Director of Project Management

About the role

The Director of Project Management (DPM) is responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing new construction and renovation projects, and the overall coordination of project management services for Williams College. The DPM provides leadership and support for the project management team and collaborates closely with colleagues leading the Facilities Operations and Energy & Utilities teams to effectively plan for, manage, and implement major capital and renewal projects in support of the College's academic mission.

Job Duties

• Provide leadership and oversight of the capital design and construction program to ensure projects are completed consistent with institutional, stakeholder and client needs.
• Develop and maintain systems, processes and procedures that lead to consistent and desirable project results.
• Facilitate development of best-in-class design guidance and construction management processes ensuring that projects are completed on time, on budget, and in accordance with applicable Town of Williamstown and State of Massachusetts building codes and zoning ordinances, energy and environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Guide project management teams to establish feasible and realistic budget estimates and project schedules, and ensure projects are delivered within budget constraints and on time.
• Supervise, support and mentor Project Management staff.
• Manage to optimize performance and ensure best practices in work methods and performance standards.
• Formulate internal administrative and operational processes to manage and mitigate risk on projects.
• Ensure all project operations within the department are conducted in accordance with appropriate safety regulations and College policy guidelines.
• Consult with the Associate Vice President for Campus Planning and Operations on strategic planning and logistical matters related to capital projects.
• Develop creative and innovative methods for improved project delivery ensuring optimal value for capital investments.
• Implement policies and practices to ensure cooperation between design and contractor teams, and coordination of work.
• Establish high standards of professionalism and accountability for designers, contractors and vendors engaged in projects to ensure cooperation and quality outcomes.
• Work closely with the facilities operations team and other partners integrate operational and maintenance requirements into short- and long-term renewal and new capital projects.
• Participate in strategic initiatives for improving stewardship of campus facilities through close coordination with Facilities Maintenance and Operations, Energy and Utilities, Office of Sustainability, Office of Information Technology, Campus Safety Services, and Risk Management and Procurement.
• Work closely with other directors and staff in the department to develop resources (i.e. campus design and construction standards, effective stakeholder and constituent engagement practices, project plan review process, commissioning, etc.) that will help guide decision-making relative to capital expenditures and operational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, analysis and strategic direction in identifying and implementing new and revised processes and procedures to achieve an integrated project delivery system focused on customer service and facilities stewardship.
• Provide advice and guidance on matters related to architectural and engineering design, bidding and procurement, construction delivery, contract administration, and project budgeting.
• Support and provide advice and guidance on avoiding or resolving contractual claims and disputes in concert with the Contracts Administrator.
• Ensure design and construction activities are conducted in a manner that avoids or minimizes disruptions to normal campus operations.
• Oversee all construction budgets and activities; confirm availability of funds, maintain expenditures within approved budgets, certify satisfactory and timely completion of work performed under contract; determine that expenditures are within the approved design parameters and scope of each project.
• Maintain appropriate records, regularly submit reports as required.
• Establish and maintain a uniform format/system for monthly reporting on Project Controls, including schedule, budget status, and actual and projected expenditures.
• Advise Associate VP for Campus Planning and Operations and/or other levels of College administration on the status of all design and construction projects as required.
• Facilitate interaction between Facilities Operations, Campus Sustainability, CSS, OIT, EHS and RM departments, clients, and other stakeholders, managers, supervisors, etc., during planning, design, construction, inspection, and commissioning of renovation and new construction activities.
• Avoid or minimize disruptions to normal campus operations.
• Ensure that College facilities are designed and constructed compliant with fire and life safety codes, applicable building and energy codes, ADA requirements, regulatory and statutory requirements, sustainability best practices, Campus Design and Construction Standards, and College policies and practices.
• Establish appropriate rapport with local and state authorities-having-jurisdiction.
• Respond, in a timely and complete manner, to inquiries and concerns from College staff, faculty, students and public relative to services provided.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field (engineering or architecture) or related to construction or project management or the equivalent.
• Advanced degree desirable.
• Ten years of direct experience in planning, design, and management of major capital construction projects, including LEED certified buildings.
• Familiarity with high performance building and landscape design, construction and standards.
• Knowledge of utility systems, current energy efficient building systems, and energy conservation best practices.
• Documented success in meeting budget and schedule targets.
• Ability to develop and maintain project budgets, cash flow projections, and schedules.
• Experience with developing and implementing long-range capital and renewal programs in a higher education or similar setting.
• Strong leadership and supervision skills and experience with at least 5-plus years of experience successfully managing a team of project management professionals with comparable project activity.
• Conceptual thinker who is attentive to details.
• Familiarity with Town, State, and Federal codes and ordinances.
• Deep experience with understanding and managing architectural and construction contracts and knowledge of contract language and requirements.
• Recent construction or construction management experience on projects of comparable scale and complexity.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management and other professionals.
• Ability to work with and align diverse constituencies and opposing interests.
• Must have a LEED AP or LEED GA certification or the ability to obtain within 24 months of employment.
• Experience with other sustainability certifications desirable but not essential.
• PM Software – AutoCAD, REVIT, Adobe Suite, Bluebeam, Procore or other Project Management systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite – Word, Excel, Project and other programs.
• Knowledge of OSHA construction safety standards and regulations.
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs., walk half a mile unaided, climb ladders and stairs, and enter and leave excavations for the purpose of observing and planning work.

Other Info

Please share Resume & Cover Letter with Valerie Rohn at vrohn@zrgpartners.com.