managed by overseeing all activities: feasibility analysis, programming, preliminary studies and development of alternative solutions, code review, project design, development of contract documents, preparation of project estimates and budgets, solicitation, receipt, and evaluation of project bids for award to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder, construction administrations, site observation of construction, management of the project budget, project close-out, and post occupancy evaluation.
• Negotiate major construction and consultant contracts and manage potential disputes and claims.
• Protect the University from engaging unqualified consultants and contractors, engage in a prequalification process and maintain records of vendor performance and evaluation.
• Represent the University's on-campus and off-campus groups, conferences and organizations related to Design & Construction projects, planning, design, and construction issues.
• Serve on committees as requested to provide input and guidance regarding University's space management and campus project initiatives.
• Promote a positive and cooperative image of the University with the construction industry, assist and coordinate with the University and various state, local and governmental agencies.
• Develop and maintain design standards and quality expectations for campus construction projects and communicate them to consultants, contractors, and others performing construction on campus.
• Assist in fund-raising efforts for campus construction projects, assist in the preparation of applications and other necessary supporting materials for construction grants, loans, presentations, and donations, and obtain architectural renderings and models.
• Develop capital project budgets, and oversee the management of the assigned capital construction projects.
• Manage the department of Design & Construction, recommend the most effective and efficient structure and staffing for the office, hire qualified applicants, supervise staff, ensure staff perform their duties in accordance with departmental and University standards and procedures, assign projects appropriate to the capabilities of the employee, set goals and objectives, and evaluate performance.
• Be able to manage project teams consisting of academic and administrative staff.
• Remain competent and current through self-directed professional reading, develop professional contacts with colleagues, attend professional development courses, maintain required and appropriate professional designations, and attend training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
• Contribute to the overall success of the University by understanding its mission, culture and financial constraints, and deliver the best value for our students, administrators and faculty.
• Track project cost details and provide periodic updates to senior management.
• Develop and manage an annual capital budget of $30M+ (not including major initiatives).

Qualifications:

• BA/BS required in related fields: Architectural, Engineering, Construction or Project Management preferred.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in similar position at institutions of higher education or with similar large organizations. This experience must include discerning program needs from user input to develop programming and planning documents, guiding and managing the design process, developing and managing project budgets, overseeing multi-million dollar construction projects involving a diversity of construction systems, and field observation of construction. Construction industry experience with institutions of higher education is preferred. Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment is preferred.
• Accreditation through the United States Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or a related professionally recognized organization is preferred.

Skills:

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, priorities, and meet deadlines on time and within budget.
• Strong management, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills
• Must have strong oral and written communication skills, and be customer focused to understand and appropriately respond to client's needs.
• Be able to demonstrate solid leadership and presentation skills.
• Risk assessment capabilities.
• The ability to work collegially with a wide variety of constituencies possessing various levels of planning and design knowledge is required.
• Working knowledge of NYC, and NYS building codes and standards.
• Experience with campus infrastructure mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and facilities condition assessments.
• Experience in handling multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Ability to establish priorities.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong attention to details.
• Strong analytical and sound decision making skills. The ability to gather and thoroughly analyze information in order to make well-founded recommendations to the University's senior administration.
• Familiarity with CAD, space management, and other graphic programs is preferred.
• The ability to defend, negotiate, resolve controversial and/or long-range issues and problems. Manage interactions and situations with divergent views, skepticism, resistance, uncooperative attitudes, and conflicting objectives. Interactions require high levels of interpersonal skill and the ability to influence, debate, persuade.
• The ability to direct large and/or complex groups, programs, projects, that often requires coordination of other departments.

I understand that any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John's University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.

St. John's offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John's performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events.

St. John's University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from women and minorities.



To apply please click here!