Executive Director of Capital Planning and Project Management

The Executive Director of Capital Planning and Project Management leads strategic planning, design, and execution of capital construction initiatives and enterprise‑wide business transformation projects. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance & Administration, this role ensures delivery of infrastructure and organizational initiatives that align with institutional goals, regulatory standards, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Capital Planning, Design, and Construction
  • Direct and manage formulation and execution of strategic capital projects aligned with institutional priorities.
  • Supervise three direct reports: two Architects/Project Managers and one Office Assistant.
  • Manage creation of feasibility and engineering studies.
  • Oversee architectural and engineering design processes, ensuring compliance with state laws, relevant codes, and institutional standards.
  • Oversee all phases of capital construction projects from concept through closeout.
  • Administer contracts with external contractors, architects, and engineers to ensure quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
  • Serve as university liaison with state agencies for approvals, inspections, and reporting coordination.
  • Establish and maintain relationships; communicate project status, progress, and issues to internal and external stakeholders and project sponsors.
  • Responsible for fulfillment and updating of the Campus Building Master Plan.
• Enterprise Business Initiatives
  • Lead cross‑functional teams in planning, execution, and closeout of complex, enterprise‑wide initiatives.
  • Align timelines, resources, and stakeholders across departments and external partners to ensure project delivery.
  • Oversee project schedules and milestones to achieve outcomes within scope and budget.
• Budget & Compliance
  • Develop and manage capital budgets ranging from lower‑cost to multimillion‑dollar initiatives.
  • Collaborate with leadership to manage enterprise initiative budgets.
  • Ensure compliance with state procurement laws, grant requirements, and institutional policies.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership and governing boards.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Supervise project managers, architects, and administrative staff.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as liaison between the university and external vendors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
  • Maintain relationships as a university representative with counterparts at other public universities and state agencies.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Business, Construction Management, or related field (military equivalent experience accepted in lieu of a degree).
• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience overseeing complex projects.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, or related field (military equivalent experience accepted).
• 7 years of progressive experience leading and overseeing complex projects, including responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, and team coordination.
• Project Management Institute PMP® certification or equivalent, Lean Six Sigma certification, or significantly demonstrated experience in process‑improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a higher‑education environment.
• Experience working with state agencies and legislative committees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, including PMP standards.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large‑scale projects and project teams over extended periods.
• Excellent project management skills covering scope, timeline, budget, and resource management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills for collaboration with internal departments and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities to address system issues and project challenges.
• Ability to facilitate training plans and change‑management efforts to drive adoption of new systems and processes.
• Capability to manage all phases of projects from concept through closeout, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Familiarity with higher‑education systems, workflows, and regulatory standards.

Physical Requirements

Predominantly sedentary work; occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.