DFCM Program Manager for Public School Construction Oversight

State of Utah • Taylorsville, UT

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) seeks a Program Manager to direct statewide oversight of public school construction. The role serves as the primary resource and point of contact for Local Education Authorities (LEAs), school districts, legislators, design professionals, contractors, DFCM staff, and other stakeholders. It provides program direction and support, develops and maintains policies and procedures, evaluates program performance, coordinates implementation across agencies and industry, prepares statutory reports, and advises Division leadership on potential rule or statute changes.

The Program Manager oversees LEA compliance and statewide project workflows, including applications, approvals, portal activity, permits, occupancy status, and communication practices. The role directs compliance audits, administers enforcement actions and appeals, and manages the School Construction Facility Condition Assessment and Deferred Maintenance Reporting Program. It also supports code compliance and permitting by monitoring review timelines, coordinating plan reviews with the State Fire Marshal and State Security Chief, and recommending process improvements.

Additional responsibilities include developing statewide construction cost benchmarks, overseeing architect/engineer fee submissions and construction contract benchmarks, and supporting administration of the Qualified Contractor Registry. The position coordinates with state agencies and other partners, organizes an annual Public School Construction Conference, and participates in statewide training for LEAs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in construction management, including project planning, design, construction, and commissioning.
• Working knowledge of building permitting, plan review, inspections, and occupancy processes and requirements.
• Working knowledge of the State’s security standards for public education facilities.
• Knowledge of the Utah Procurement Code (Title 63G, Chapter 6a), including qualifications-based selection.
• Knowledge of Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) delivery methods.
• Knowledge of facility condition assessment and deferred maintenance methodologies, including APPA and BOMA standards.
• Knowledge of public administration, program management, and regulatory compliance principles.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, implement, and administer large-scale statewide regulatory programs.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and statutory deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex statutory and technical requirements to diverse audiences.
• Strong facilitation, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including construction cost data evaluation, benchmarking, and policy recommendations.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of public school construction, including project planning, design, permitting, plan review, construction inspection, commissioning, and occupancy.
• Working knowledge of the International Building Code and related I-Codes as adopted by the State of Utah.

Responsibilities

• Serve as DFCM’s primary resource for LEA administrators, school districts, design professionals, contractors, and stakeholders on program requirements, policy interpretation, and dispute resolution.
• Serve as DFCM’s primary point of contact for Local Education Authorities, the Legislature, and public and private stakeholders in K-12 construction.
• Provide program direction and support to DFCM staff involved in statewide public school construction oversight.
• Develop, implement, and maintain program policies, procedures, standards, forms, and guidance consistent with statute and administrative rule.
• Evaluate program performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement operational enhancements.
• Coordinate program implementation with government agencies, industry organizations, design professionals, contractors, and school districts.
• Prepare and present annual reports to the Education Interim Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee.
• Recommend possible administrative rule or statute changes to Division leadership.
• Coordinate with DFCM leadership and project managers on projects managed or requested to be managed by the Division.
• Monitor statewide workflows for early project applications, reviews, approvals, and issue resolution.
• Manage Public School Construction Online Portal activity, including project requests and architect/engineer and construction contract approval requests.
• Work with DFCM Building Officials to monitor building permit and occupancy statuses.
• Ensure effective communication between DFCM and LEA staff.
• Conduct and direct annual compliance audits of active projects and special audits involving safety, statutory compliance, or cost benchmarking anomalies.
• Administer the enforcement program, including written warnings, compliance orders, administrative penalties, referrals, and representation in appeals.
• Administer the School Construction Facility Condition Assessment and Deferred Maintenance Reporting Program, including standards, reporting requirements, implementation schedules, and required annual reports.
• Ensure DFCM Building Code Officials coordinate with project teams, meet statutory review timelines, and verify timely issuance of construction permits, certificates of occupancy, and certificates of completion.
• Assist Building Officials with concurrent plan reviews involving the State Fire Marshal and State Security Chief through EDMS, maintain working relationships with those offices, and resolve escalated review issues.
• Monitor statewide permitting performance and recommend improvements to efficiency and consistency.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically update statewide public school construction cost benchmarks by school type and geographic region.
• Oversee architect/engineer contract fee submissions for compliance with published guidelines and oversee alternative delivery methods.
• Review construction contract benchmark submissions and cost-per-square-foot metrics, and recommend approval or variance justification.
• Work with DFCM Support Services to administer the Qualified Contractor Registry, including applications, qualification standards, performance evaluations, and updates.
• Coordinate with the Utah State Board of Education, Legislature, Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, and other agencies on policy and implementation.
• Coordinate an annual Public School Construction Conference.
• Participate in developing and delivering statewide training for LEAs on program requirements, portal use, permitting, code compliance, procurement, and cost reporting.

Benefits

• Job stability and reliable employment within a well-established organization.
• Career growth, valuable skill development, and leadership opportunities within a large organization.
• Meaningful work contributing to an important community service and organizational goals.
• Supportive work environment emphasizing cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed