Office of Planning, Design, and Construction - Division of Finance & Administration

The University of Missouri - Kansas City is seeking a Director of Planning, Design, and Construction to provide leadership and direction of Capital Planning, Design, and Construction for campus major and minor capital program administration.

The Director is responsible for providing strong leadership within the department, internal client stakeholders, and management of external vendors. Reporting to the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, the director will assist in developing and supporting the capital plan for UMKC, the campus masterplan, and successful delivery of capital projects. The Director should excel in communicating with university leadership to articulate plans and visions concisely through both visual and data metrics to a broad constituency, both within UMKC and the outside community. Utilizing a background in design, construction management, and project management, a successful candidate will have the ability to multitask multiple projects simultaneously with a mindful approach to both annual and capital project budgeting from multiple sources. The Director will provide supervision for both internal professional/support staff and external contractors and consultants.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct and administer the Department of Campus Facilities Planning, Design and Construction operations.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Direct the work of construction managers, construction engineers and support staff.
• Direct the work of project managers for across portfolio of capital projects.
• Direct design staff; seal drawings and specifications for projects prepared by unregistered design staff.
• Facilitate selection of professional design firms; negotiate and approve design contracts following University of Missouri approved procedures, regulations, and all applicable laws.
• Negotiate and resolve contractual disputes and claims.
• Interpret and enforce university policies and procedures in the management of design and construction contracts; conduct pre-construction meetings emphasizing university policies and general conditions, coordinating with campus activities and project schedules; review and revise planning design and construction policies/procedures.
• Direct the administration of accounts for project management, design engineering, and construction management; develop and approve budgets; monitor and approve, via signature authority, contractor and A/E payments and other project transactions, including change orders.
• Oversee bid openings and make determinations on bid opening irregularities; recommend, award and oversee preparation of contracts and approve final budgets.
• Prepare materials for leadership, University of Missouri System and Board of Curators for capital project approvals.
• Visit field construction sites regularly to review project status, maintain contractor and client relations, and assure quality construction.
• Assist Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration in development of annual state capital requests and in 5-year capital plan.
• Support capital fund raising philanthropy with generation of project data and complimentary graphic, renderings, and other associated materials.
• Develops timely capital project reports, including budget, expenditure, variance, and schedules for capital projects.
• Directs and oversees organizational improvement initiatives based on best practices, benchmarking, industry trends, peer research.
• Creates and maintains a climate of customer service and continuous process improvement.
• Lead master planning activity at the university, ensures compliance with current master plan and provide oversight for space planning and utilization. Represents UMKC at meetings internally, across the University of Missouri System, with the public and other stakeholders at capital project related meetings.

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Master's degree is preferred.
• 8 years of progressively responsible professional and administrative experience in capital planning, design, construction, and project management, including experience with contract negotiations, A minimum of 4 years of directly supervising the work of professional staff.
• Professional registration in Missouri is preferred within six-months of the date of hire.

Commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

Open until filled, for best consideration apply by Monday, April 22nd.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor. UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital. UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Values CommitmentWe value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.