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Society for College and University Planning

Executive Director Capital Programs

Society for College and University Planning, Somerville, Massachusetts, us, 02145


Department Summary:The Operations Division at Tufts includes facilities, design and construction, campus and capital renewal planning, real estate, campus safety, dining, auxiliary services and other related services on multiple campuses across 5.5 million square feet in 250 buildings. Operations services four campuses in Massachusetts: the main campus in Medford/Somerville, the health sciences and SMFA campuses in Boston and the veterinary school campus in Grafton. The Operations Division supports Tufts University’s mission in teaching, research, and clinics by providing stewardship, recommendations, services and advice in its primary areas of obligation: optimizing use of space and real estate, strategic and responsible management of the built environment, creating a secure campus environment and infrastructure, promoting best-in-class sustainability practices and policies, and creating exceptional community experiences that enhance Tufts’ reputation and brand.The Division employs approximately 475 staff members across nine departments including three unions in public safety, dining and facilities. The annual operating budget is $180 million, and the Division manages $100-200 million annually in capital projects including $60 million in capital renewal funding.Job Summary:Responsible for all capital campus construction projects. Directs capital projects, which include senior project managers or outside project managers administering large, complex projects with typical combined value of more than $50M. Directs capital projects unit responsible for managing approximately 50 – 70 projects with estimated value of $50,000 to ~$50M. Responsible for associated program planning and controls. The capital projects department has 8-9 FTE, including an Assistant Director, and also utilizes outside project managers as necessary and appropriate.Essential Functions

Works closely with major project clients (the Project Sponsor Groups), keeping stakeholders well-informed of projects’ status and risk management through regular reporting, team meetings and presentations. Establishes appropriate communications protocols and acts to address issues affecting capital project program, budget, scope, timeline or delivery, taking leadership role to resolve areas of disagreement between project stakeholders. With other senior leaders, ensures effective communication with key University decision-makers, including Deans, the Executive Vice President, the President and Trustees.Together with the Community Relations and Planning teams, Tufts Counsel, and others, prepares a permitting strategy for local, state and federal permitting as necessary and coordinates all submissions to these authorities. Ensures compliance with regulations, permit conditions and authorities having jurisdiction.Supports public information needs, oversees preparation of web-based project information, responds to student, faculty and public requests for information. Builds, fosters and maintains positive relationships with other Tufts’ partners/stakeholders such as: Campus Planning, Facilities Services, Finance, Public and Environmental Health and Safety, the Office of Sustainability, Tufts Technology Services, and other university offices.Sets best practice standards for project management processes and ensures that the management of capital projects meets this standard, assuring that the work of Tufts project managers, consultants, design teams and construction managers meets Tufts goals for value, quality, cost and schedule. Ensures built systems meet Tufts standards for cost efficiency, performance and sustainability, carbon reduction.In close partnership with Tufts’ Planning, participates in early project planning and programming for major projects. Responsible for the development of capital project delivery strategies, assuring that project management teams are composed of all necessary professionals. Systematically monitors and reports on project issues, progress, schedules and budgets, including identifying changes and potential impact on projects. Responsible for comprehensive capital project risk management, mitigation and reporting. More robust and regular reporting and communication are identified areas for improvement in the department.Responsible for project quality control systems, reviewing owner-held contracts and coordinating effort of testing and commissioning with the operational staff. Arranges and monitors systems for timely, orderly and integrated project closeout activities. Provides on-going assistance to operations teams and occupants to resolve construction related issues during early occupancy. Monitors the organization design to make sure projects are optimally resourced, supporting project managers on an online management system, assuring rigorous and complete budget and schedule management, record keeping, analysis and reporting, and smooth turnover of projects to operations. Adherence to approved budgets and schedules are essential measurements for assessing departmental success.Responsible for project cost control, procuring best professional practice cost estimates, monitoring project budgets and cash flow projections, including those that impact operations. Guides design decisions by stakeholders to maintain the project scope within the approved budget and coordinates the value engineering processes. Develops relevant monthly project reports including schedule and budget updates, reviews proposed change orders and brings project budget issues to the leadership and the Client Committees (Project Sponsor Groups). Reviews and authorizes for payment project invoices within appropriate signing authority and recommends for approval those that require additional approvals.Required Qualifications

Minimum Required Experience, Education, Background, And Certifications/Licenses• Knowledge and skills as typically acquired through completion of Master’s degree in architecture, urban design, project management, business or related disciplines and 10 years of related experience in institutional project management.• Must be skilled in on-line project management tools and all standard Microsoft Office products.• Significant experience in building project management at a variety of scales in new construction and renovation types. Proven skills in planning, problem solving, excellent judgment, exceptional organization, communication, collaboration and presentation skills.• Demonstrated experience in developing and fostering positive relationships leading to organizational change and project results with multidisciplinary/diverse constituencies in a highly decentralized, consensus-oriented environment.• Demonstrated skills as a seasoned and effective negotiator with contractors, architects and other vendors.Additional Preferred Experience, Education, etc.• Significant capital projects experience in both the private sector and the higher ed sector is preferred.Other Info

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Jill DiGiovanni at jdigiovanni@zrgpartners.com

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