Mississippi INBRE · 5 months ago
Associate Director of Capital Projects
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director of Capital Projects. This role will oversee the planning, budgeting, design, and construction of major capital improvements and renovations, ensuring projects align with the university’s academic mission, strategic goals, and sustainability initiatives.
Research
Responsibilities
Capital Project Oversight: The role involves managing the full life cycle of major capital projects, including academic buildings, residence halls, research facilities, and campus infrastructure. This includes coordinating all phases of project delivery—programming, design, construction administration, and close-out. Serving as the primary liaison, the position facilitates communication and collaboration among university departments, external consultants, and contractors to ensure project objectives are achieved efficiently and effectively
Budget & Contract Management: Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining detailed project budgets and schedules in compliance with the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and state procurement regulations. This role requires reviewing and negotiating contracts with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure clarity, accountability, and value. Additionally, the position ensures that proper procurement procedures and documentation are followed, including close coordination with the Mississippi Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management (BoB)
Leadership & Staff Supervision - The position supervises, and mentors project managers and support staff engaged in capital construction activities. Leadership responsibilities include fostering a collaborative work environment that emphasizes professional development, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Through effective supervision, the team is equipped to deliver complex projects while meeting institutional goals and regulatory requirements
Compliance & Quality Assurance - A core duty is ensuring that all capital projects comply with federal, state, and local building codes, ADA requirements, and university policies. The role also involves implementing rigorous quality control and risk management practices across all project phases. Coordination of inspections and securing necessary regulatory approvals are essential to maintaining safety, functionality, and legal compliance throughout the construction process
Campus & Stakeholder Coordination - The role emphasizes ongoing coordination with academic units, student affairs, and facilities operations to incorporate stakeholder input into project planning and execution. Regular communication with university leadership is critical to provide updates on project status, budget forecasts, and to address any potential impacts on campus operations. This ensures alignment between capital projects and the broader mission of the institution
Sustainability & Innovation - Sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to promote environmentally responsible building practices, energy-efficient systems, and the pursuit of LEED certification where applicable. The role actively supports the university’s long-term goals related to sustainability and campus resilience, integrating innovative solutions into the planning and execution of capital projects
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in capital project management, preferably in higher education or the public sector
In-depth understanding of capital project delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa), and Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR)
Familiarity with university planning processes, capital budgeting, and funding mechanisms (including state and bond-funded projects)
Ability to mentor junior project managers and foster a culture of accountability and excellence
Ability to lead teams of project managers, estimators, architects, and external consultants; effective at managing multiple concurrent projects across various stages of development
Skill in aligning capital projects with institutional goals, long-range master plans, and budget forecasts; ability to assess project feasibility and conduct risk assessments
Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with university administration, facilities management, external stakeholders (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors, state agencies)
Excellent written skills for creating board reports, budget justifications, and RFPs
Skilled in budget development, cost control, value engineering, and cash flow tracking
Ability to resolve construction disputes, manage schedule delays, and adapt to evolving project needs
Preferred
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
One year of experience in a supervisor role
Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) in the State of Mississippi, or ability to obtain within 6 months
Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or LEED AP certification
Familiarity with Mississippi IHL, Bureau of Buildings processes, and public procurement laws
Company
Mississippi INBRE
Mississippi IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (Mississippi INBRE), directed by Dr.
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase