Executive Director of Capital Contracts, Accounting & Procurement

Directs the budgeting process and oversees the analysis and review of financial information. Leads team and establishes the direction, goals, and implementation strategy of the department. Formulates, implements, and ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations. Collaborates with key stakeholders and evaluates success of department.

Planning and Design Administration

Please review the department's website: Office of Planning, Design & Construction

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MSF, or related) preferred.
• CPA, CMA, and/or CPPO certification highly preferred.
  
  

Essential Functions

The Executive Director of Capital Contracts, Accounting & Procurement provides strategic financial, administrative, and operational leadership for all capital, accounting, contract administration, and procurement activities for the university. This senior leader oversees the full capital project lifecycle — from budget development and Commonwealth funding coordination through construction accounting, audit preparation, and asset capitalization — while serving as the institution's primary liaison to state agencies, external governing bodies, and legal counsel. Management of the Contract Administration, Procurement and Project Accounting departments within Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) and represents the university in a broad portfolio of external relationships including Commonwealth agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all capital accounting functions in accordance with GAAP and GASB/FASB standards applicable to higher education, including capitalization policies, depreciation schedules, asset impairment reviews, and infrastructure componentization.
• Manage project accounting for capital construction, renovation, and deferred maintenance projects, including work-in-progress (WIP) reporting, contractor draws, and timely project close-outs.
• Prepare and review year-end closing schedules and annual audit schedules for the CFO's Office, including:
  
  

DGS projected spend reports, Capital project capitalization schedules for depreciation expense projections, Contract accrual year-end reports, Construction draw down schedules.

• Prepare the annual Schedule of Capital Project Expenses by Fiscal Year and Construction Jobs Created.
• Assist with annual capital budget development in coordination with the Finance and Operation's (F&O) Office, Facilities Management, and client departments.
• Approve purchase orders for capital projects in accordance with institutional authorization policies.
• Prepare Decision Memos for capital projects valued between $2 million and $10 million, as well as Background Statements, Budgets, and Financial Summaries for Planning & Finance (P&F) Committee consideration.
• Serve as the university's primary contact with the Commonwealth's Department of General Services (DGS) for capital projects, including participation in monthly meetings, responding to email inquiries, and managing project cash flow schedules.
• Represent the university in quarterly meetings with the Commonwealth's Budget Office and DGS for Commonwealth-funded capital projects.
• Serve as the university's contact with DGS Legal Counsel for the negotiation and administration of Delegation Agreements for Commonwealth-funded capital projects.
• Serve as the university's contact with the Commonwealth's Department of Education for annual Capital Project Requests.
• Manage the university's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant funding for capital projects, including compliance, reporting, and reimbursement processes.
• Assist with the negotiation of contractors change orders and potential claims to resolve disputes efficiently and minimize the need for legal escalation.
• Ensure all contracts comply with Commonwealth requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial tracking of all capital projects, including budget-to-actual reporting, fund source management, and compliance with funding restrictions.
• Coordinate and host monthly meetings with client departments including BHAS, the Provost's Office, Research, the Office of Real Estate (ORE), and other institutional stakeholders to review project status, budgets, and priorities.
• Present capital project updates, financial summaries, and strategic recommendations to the Board of Trustees, Properties & Facilities Committee, and other governance bodies as required.
  
  

Physical Effort

Light Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary. May be required to move objects up to 25 pounds occasionally.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category

Full-time regular

Job Classification

Staff.Director - Finance & Operations

Job Family

Business Operations & Administration

Job Sub-Family

Operational Leadership

Campus

Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years Of Experience Required

7

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience?

No

Additional Details About Required Licensure/Certification

None

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Work Arrangement

Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.

Hiring Range

TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered

No

Visa Sponsorship Provided

No

Background Check

For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances

The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Cover Letter