Assistant Director of Planning Design & Construction

Maryland Connect•Bowie, MD

10d•$116,000 - $126,430•Onsite

About The Position

Direct and manage the Planning, Design, and Construction Division within Facilities Management. Provide strategic leadership for the University's capital improvement program by overseeing the planning, design, procurement, construction, renovation, and commissioning of campus facilities and infrastructure projects. Manage departmental operations, staff, budgets, and resources while ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable codes, regulations, and University standards. Serve as the primary liaison between University leadership, clients, consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, design, construction, or capital project management.
Minimum of five (5) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff and multidisciplinary project teams.
Demonstrated experience managing large capital construction projects with individual project values exceeding $10 million and responsibility for multiple concurrent capital projects.
Comprehensive knowledge of capital project planning, design, construction management, procurement, and contract administration.
Thorough knowledge of applicable building codes, life safety standards, OSHA regulations, ADA requirements, and construction industry best practices.
Demonstrated ability to lead large, complex capital construction programs and multidisciplinary project teams.
Strong financial management skills, including capital budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and project reporting.
Ability to evaluate technical proposals, design modifications, contractor claims, and change orders.
Strong analytical, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management abilities.
Ability to build collaborative relationships with executive leadership, faculty, staff, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality, safety, and customer service.
Proficiency with project management systems, scheduling software, construction documentation, and Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline is preferred.
familiarity with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, BIM, or similar construction technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the Planning, Design, and Construction Division.
Develop departmental goals, policies, procedures, performance standards, and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the University's strategic facilities master plan.
Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop project managers and professional staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment.
Plan, prioritize, and oversee the University's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including new construction, renovations, deferred maintenance, and infrastructure renewal projects.
Independently direct multiple complex capital projects valued in the multi-million-dollar range from project initiation through design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout.
Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, cost estimates, and resource plans while monitoring financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
Administer departmental operating and capital budgets, ensuring responsible stewardship of University resources.
Oversee consultant selection, contract negotiations, procurement activities, contractor performance, and construction contract administration in accordance with University procurement policies.
Monitor construction progress through regular site inspections to ensure quality workmanship, safety, compliance with project specifications, and adherence to schedules.
Review design documents, technical specifications, construction methods, material selections, change orders, and contractor requests for compliance, constructability, and cost effectiveness.
Identify project risks and implement proactive strategies to resolve technical, financial, scheduling, and construction issues.
Serve as the principal liaison among University leadership, faculty, staff, consultants, contractors, government agencies, and regulatory authorities.
Present project status reports, capital planning recommendations, budgets, and major initiatives to executive leadership and other governing bodies.
Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, OSHA regulations, ADA requirements, environmental regulations, life safety standards, and other federal, state, and local requirements.
Promote sustainable design principles, energy-efficient construction practices, and long-term facility resilience where appropriate.
Research and evaluate emerging technologies, construction methodologies, and infrastructure improvements that enhance campus operations and support institutional goals.
Maintain comprehensive project documentation, technical reports, project management systems, and performance metrics.
Provide technical expertise and consultation to University departments regarding facilities planning, construction, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements.
Coordinate with Facilities Operations to facilitate smooth project turnover, commissioning, warranty administration, and occupancy.
Represent the University in meetings with architects, engineers, contractors, governmental agencies, utility providers, and community stakeholders