Assistant Vice President for Design and Construction

Job Description

Reporting to the Vice President for Facilities, the Assistant Vice President for Design and Construction and serving on the Vice President’s leadership team, the AVPDC is responsible for providing effective vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the design, management, delivery, and closeout of all university capital and non-capital projects. The AVPDC is responsible for the execution of projects in accordance with defined university and Commonwealth of Virginia policies, procedures, and guidelines. The AVPDC will also ensure that all projects maintain the university’s architectural integrity and heritage while integrating modern functionality.

The Assistant Vice President will lead the university’s capital and noncapital design and construction management team, consisting of approximately 50 professional service roles. The AVPDC must be a proven team builder who works inclusively and communicates effectively with internal staff and all project stakeholders during the development and implementation of university projects and capital construction initiatives.

This is a highly visible position that interacts with top-level administration of the university in strategic planning, long-range physical planning and development, and advancement of the design and construction program for the university. The Assistant Vice President must work cohesively with other partners throughout the university to support the overall mission of the organization and provide leadership for the core functions including project design and management; business and contracts management; performance management; and customer service.

The Assistant Vice President will also provide direct oversight of special projects, the development of strategic presentations, unit reporting, and may be required to represent the university in meetings. The Assistant Vice President will be responsible to provide and define the support required for the Vice President for the oversight of the authority granted under the 2005 Restructuring Act regarding capital outlay and all university policies relevant to their responsibility.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Building Construction, Architecture, or related field; OR training and work experience that equates to an advanced degree.
• Professionally licensed as Licensed Architect (RA or AIA).
• Specific work experience leading a complex, commercial/institutional building construction program(s) including the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic business practices governing project delivery/management, as well as supervision and performance management of professional staff.
• Overall program management experience must include multiple project types and sizes in various phases of the project cycle contributing to a total project portfolio of approximately $500 million in value. Capital project portfolio should include various building types ranging in size from 50,000 to 200,000 GSF, such as residence halls/dormitories, laboratories, commercial/industrial facilities, with individual project costs more than $3 million.
• Experience researching and preparing technically complex executive level documents, position papers, reports, proposals, and presentations on a variety of strategic topics.
• Demonstrated commitment to data-driven decision-making and the use of key performance indicators in the execution (development, analysis, corrective action, communication, and pursuit and provision of feedback) of tactical, operational, and strategic responsibilities.
• Exceptional communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and the ability to effectively interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to exceptionally responsive service delivery to all customers and stakeholders, and interact effectively with administrators, community leaders, employees, students, legislators, and other constituent groups on a broad range of sensitive topics.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects; excellent organizational, leadership, and delegation skills; and ability to work collaboratively. Must have strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills to manage complex tasks and/or those that require balancing competing interests.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with ability to see patterns, be a fast thinker, and make decisions with strong attention to accuracy, detail, and local context.
• Demonstrated patience, reliability, composure, and stability under pressure as well as a strong personal ethics commitment.
• Demonstrated commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Knowledge of accessibility issues and planning mechanisms specific to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA