University of Colorado | CU Denver
Facilities Management and Planning
Director of Design and Construction
Position #00758483 – Requisition #31257
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The University of Colorado Denver seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.
Facilities Management and Planning has an opening for a full-time University Staff (unclassified) Director of Design and Construction position.
The University of Colorado Denver is the state’s premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across eight schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through boundary-breaking innovation and impactful research and creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and annual economic impact of more than $800 million. For more information, visit www.ucdenver.edu
The Director of Design and Construction (The Director) for the University of Colorado Denver Campus is a senior staff member of the Office of the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management and Planning.
Nature of Work
The Director is responsible for providing leadership, and technical and design expertise in all design and construction-related matters. The position provides leadership, direction, consultation, and coordination on issues related to design, construction, and the overall physical campus environment to internal and external affiliates including, but not limited to, the University of Colorado Design Review Board, and non-affiliates such as the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC). The Director will also oversee university compliance with the regulations and requirements of the University of Colorado System Office, the State of Colorado, and other external authorities related to design and construction matters and is expected to serve as the CU Denver delegate to the Office of the State Architect. The Director will also be responsible for managing the Denver Campus’ active project portfolio (in conjunction with the Senior Director of Design and Construction at CU Anschutz) and acting as chair of the Denver Campus signage committee.
The Director directly and indirectly manages project architects, project managers, and student employees. The Director also develops and implements process improvements that streamline workflow in coordination with other units, and implements policies and procedures based on direction provided by institutional leadership, the CU System Office, or entities within State of Colorado including the Office of the State Architect.
Additionally, the Director serves as a representative for CU Denver on various internal and external boards and committees and participates in university and State-level process and policy development.
Candidates will also be evaluated for the additional role and title of Campus Architect.
Supervision Received
The Director reports directly to the Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Management and Planning of the University of Colorado Denver.
Supervision Exercised
The Director exercises indirect management of project managers from the Auraria Higher Education Center and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus (who are tasked with executing projects on behalf of CU Denver) as well as potential direct supervision of student employees. The position also exercises supervision of consultant teams in planning, design, construction, estimating, code review, and others as applicable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Design and Construction
- Lead the management, approval and monitoring of university projects from project initiation through project completion to ensure alignment with the approved project scope, schedule, and budget. This includes capital projects, which the Director will manage through project managers and/or third-party project management providers.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of design and construction standards for CU Denver
- Work with staff from the Anschutz Medical Campus to periodically update the CU Anschutz/CU Denver design and construction specifications.
- Develop (and update as needed) processes and procedures for clients (faculty, staff, students) and team members (project managers, outside contractors) that clearly communicates roles, responsibilities, cost thresholds, timelines and other pertinent information related to the initiation, funding, procurement, budgeting, estimating, and management of CU Denver projects. Ensure that the processes and procedures align with the strategic priorities of CU Denver.
- Oversee the review of design and construction documents to ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and specifications.
- Oversee the management of the project estimating function for CU Denver
- Serve as the State Buildings Delegate with signature authority. In this role, the Director ensures that CU Denver and its vendors and partners meet the statutory, policy, rule, regulation, guideline, and other requirements of the State Building Program (SBP) administered by the Office of the State Architect. This includes the following:
- The administration of construction projects.
- Lead the procurement of consultant services including, but not limited to, architects, engineers, and contractors including the preparation of scopes of work, RFQs, and RFPs. Provide leadership and oversight of the consultant selection process in accordance with SBP policy.
- Oversee the management of consultants, which support the University, in planning, design, construction, estimating, code review and other areas.
- Develop and maintain internal standards and procedures through administrative, design, and construction activities that align with SBP requirements.
- Ensure project delivery and reporting methods are consistent with University of Colorado and SBP policy.
- Assist in dispute resolution with consultants and contractors and assist others in the claims and appeals process as needed.
- Serve as the Facilities Management and Planning representative on committees related to design and construction as assigned. Committees and/or groups may include, but are not limited to, The Auraria Campus Planning Committee, the CU System Facilities Director’s Meeting, The University of Colorado Design Review Board and various project and consultant selection committees.
- Act as Chair of the CU Denver Signage Committee and update the CU Denver signage policy periodically as needed.
- Prepare and present information related to project, planning, and design activities to various internal and external constituents as requested. This could include, but is not limited to, CU Denver leadership, The Auraria Board of Directors, and the University of Colorado Design Review Board.
Campus Architect (if applicable)
- Provide leadership and expertise on issues related to design.
- Review design documents produced internally, and by consultants, for conformance with project and university expectations, goals, and aspirations.
- Lead design discussions with university leadership, offer recommendations, and oversee the implementation of direction received.
- Act as the primary liaison to the CU Design Review Board including all the roles and responsibilities defined within the CU Design Review Board Processes and Procedures policy.
- Create and amend Design Guidelines that govern the physical environment for CU Denver.
- Act as the primary liaison with AHEC on the creation and amendment of design guidelines that govern the broader Auraria Campus.
- Direct the use and interpretation of the campus design guidelines for all external architects, internal designers, and contractors with oversight authority in the application of the guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or related field from an accredited institution.
- Seven (7) years active working experience in architecture, engineering, planning, design, or construction.
Required: Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in Higher Education, either as an employee of an institution or working with an institution or institutions as a private contractor.
- Experience in the role of Office of the State Architect (OSA) Delegate or similar or familiarity with OSA rules and procedures.
- Experience with cost estimating
- Active Colorado architecture license in good standing (NCARB registration is preferred) or the ability to obtain a Colorado architecture license within 12 months of start date. Note: licensure is required for candidates to be considered for the additional role of Campus Architect)
- Experience with construction methods, building codes, and standards from an architectural and construction perspective.
- Experience writing and reviewing design and construction contract documents.
- Experience in identifying and resolving complex issues, setting institutional policy, and assisting or acting on behalf of institutional administrators.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of comprehensive planning, design, and construction principles specific to a higher education environment.
- Extensive knowledge of and experience in major planning, design, and construction projects.
- Strong working knowledge of various delivery models for construction projects, the pros and cons of each, and how these models align with projects of varying types.
- Working knowledge of the State of Colorado’s architect, consultant, and construction selection process and various construction delivery methods or ability to learn
- Unwavering commitment to design excellence.
- Innovative leadership with the ability to be forward-thinking.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of persons and entities, internal and external to the organization.
- Ability to balance competing interests and to lead, and be a part of, difficult conversations.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to lead and manage multiple team members in a high-performance environment.
- Committed to, and skilled in, collaboration, community engagement, and consensus building within a broad and diverse range of interest groups.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to serve effectively in both a leadership and coordinating role.
- Considerable knowledge of budget preparation.
- Ability to prioritize and simultaneously manage multiple projects.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $144,666 to $154,500.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefit
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
Diversity and Equity:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.
The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Application Deadline:
Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers.
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by October 15, 2023. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Required Application Materials:
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
- A letter of application which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
- A current CV/resume
- List of three to five professional references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)
Questions should be directed to: Tawnya Boulier, tawnya.boulier@ucdenver.edu