Director of Planning & Major Construction

Diocese of Austin•Austin, TX

About The Position

Job Summary: The Director of Planning and Construction is responsible for: (i) planning of expansion of parishes, schools, and other Catholic entities in the Diocese for the long-term future; and (ii) the directing and coordinating major construction projects in the Diocese of Austin for diocesan properties or parish properties; (iii) consulting with and providing direction to any project manager, whether employed by the Diocese or under contract with the Diocese or a parish; and (iv) assigning projects to staff project managers, if any, and retaining major construction project to maximize efficiency and service to parishes and schools. The position reports to the Chancellor and operates with wide latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative. Ministerial Character The Bishop is the visible principle and foundation of unity in the particular Church (the diocese) entrusted to him. In a unique and visible way, he makes Christ’s mission present and enduring as Shepherd of the Christian Community. In order to fulfill his mission, the Bishop employs suitable, chosen collaborators (clerics, religious, or lay people). He shares with them the apostolic mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them. Each position employed in the Diocese of Austin helps to extend the ministry of the Bishop in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Bishop in the performance of his ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

Requirements

Knowledge of the structure and basic teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
Ability to plan, visualize, relate, select, discard, synthesize and develop solutions.
Ability to draw and explain the design to leadership team, pastors and the faithful.
Ability to prepare written documentation of projects, present programmatic analysis, and write material for reports and presentations.
Ability to manage design projects from ideas to the complete development/ design/ construction process.
Ability to operate various word-processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
Ability to provide excellent customer service and work effectively with staff, clergy, religious and laity.
Ability to organize, prioritize and utilize effective time management techniques.
Ability to always respect confidentiality.
Ability to carry out multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
Ability to use effective and legal supervision strategies and techniques with assigned staff.
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field of study from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.
Four (4) years of full-time wage-earning related work experience.
English (proficient in conversing, reading, and writing).
Must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
Valid Texas driver’s license.
Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.

Responsibilities

As an integral part of your ministry for the Church as carried out in this position, support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic ministry and the mission of the Diocese of Austin in both your professional and personal life.
Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
Provide to diocesan leadership preliminary design, budget, and schedule information on parish and diocesan construction and renovation projects.
Work with the Chancellor providing information on land acquisitions and in the planning of new parish or school locations.
Work with parishes, schools, and other Catholic entities to keep them informed about, discuss with, and to ensure compliance with diocesan policies and procedures on major construction matters and requirements.
Serve as the Chair of the Diocesan Building Commission (DBC) meetings and coordinate DBC schedule and activities.
Manage major construction projects including, maintaining project files, approving pay applications, approving change orders, reviewing contractor cost on CMR projects, and coordinating construction budgets and pay authorizations with the finance office.
Ensure that all contractors and design professionals have met the proper licensing and registration requirements, executed the proper contracts, and provided the correct insurance and bonds.
Negotiate major contracts with contractors and design professionals (for signature by the Vicar General or Chancellor).
Act as a liaison between contractors and staff on major construction projects.
Provide oversight and guidance to pastors and parish building committee members regarding architect/engineer selection, design and constructability, delivery method selection, contractor selection, cost controls, quality and schedule, contract negotiation, and warranty claims, and after construction issues.
Serve as a consultant to the diocesan Director of Facilities, Chancellor, Vicar General, or Bishop regarding major repair issues and planning issues related to diocesan properties, as well as serving as such a consultant to pastors needing such assistance.
Provide services and education to parishes and other diocesan entities on construction issues, including but not limited to alternative designs, use of professionals, selection of professionals, evaluation of costs (long term and short term), diocesan requirements for construction, and risk reduction.
Participate in the development of overall diocesan strategic plan regarding land acquisition for building projects.
Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to parishes, staff and other stakeholders.
Other duties as assigned.