Director, Capital Projects

Virginia Union University•Richmond, VA

About The Position

Virginia Union University (VUU) is a distinguished private institution founded in 1865 that proudly upholds a legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. With a historic 86-acre campus, it offers a dynamic and nurturing environment for its 1,568 undergraduate and graduate students. Virginia Union University is recognized in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report, holding a prestigious position as #39 among Historically Black Colleges and Universities. VUU provides a robust array of academic programs, including 35 Bachelor's, 11 Master's, and one Doctoral degree. Virginia Union University remains steadfast in its commitment to offering accessible, high-quality education, instilling a sense of assurance and confidence in its students. It fosters a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to the holistic development of future leaders. Five fundamental principles (core values) guide Virginia Union University. Each principle is essential to our ability to provide a Best-In-Class educational experience for students, faculty, and staff. These principles help our community understand the right path to fulfilling our institution's mission. The principles are Innovation, Spiritual Formation, Integrity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Excellence. The Director of Capital Projects provides strategic leadership, planning, and execution of capital construction, renovation, deferred maintenance, and modernization initiatives across Virginia Union University. This role is central to ensuring projects reflect the University’s mission, heritage, and vision for growth. The Director will advance ongoing campus modernization efforts, integrating innovative design, technology, and sustainability while preserving the historic character of VUU’s iconic buildings. Working closely with university leadership, external partners, and the Board of Trustees, the Director will lead capital investments that transform the physical campus into a model for innovation, excellence, and student success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field required
Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in capital project management, facilities planning, or construction administration.
Must be able to lift 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of the University’s Campus Master Plan and five-year capital projects roadmap.
Advance a future-focused vision for the campus, blending historic preservation with new construction, technology-rich learning spaces, energy resiliency, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Serve as a thought partner to senior leadership and trustees on how capital projects drive enrollment growth, student success, and institutional competitiveness.
Direct all phases of capital projects, including scope development, modernization design, bidding, procurement, construction management, and closeout.
Incorporate advanced building systems, smart technologies, and sustainable practices into new construction and renovations.
Monitor project schedules, budgets, and risk management plans; prepare regular progress reports with forward-looking insights on how each project supports the University’s modernization agenda.
Develop and manage project budgets, cost estimates, and financial forecasts in coordination with Finance and Business Affairs.
Oversee contracts, RFPs, and vendor relationships, ensuring compliance with University policies and regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, ADA, historic preservation, and environmental standards.
Align modernization initiatives with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, positioning VUU as a forward-thinking institution.
Serve as the liaison between university leadership, trustees, architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Communicate a clear vision for the modernized VUU campus to stakeholders, donors, and the broader community.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Capital Projects team.