Director of Construction Management

Denver Zoo is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education.  We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Transformative, Curious Courageous in all that we do. 

The Director of Construction Management directs and manages the construction project management team in the construction of new facilities, exhibits and other capital projects for the Zoo. The Director of Construction Management will provide leadership in directing professional consultants and general contractors with guidance and decisions to ensure the construction of new facilities and exhibits meets or exceeds the design intent for guest experience, animal care and Zoo sustainability efforts. This position directs the construction efforts by decisively managing small to large-scale capital and in-house planning and design projects.

The Director of Construction Management supports long-term campus initiatives by providing oversight on all pre-construction and construction-related activities which includes MEP, Structural & Civil works throughout a capital project’s lifecycle. The position is responsible for all pre-construction and construction activities and directs project teams through the construction phases to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests.  If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Priority 1 – Design Management

• Provide direct supervision and management of Project Managers and Project Coordinators undertaking construction scope and support the Planning & Design Director, working in collaboration with the Planning & Design Project Managers and Project Management staff in a matrix format.
• Direct pre-construction and the construction process for capital projects including, but not limited to:
  • Project scope development in the areas of MEP, Structural & Civil;
  • Ability to review MEP/Structural designs and construction practices;
  • Capital project budget recommendations, development and management;
  • Permit pathway and project procurement strategy;
  • On-site construction policy and procedure development;
  • Quality control assessment, documentation and management;
  • Project close-out and warranty management; and,
  • Developing relationships with city, state and regulatory agencies in support of Denver Zoo construction efforts.
• Develop and approve construction logistic plans to minimize impact of construction activities on zoo operations, guest experience, health and safety.
• Direct the management of contractors and subcontractors during all phases of construction.
• Direct activities of outside design/engineering/MEP consultants, as needed.
• Direct production of as-built drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, warranty documentation for completed projects.

Priority 2 – Collaboration & Team Integration Support

• Assists Senior Director for Planning, Design and Construction and the Director of Planning & Design to represent zoo in promoting capital projects and securing necessary design approvals from community groups, government agencies, utilities, and other appropriate organizations.
• Cost estimating exercises and managing the master financial budget for capital projects in coordination with Project Managers.
• Educating Project Managers on best practice contractor management
• Provide needed information to Sr. Director of Planning, Design & Construction to develop annual department operating budget. 

Priority 3 – Team Leadership and Administration 

• Prepare & manage direct reports staff reviews and development plans.
• Participate and lead the Planning, Design & Construction Department meetings and daily huddles.
• Hire, train, coach, direct, evaluate and set assigned staff members up for success by delegating work, empowering improvement, and monitoring performance.
• Develop strategies, tools and processes for managing planning and design activities for the team. 
• Develop strategies for successfully utilizing matrix management organizational strategies for efficient use of team resources in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Planning, Design &