Capital Projects Specialist V at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN

Job description

Description of Job Duty: The Assistant Director of Capital Projects & Planning assists in the leadership, administration, and operation of the University's Capital Projects & Planning Department. The position provides management and oversight of capital improvement, renovation, infrastructure, and facility projects while supporting departmental strategic initiatives, campus planning efforts, budget development, and organizational objectives. The Assistant Director serves as a senior representative of the department and acts on behalf of the Director as assigned. The Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing project managers and support staff while providing technical leadership and guidance in the planning, execution, and delivery of the University's capital projects. The position assists with departmental planning and administration, develops and implements project management standards, monitors project performance, and coordinates departmental operations to ensure projects are delivered in accordance with University goals, State requirements, budget constraints, and established standards. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with University leadership, faculty, staff, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and state officials to support the University's strategic facilities planning and capital development initiatives. In the Director's absence, the Assistant Director serves as Acting Director and provides continuity of leadership for the department. Tennessee Tech is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Essential Functions: Leadership and Administration Assist the Director in the overall leadership, management, and administration of the Capital Projects & Planning Department. Provide direct supervision, guidance, mentoring, and performance management for assigned professional and support staff. Establish departmental priorities, workloads, and project assignments to ensure effective utilization of resources. Serve as Acting Director during the Director's absence or as delegated. Assist in developing departmental policies, procedures, standards, and operational goals. Support strategic planning initiatives and continuous improvement efforts related to project delivery and departmental operations. Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for University leadership, governing boards, and state agencies. Project and Program Management Provide oversight and management of multiple capital, maintenance, renovation, infrastructure, and facility projects through all phases of development and implementation. Direct and coordinate project programming, planning, design, bidding, construction, occupancy, and closeout activities. Oversee project managers and consultants to ensure project objectives, schedules, budgets, and quality standards are achieved. Serve as the University's representative with architects, engineers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and campus stakeholders. Review and approve project scopes, budgets, schedules, procurement strategies, and consultant recommendations. Monitor project performance and implement corrective actions when necessary to address schedule, budget, or quality concerns. Review and approve change orders, payment applications, contract modifications, and construction administration documents. Facilitate executive-level project meetings and communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to university leadership. Planning and Budget Development Assist with development and implementation of the University's capital improvement program and long-range facilities planning initiatives. Participate in campus master planning, facility condition assessments, space utilization studies, and infrastructure planning efforts. Assist in preparing capital budget requests, funding strategies, project justifications, and supporting documentation. Evaluate facility improvement needs and develop recommendations for future capital investments. Coordinate project pri