Associate Construction Project Director

DePaul University•Chicago, IL

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Construction supports the Director of Construction in the management and delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects and renovations ranging from minor interior improvements to large-scale institutional construction initiatives typically valued between $50,000 and $100 million. This position provides leadership in stakeholder coordination, financial oversight, construction administration, and schedule management to ensure projects are executed in alignment with institutional goals, budget parameters, and time-line commitments. The role also supports and participates in vendor solicitation, competitive bidding, evaluation, and contract award processes in accordance with institutional procurement policies. The Associate Director serves as a DePaul representative, coordinating across internal departments and external partners, including architects, sub-consultants, contractors, and vendors.

Requirements

No direct reports. Provides functional oversight and coordination of architects, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
Offers guidance and support to non-routine capital project managers to promote consistency in project execution, financial controls, and schedule management.
Provides support in monitoring capital and renovation project budgets.
Exercises delegated authority in reviewing pay applications and change orders and assists with financial forecasting and reporting to leadership.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture.
5 - 8 years of progressive experience in design, project management, owner representation, or capital project delivery.
Demonstrated experience managing commercial or institutional construction projects.
Working knowledge of architectural and construction principles and skills of the construction-related trades.
Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction and engineering drawings and specifications.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in an active campus environment.
Strong understanding of construction administration, budgeting, and contract management.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
Walking of active construction sites and may involve climbing ladders and navigating varying site conditions as part of project oversight responsibilities.
May require schedule flexibility to support project milestones and construction activities.
Travel between university campuses and other affiliated project sites within the Chicago metropolitan area is required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with project management or IWMS systems, preferred.
Working knowledge of CAD and BIM, preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as a DePaul representative for assigned capital and renovation projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, user groups, architects, engineers, and contractors.
Manages scope alignment, supports project decision-making, and evaluates impacts of design changes to cost and schedule.
Provides recommendations to the Director of Construction and supports successful project delivery from planning through closeout.
Assists with vendor procurement activities, including development and coordination of Request for Proposals (RFPs) for professional services and construction-related vendors.
Participates in Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings and manages construction administration activities, including review of RFIs, submittals, procurement status, and change orders.
Monitors contractor and consultant performance to ensure compliance with contract documents, schedule milestones, and institutional requirements, escalating significant issues as appropriate.
Conducts regular site visits to verify construction progress, quality, and safety, and coordinates resolution of field issues with project teams.
Manages project budgets across multiple concurrent projects, including preparation of monthly cash flow projections and maintenance of financial tracking tools.
Reviews and verifies pay applications, retainage, lien waivers, invoices, and change orders for accuracy and contractual compliance.
Monitors contingency usage and cost overages.
Supports development and maintenance of project financial standards and documentation protocols.
Oversees project closeout procedures and supports utilization and data integrity within the University’s Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS).
Supports development of internal specifications and standards, and high-performance building requirements to promote consistency across projects.
Assists in managing document control and ensuring adherence to established document management standards.