Assistant Director of Project Management

About the role

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Assistant Director of Project Management, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative environment within the Facilities Management Department.

Responsibilities

• Cook up the planning, design, and construction of assigned smaller or otherwise less-complex projects with other University entities and various University clients, while assisting Project Managers with such duties on larger or otherwise more complex capital projects.
• Meet with clients to determine capital project requirements; document project priorities; assist clients in determining project funding requirements and source; project location and schedule; complete paperwork to advance project.
• Work with Director to develop capital approval submissions for presentation to University leadership and assist/manage and coordinate the activities of the Project Committee for each project.
• Affirm adherence to departmental processes and procedures through approval process.
• Adhere with skill and/or experience requirements and selection criteria for project consultants and contractors, as well as manage the process to determine the best-qualified companies.
• Document the scope of work, budget and schedule requirements, and solicit proposals from designers and contractors to determine which company(s) will provide the best combination of cost, schedule, and quality.
• Aid with review of contracts to ensure that the University will receive the required services for the agreed upon terms while maintaining protection from sources of liability.
• Review designer proposals and ensure they produce quality design documents meeting the contract deliverables, on time, and that reflect the project intent.
• Monitor the construction quality to verify that the intent of the construction documents is carried out and attractive, durable, sustainable, and functional facilities are achieved that are in compliance with code and University design standards.
• Take corrective action through project team when necessary and ensure contractors plan, implement, and maintain a safe work site.
• Develop backup plans to keep projects moving forward when obstacles occur.
• Assist/manage assigned capital projects to assure successful execution within established budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate project progress meetings, issue monthly status and financial reports, and update progress schedules.
• Manage and initiate financial transactions for assigned projects.
• Responsible for the verification of work performed and the recommendation for approval and timely payment of the amounts invoiced on behalf of architects, engineers, attorneys, building contractors, construction managers, and other consultants.
• Control project costs and confirm compliance with University procurement requirements through detailed review of proposals, contracts, invoices, change orders, etc.
• Understand the appropriate usage of contingency funding, monitor and manage this usage during the project, and inform leadership regarding status.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a Facilities Management related field. Requires ten years experience in Facilities Management or related field including progressive leadership experience. Experience in a higher education or similar setting or preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or related in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience in design and construction is required.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in design, construction, and project management related duties and activities, and/or a master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• Experience in project management in a university setting or related institutional facilities is desirable.
• A professional license and master’s degree in a related field, along with additional years of relevant experience, are preferred.
• Education and/or work experience should demonstrate knowledge and competency with building projects and building trade divisions.
• Experience working in a research, educational facility, or related commercial or industrial facility is preferred.
• Familiarity in coordinating multiple interest groups and stakeholders is important.
• Ability to work within complex phasing constraints and within existing densely-built facilities environments is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the design process, construction methodologies and procedures, codes, project management principles, and project management software.
• Ability to solicit, evaluate, and negotiate estimates, bids and cost proposals.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office and Windows.
• Ability to read and interpret design and construction contracts and contract documents, including drawings, specifications, payment applications, etc.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, and quality of work is preferred.
• Strong initiative with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work tasks, and work either independently or as part of a team.
• Excellent communication, negotiating, writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills oriented to customer service.
• Ability to physically enter and navigate a construction site and visually inspect and document work in progress compared to the contract documents.
• Experience preparing documents and/or presenting projects to senior leadership for design and/or financial approval is desirable.
• Experience controlling construction costs by evaluating additional design service requests and construction change order proposals.
• Experience reviewing construction safety and logistics plans and a general knowledge of construction site safety procedures is desirable.

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $89,877.00 to USD $179,754.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.