Program Director

MAAS Companies • Los Angeles, CA

5d • $200,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As Program Director, you will be responsible for overseeing the entire construction program for a community college district. This includes managing all current capital projects, as well as those yet to begin. With a recent $375 million bond measure passed in 2022, there is a projected five-year pipeline of construction work. Your role will involve determining project priorities, managing budgets and schedules, and serving as the primary point of contact for any issues that arise within the program. Key responsibilities include setting project sequences and budgets, selecting and directing architects, verifying contractor cost estimates, and closely monitoring schedules against the academic calendar. Proactive communication regarding potential project delays is essential. A significant aspect of this role involves public engagement, including presenting to the governing board, interacting with the citizens oversight committee, and addressing questions from faculty, students, and community members. The ability to clearly explain financial changes to diverse audiences is crucial. The construction work must be performed without disrupting campus operations, requiring careful planning around academic calendars, phased move-ins, and limited summer construction windows.

Requirements

• Experience running an entire capital or bond program, not just individual projects.
• Experience building on a college or school campus, with a preference for community college experience.
• In-depth knowledge of the DSA (Division of the State Architect) process for public school and college construction.
• Strong numerical skills, including program scheduling, budgeting, cost estimating, and proficiency with relevant software.
• Experience with both design-build (guaranteed price) and traditional design-bid-build delivery methods, and knowledge of when to apply each.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and architects concurrently.
• Proven ability to present to a board and handle public questions professionally.
• A bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management.

Nice To Haves

• A California Architect or Professional Engineer license, or a CCM (Certified Construction Manager).
• Experience with facilities master planning and project prioritization.
• Experience establishing community outreach programs, including public websites or newsletters.
• Experience working with small, women-owned, and disadvantaged business participation programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage the entire construction program, including project selection, prioritization, budget, and timeline.
• Oversee all capital projects across multiple campuses simultaneously.
• Develop and manage independent cost estimates and review contractor bids.
• Negotiate change orders and provide reliable financial forecasts.
• Hold contractors accountable to schedules and identify/mitigate slippage.
• Select, direct, and manage architects and consultants.
• Determine appropriate project delivery methods (e.g., design-build, design-bid-build).
• Provide regular and transparent reporting on program and project status.
• Serve as the public face of the program, presenting at board meetings and to oversight committees.
• Manage the state approval process, including closeout documents and building handover.
• Ensure construction activities do not disrupt campus operations, aligning with academic calendars.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance at low cost.
• 401k plan.
• Three weeks of PTO.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) at no cost, with a 3% Safe Harbor contribution vested on day one.

What This Job Offers

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