Project Director

Department Number/Name: 0-0226-000 / Design and Construction College Division: Administrative Services-Physical Plant Salary Plan: Administrative Job Code/Title: 4489 / Project Director, Design & Construction Hiring Salary/Salary Range: Commensurate with experience Position Number: ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY: USF's Office of Administrative Services (OAS) is made up of the dedicated people who keep our campus, the equivalent of a medium-sized city, moving forward. This team delivers essential services across USF's multiple campuses and locations that together total 11 sites, 1,646 acres, 350 buildings, and 12.8 million gross square feet. With responsibilities that include land use and planning, construction and development, maintenance and utilities, custodial and grounds services, parking and the Bull Runner bus system, environmental health and safety, university police, and emergency management; the OAS team has a wide-reaching impact that touches nearly every aspect of the University of South Florida community in support of the university's mission and strategic plan. On USF's Tampa campus, the OAS team performs a broad scope of services that includes processing and completing over 45,000 work orders annually, providing custodial and maintenance services for 83 buildings totaling 4.5 million square feet, managing over 350 construction and renovation projects each year, providing utilities services for 350 buildings totaling 12.8 million square feet, maintaining 20,500 parking spaces across 93 surface lots and 4 garages, operation and maintenance of a fleet of 26 buses, and performing grounds care of 500 acres of space. OAS is a service organization and believes that providing excellent customer service starts with an engaged workforce. To that end, we are dedicated to offering opportunities for professional development and growth, providing the job resources necessary for success, fostering open communication and feedback at all levels, and recognizing the achievements of our team members. Part of the University of South Florida's (USF) Office of Administrative Services (OAS), the Department of Campus Planning, Construction, and Development (PCD) shapes the university's current and future physical landscape. PCD encompasses real estate strategy and management, space and campus planning, and university design and construction and across these teams facilitates campus remodels, renovations, and new construction projects. Rooted in a service philosophy that seeks to not only meet but exceed expectations in every aspect of our work. PCD takes pride in executing programs, managing projects, and spearheading strategic initiatives, all with a singular focus: bringing the university's high-impact global research ambitions to life while ensuring student success. POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning, Construction & Development, the role of Project Director, Design & Construction, assumes a critical role in driving project delivery across a complex portfolio of projects. Working closely with Project Managers, Coordinators, and other stakeholders, the Project Director will assume responsibility for one or more projects to lead and successfully deliver on time, on budget and within scope. Client communications and stakeholder engagement are a vital part of this position, as is managing contractors, subcontractors, trades, and other professionals enlisted to deliver the project goals. The Project Director will be looked upon to invoke contemporary project management practices and tools, creative problem-solving, precise planning, and effective communications. A Project Director portfolio may vary from a single highly complex and critical project to numerous smaller-scale projects; as projects are completed the portfolio will change and refresh over time. The Project Director will be an active participant in identifying suitable projects that align with skills sets, experience, capability, and capacity, to ensure the success of the project delivery as well as the Project Director. The current range of projects available to the Project Director may come from a portfolio of more than 700 projects, collectively valued at more than $1 billion. These projects run the gamut from swift but impactful "quick-hit" endeavors to legacy-shaping initiatives such as an On-Campus Stadium. Other high-profile initiatives include the rejuvenation and construction of a state-of-the-art Environmental Oceanographic & Sciences Building, the planning of a Translational Research Institute, the execution of Central Plant upgrades and improvements, the development of a Research Growth Initiative, the relocation of intramural and athletic fields, and the multi-phased expansion of USF's College of Nursing. The role of the Project Director is an opportunity to be part of an exciting, fast-paced, challenging, rewarding, and transformational effort at USF. Precision, efficiency, and a commitment to excellence are your guiding principles. By leveraging the latest technology and best practices, you will help us navigate a constantly evolving landscape, ensuring that we always secure the best possible outcomes for projects and uphold the values of the university. Welcome to a team where your expertise is valued and where your efforts make a significant difference. RESPONSIBILITIES: Major Project Leadership: As the leader of major Capital Improvement Projects, you will be responsible and accountable to lead professionals and USF teams in the successful ideation, planning, approval, procurement, contracting, execution, and operationalization of USF's mission through the design & construction of high profile multi-million dollar projects. These projects are various in nature ranging from $4M -$200M aimed at supporting the University Board of Trustees (UBOT) and USF's Vision, Mission and Goals. As the project leader your role is to develop a comprehensive project approach and lead all elements and participants to project success with relentless focus on budget, schedule, scope criteria, change management, effective communications, and the seamless transition to operational success. We emphasize customer centric project approach and delivery excellence, grounded in outstanding customer service, and unwavering compliance with laws, rules, policies, and procedures. Essential Project Management: Project Planning, Defining project objectives, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs), Approval Process Navigation, Schedule development and management, Risk identification and mitigation, Budget Management, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Communication, Quality Control, Regulatory Compliance, Contract Negotiation, Change Management, Health and Safety, Communication, Reporting, Documentation, Project Close Out. Operational Planning & Transition: Collaborate closely with the future operations and facility management teams, which may include multiple end user groups, building managers, facilities maintenance groups, and other relevant stakeholders. Understand their specific requirements, operational procedures, and needs for the facility. Execute the following: Documentation and Knowledge Transfer, Systems and Equipment Commissioning, Facility Inspection and Acceptance, Operational Readiness Testing, Occupancy and Move-In, Post-Handover Support, Performance Monitoring, Establish a system for monitoring the performance of the facility or project in its early operational phase. Address issues as they are identified. Process Improvement: Collaborates with departmental leadership and colleagues to implement industry-leading project management policies, procedures, checklists, and tools. Trains and mentors project managers and coordinators, developing their skills to prepare them for handling more significant projects and facilitating their career advancement. Performs other duties as assigned. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: MINIMUM: Requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Minimum of 7 years of related exempt level experience, including 5 years of managerial experience. Experience leading a team, project, program, or function. AA Degree and 4 Years Experience Leading Major Projects over $30M as the owner acceptable in lieu of bachelor's degree. PREFERRED: A Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, business administration, or other related field. Minimum of 10 years related exempt experience. Major Project Required Experience: Successfully lead a minimum of 2 projects with a construction value over $30M (in today's dollars). Participated in a leadership role in the following project stages for a minimum of 2 projects with a construction value over $30M (in today's dollars): Project Planning, Programming, and Feasibility Project Design, Approval, & Permitting Project Construction, Occupancy, and Warranty Reference verified experience leading project committees comprised of Sr. Executives in various roles. Reference verified experience developing and implementing project governance, management, and communication practices. SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING: Knowledge: Construction and Project Management: In-depth knowledge of construction processes, project management methodologies, and best practices in the construction industry. Building Codes and Regulations: A strong understanding of local, state, and federal building codes and regulations to ensure compliance in all construction projects. Design and Architecture: Familiarity with architectural and design principles to effectively collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers. Budgeting and Financial Management: Proficiency in financial management, budget development, cost estimating, and financial analysis to manage project budgets effectively. Contract Negotiation: Strong negotiation skills to secure favorable contracts with vendors, contractors . click apply for full job details