Director, Design and Construction - Capital Projects

About Us

Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia.

Job Summary

Responsible for the oversight of new and renovation design and construction projects through the leadership of project management personnel. Responsible for managing the full project lifecycle from programming and design through construction administration and project closeout; including project scoping, budget development and management, and schedule adherence to ensure the successful completion of capital and non-capital design and construction projects. Partners across the institution with a clear customer service focus of delivering projects that support KSU students, faculty, and staff in achieving the KSU mission.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and is responsible for the leadership and performance management of the design and construction team to ensure quality KSU projects are completed on time and on budget
• Manages the full project lifecycle, including design phase oversight (schematic design, design development, and construction documents), construction administration, and project closeout including punch list, commissioning, and warranty management
• Reviews and evaluates design deliverables at each phase gate for completeness, constructability, code compliance, and alignment with university program requirements prior to bidding or submission to regulatory agencies
• Manages architect, engineer, and design consultant relationships including selection, scope development, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance evaluation
• Responsible for developing and implementing best industry practice processes and procedures to ensure best value for KSU and adherence to state and Board of Regents standards and requirements
• Partners with divisional directors as well as all KSU stakeholders to ensure a coordinated and facilitated project process
• Responsible for partnering with Procurement and BOR Real Estate and Facilities to ensure compliance with procurement requirements while identifying strategies for efficiency and cost-effectiveness
• Identifies and champions strategic initiatives to support sustainable design and infrastructure for building and campus-wide initiatives
• Supports project managers in the resolution of complex design and construction challenges and identification of potential project impacts
• Trains project managers in best practices in design review, budget and schedule development, construction administration, and project closeout
• Oversees the department budget, including monitoring expenditures, analyzing variances, and ensuring resources are managed effectively to meet operational and financial objectives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• Eight (8) years of related experience in design and construction, including demonstrated experience managing projects from design through construction closeout including a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience leading project management teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Architectural, Engineering, or similar license
• An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
• Previous experience in higher education settings
• Experience in commercial settings, including research laboratory construction
• Experience managing projects that align with Board of Regents and state requirements
• Familiarity with Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission (GSFIC) processes
• Experience with sustainable design principles and energy efficiency planning

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Able to identify end user requirements, provide solutions, and deliver projects to meet user needs
• Comfortable with sitting for extended periods of time
• Physical ability to conduct site walks
• Able to read, interpret, and critically evaluate architectural and engineering drawings and specifications, preferably using AutoCAD and/or Revit
• Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines
• Familiarity with relevant building codes and standards
• Extensive experience in construction project management
• Experience managing architect/engineer consultant contracts, including scope development, fee negotiation, and performance evaluation
• Experience overseeing design phase deliverables (schematic design, design development, construction documents) and construction administration through project closeout
• In-depth knowledge of applicable building codes and regulations
• Knowledge of construction administration processes including RFIs, submittals, change orders, and substantial completion procedures
• Industry knowledge of materials, manufacturers, vendors, and construction methods
• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
• Strong financial management and budget development skills
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Project and project management software (e.g., Procore, e-Builder, or similar))
• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
• Strong customer service skills and professional communication etiquette

Pay

The salary range is up to $143,900. Offers are based on relevant experience.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options and much more! visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.