UW-Managed Program Director
Universities of WisconsinAbout the role
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Position Title:
UW-Managed Program DirectorJob Category:
LimitedEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Dsgn&Con Proj Dlvry Dir (Inst)Job Duties:
The UW-Managed Program Director directs, administers, and manages the UW-Managed program that delivers design and construction projects within the authority of the BOR, but outside of the governor’s biennial state funding program. This role provides oversight and direction including awarding projects to external vendors, planning and scheduling of projects, project delivery design, allocating resources, and construction support. In addition, this role serves as the signatory for project contractual documents in the program. This is a supervisory position, which has management oversight of at least 2.0 FTE.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Program & Portfolio Leadership
· Establish governance, stage‑gate approvals, and standardized project controls across the portfolio.
· Lead portfolio reviews: budget status, risks, cash flow, schedule health, and change trends.
· Provide program and project reporting to UWs leadership and BOR
Project Delivery & Execution
· Oversee full project delivery life cycle: feasibility, programming, schematic design, development, construction documents, procurement, construction administration, commissioning, and turnover
· Select and optimize delivery methods (Hard bid within single prime contracting and design build) based on risk, speed, complexity, market conditions, stakeholder needs, and statute
· Approve project baselines (scope, schedule, budget) and manage escalations, changes, and claims.
· Champion safety, quality assurance/quality control, and commissioning standards
Contracting, Procurement & Vendor Management
Oversee procurement strategies in alignment with institutional procurement policy, Universities of Wisconsin procurement, and applicable state procurement statutes
Drive contractor performance through KPIs, governance, and issue resolution; manage disputes and claims
Financial & Risk Management
· Manage project and program budgets, contingencies, allowances, and forecasting (including escalation)
· Provide continuous improvement of change management and cost/schedule/program control processes; ensure transparent reporting
· Identify, quantify, and mitigate risks (schedule, scope, funding, permitting, supply chain, market)
· Coordinate with Finance on capital funding sources, cashflow, and audits
Stakeholder & Team Leadership
· Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing internal team (PMs, CMs, analysts)
· Serve as the primary liaison to senior leadership, internal departments, end users, and external agencies for the program
· Promote a collaborative culture with architects, engineers, and contractors
· Communicate clearly to non‑technical stakeholders; provide executive‑level briefings and board materials
Compliance, Sustainability & Standards
Ensure compliance with building codes, permitting, life safety, accessibility (ADA), OSHA, environmental and infection control (healthcare), and institutional design standards
Integrate sustainability (LEED/WELL/Net Zero/energy codes), resiliency, and universal design goals
Oversee accurate close‑out, as‑builts, O&M documentation, and warranty handoff to Facilities Operations
Department:
The Office of Capital Planning and Budget provides support to the Board of Regents (BOR), the 13 institutions of the Universities of Wisconsin and, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Administration - Division of Facilities Development, the State of Wisconsin Building Commission. The office offers institutional partners guidance and expertise in capital planning, budgeting, administration and management of the UW-Managed design and construction program, architectural/engineering assistance
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