Director, Construction and Design

University of Akron • Akron, OH

23h • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and budget compliance. Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed to design specifications and regulatory standards. The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education. The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches. As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems. We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students. We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders.

Requirements

• bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or related field.
• Valid Ohio Driver’s License.
• minimum of 10 years in construction or design management, with progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Proficiency in construction software, blueprint reading, project scheduling, AutoCAD and cost estimation required.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving abilities to manage complex projects and diverse teams.

Nice To Haves

• Professional licensure as an architect, engineer, or construction-related certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor construction projects from conception through completion, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and building codes.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and design teams to translate plans into actionable workflows.
• Allocate materials, labor, and equipment efficiently while managing budgets and schedules.
• Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, government agencies, and the community.
• Identify potential risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and environmental standards.
• Lead, supervise and mentor project managers, superintendents, designers, and estimators to achieve project goals.
• Review construction documents to assure compliance with University standards and specific program of requirements and design intent.
• Review and approve project submittals, including shop drawings, schedules, pay applications, and other correspondence.

Benefits

• competitive total compensation package
• competitive salary
• comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave.
• eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission.
• All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA).
• participates in state retirement systems
• offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions.
• Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees