What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Construction and Design position at The University of Akron?
Job Summary
Responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and budget compliance. Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed to design specifications and regulatory standards.
Essential Functions
Additional Position Information:
Requires bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or related field.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements
Valid Ohio Driver’s License. Professional licensure as an architect, engineer, or construction-related certification preferred.
Experience
Requires a minimum of 10 years in construction or design management, with progressively responsible leadership experience. Proficiency in construction software, blueprint reading, project scheduling, AutoCAD and cost estimation required. Strong strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving abilities to manage complex projects and diverse teams.
Leadership
Direct supervision as a first-line supervisor over exempt staff (and nonexempt staff, if applicable).
Physical Requirements
Light physical effort required involving stooping and bending; individual has limited discretion about walking, standing, etc.; occasionally lifting of lightweight objects (up to 25 lbs.).
Working Conditions
Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.
Compensation: Starting salary is $110,000; final compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Learn more about benefits at The University of Akron: https://www.uakron.edu/hr/benefits/
Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume and cover letter.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2026.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)
United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if Applicable)
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Natasha Kuzmina
Email
nkuzmina@uakron.edu
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check Statement
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence Statement
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and budget compliance. Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed to design specifications and regulatory standards.
Essential Functions
- Project Oversight: Direct and monitor construction projects from conception through completion, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and building codes.
- Design Coordination: Collaborate with architects, engineers, and design teams to translate plans into actionable workflows.
- Resource Management: Allocate materials, labor, and equipment efficiently while managing budgets and schedules.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, government agencies, and the community.
- Risk and Compliance Management: Identify potential risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and environmental standards.
- Team Leadership: Lead, supervise and mentor project managers, superintendents, designers, and estimators to achieve project goals.
- Review construction documents to assure compliance with University standards and specific program of requirements and design intent. Review and approve project submittals, including shop drawings, schedules, pay applications, and other correspondence.
Additional Position Information:
Requires bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or related field.
Licenses/Certifications/Requirements
Valid Ohio Driver’s License. Professional licensure as an architect, engineer, or construction-related certification preferred.
Experience
Requires a minimum of 10 years in construction or design management, with progressively responsible leadership experience. Proficiency in construction software, blueprint reading, project scheduling, AutoCAD and cost estimation required. Strong strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving abilities to manage complex projects and diverse teams.
Leadership
Direct supervision as a first-line supervisor over exempt staff (and nonexempt staff, if applicable).
Physical Requirements
Light physical effort required involving stooping and bending; individual has limited discretion about walking, standing, etc.; occasionally lifting of lightweight objects (up to 25 lbs.).
Working Conditions
Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.
Compensation: Starting salary is $110,000; final compensation will be commensurate with experience.
Learn more about benefits at The University of Akron: https://www.uakron.edu/hr/benefits/
Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume and cover letter.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2026.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt)
United States of America (Exempt)
Union Affiliation (if Applicable)
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Natasha Kuzmina
nkuzmina@uakron.edu
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check Statement
The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence Statement
It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Salary : $110,000