Director, Facilities Design & Construction

Position Summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead the newly formed department of Facilities Design and Construction, responsible for capital project design and construction.

This pivotal role involves overseeing the design and construction of all funded and approved capital projects across the university.

Partnering closely with University leadership, the director provides effective and comprehensive project management for all institutional capital projects.

Working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, state agencies, and the campus community, to facilitate project success by ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.

This is an opportunity to lead this critical function at New Mexico’s flagship University.

Duties and Responsibilities Include :

1.Effectively leads and manages all aspects of the design and construction of capital projects for the University.

2.Manages a diverse team of professionals to ensure effective collaboration and coordination throughout project lifecycles.

This includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution, evaluation of performance and recommendations for personnel actions.

Motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.

3.Works closely and collaboratively with University stakeholders, including senior leadership, academic and administrative departments, and other internal and external partners.

4.Collaborates closely with Campus Capital & Space Planning, Facilities Management, and other university entities to ensure smooth and efficient project transitions.

Ensures project designs conform to approved project scope, intent, and budget.

5.Leads the selection and negotiation process for external consultants, contractors, and vendors. Ensures competitive pricing, quality workmanship, and adherence to project timelines.

6.Develops and oversees project management processes and systems to streamline workflows, optimize resources, and enhance project delivery and efficiency.

7.Monitors project budgets, expenditures, and financial performance. Ensures projects remain on budget and manages all associated interventions.

8.Conducts regular site visits and inspections. Ensures compliance with design specifications and proactively addresses any issues or challenges that may arise.

9.Coordinates with regulatory agencies, local authorities, and other external stakeholders to obtain all necessary permits, approvals, and / or certifications for construction projects.

10.Communicates regular updates and reports to senior leadership and governing bodies on project status, milestones achieved, and key performance indicators.

11.Applies current industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies associated with construction project management and higher education facility design and construction.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 7 years of progressively higher-level experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, architecture, or related field.
• Experience working in Higher Education, either as an employee of an institution or as a service provider such as a design firm, consultant, or contractor.
• Demonstrated experience in the construction industry, including design, project management, construction management, cost estimating, building codes, and compliance.
• Demonstrated Knowledge of all aspects of building design and construction, including architectural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and their related renewal costs.
• Experience leading and motivating a project delivery team, while delivering high-level quality and maintaining schedule, scope, and budget for a variety of projects across multiple campuses locations.
• Experience with latest design tools and methodologies, building codes, and construction standards.
• Experience reviewing design and construction documents for constructability and conformance to project requirements, identifying and resolving complex issues and conflicts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both orally and in writing, and including the ability to present complex material in a useful and understandable fashion to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated experience in leadership positions within a higher education setting, particularly in strategizing and reshaping the mission and vision of the department.

Additional Requirements CampusMain - Albuquerque, NM DepartmentVP Institutional Support Svcs Staff (816A) Employment TypeStaff Staff TypeContract Term End Date StatusExempt PayMonthly : $7,857.

20 - $11,245.87 Benefits EligibleThis is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the home page for a more information.