What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Construction and Capital Planning position at Orange County Schools?
Position Title: Director of Construction & Capital Planning
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer
Department: Facilities and Capital Planning
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Overview
The Director of Construction & Capital Planning provides strategic leadership and management for the long-range planning, design, and construction of all school and administrative facilities for Orange County Schools. This position oversees the district’s capital improvement program to ensure that all projects align with educational goals, fiscal responsibility, and community growth objectives.
The Director serves as the district’s representative in planning, budgeting, and implementing all major construction and renovation projects. The role requires strong collaboration with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to deliver safe, functional, and future-ready educational environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Lead the planning, design, and construction of new school and administrative facilities, as well as major renovations.- Develop, update, and implement the district’s long-range capital improvement plan.
- Manage project budgets, schedules, and delivery, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Oversee coordination with architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors to achieve quality and compliance standards.
- Present project updates, capital priorities, and funding recommendations to the Superintendent, Board of Education, and community stakeholders.
- Supervise project management staff and provide leadership, mentorship, and direction.
- Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal building codes, ADA regulations, and environmental compliance.
- Oversee consultant selection, contract negotiations, and project procurement processes.
- Evaluate and report on facility needs through assessments and space utilization studies.
- Stay informed on emerging trends in educational facility design, sustainability, and construction technology.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a closely related field.- Minimum of 10 years of experience managing large-scale capital construction projects.
- Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
- Working knowledge of public procurement, budgeting, and contract administration in a governmental or educational setting.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional licensure or certification (e.g., PE, RA, PMP, CCM).- Master’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience with public school construction standards and North Carolina DPI (Department of Public Instruction) facility requirements.
- Demonstrated success managing capital programs within public or K–12 organizations.
Key Competencies
Strategic Planning and Capital Forecasting- Leadership and Team Development
- Communication and Public Engagement
- Financial and Contract Management
- Technical Knowledge of Design and Construction Practices
Compensation and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with education and experience, and includes a comprehensive benefits package in accordance with Orange County Schools’ policies.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Orange County Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.