Director of Facilities Planning and Construction

Santa Monica College • Santa Monica, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Santa Monica College is seeking a Director of Facilities Planning and Construction to lead its significant new construction developments. This role involves overseeing District-wide facilities planning, design, and construction activities for a multi-campus college. The Director will be responsible for monitoring, directing, and evaluating the work of multiple independent construction firms. A critical aspect of this role is direct, hands-on experience managing projects through the full California Division of the State Architect (DSA) process, including submittal, plan review and back-check, construction administration, and closeout/certification. The Director is personally accountable for DSA outcomes, not just supervising consultants. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience administering a District-wide facilities planning and construction program in a California K-14 educational environment, with a primary focus on coordinating with the DSA. This includes performing the full scope of construction management activities from design through completion and balancing numerous large-scale construction projects simultaneously. The Director must effectively manage and hold contractors accountable, advocate for the District's interests, and deliver presentations to the Board of Trustees, city and community groups, and planning committees. Authorization to work in the United States is required, and sponsorship is not provided. Please note that due to budget shortfalls, management staff will experience two unpaid furlough days per month (approximately a 10% salary reduction) and freezes in step advancement for the 2026-27 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2026. The posted salary does not reflect these furlough days. The District will continue to offer fully paid health, dental, and vision benefits. A recommended salary increase is currently on hold pending Board of Trustees approval.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, architecture, engineering or a related field.
• Five years of facilities construction project and planning management experience, preferably in a K-14 educational institution.
• Experience must include managing facilities design, budget preparation, construction oversight, and technology implementations.
• Two years of administrative or supervisory experience.
• Three years of construction management experience that involved working with the California Division of the State Architect is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Access to an automobile.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• Licensure as an architect by the California Architects Board is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops, oversees and implements computerized records, project management information systems and project management controls to enhance operational efficiencies and track facilities expense records.
• Develops, oversees and implements system workflows to communicate construction-related matters with all stakeholders.
• Directs and evaluates the work of contract architectural, project management and construction management firms, and general contractors for compliance with contract specifications and terms and conditions; authorizes payment in accordance with contract provisions.
• Directs the operating budget development process, monitors adherence to project budgets, and analyzes, negotiates, recommends and prepares change orders, budget adjustments and modifications as appropriate.
• Oversees the selection and work of architects, engineers, planning and design consultants, project managers, construction managers, contractors and other professionals, in addition to negotiating their scope of work and contractual agreements.
• Coordinates with various city and state offices, agencies and groups to obtain timely building permits, zoning changes and environmental impact reports.
• Represents the District in meetings, hearings, and conferences with contractors, representatives from public agencies, regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, business organizations, community groups, and the general public.
• Ensures department compliance with District policy and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Serves as liaison between college staff, administrators and contract architectural and engineering firms.
• Plans and directs the activities of the Facilities Planning Department, which include the areas of facilities planning and design, facilities renovation and improvement, facilities construction and facilities funding and budget.
• Serves as the District’s advisor to the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee.
• Makes presentations to the Board of Trustees, city and community groups, and appropriate planning committees to secure buy-in and advise on matters regarding facilities planning and development.
• Analyzes needs for new and existing facilities and makes recommendation for facilities improvements; determines new and remodeled facilities’ project scope and timelines.
• Manages District-wide facilities utilization analysis, long-range facilities planning and facilities design, including the Facilities Master Plan.
• Oversees and coordinates the submission and tracking of the Capital Outlay Program, Scheduled Maintenance Program, Hazardous Materials Removal Program, Five Year Capital Construction Plan, Space Inventory, and the other state or federal programs.
• Conveys information to appropriate parties regarding technology infrastructure projects, including data and communications networks and wiring systems, computer laboratories, audio/visual systems, and security and fire alarm systems.
• Develops proposals and implements plans for energy conservation and sustainability.
• Plans for future property needs and uses, site development, entitlements, and approvals.
• Provides policy recommendations to develop or revise legislation, regulations and controls affecting the District’s Facilities planning and construction program.
• Performs other related duties as requested or assigned.

Benefits

• 18 paid holidays
• 24 paid vacation days
• 12 paid illness days
• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision-care coverage (including eligible dependents)
• Free mental health assistance through the Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) program.
• Membership in the California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS)
• 5% increase in base pay for every 5 years worked with SMC, up to 40 years of service (suspended for the 2026-2027 fiscal year by the Board of Trustees)
• Free Big Blue Bus access and monthly incentives for eligible employees through the Sustainable Transportation Incentive Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director