Denver Zoois a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation and education. We are passionate about our commitment to excellence in support of our mission of Inspiring Communities to Save Wildlife for Future Generations.

Denver Zoo honors our animals, staff, and guests by conducting ourselves at the highest level of integrity through our Core Actions -- Inspire Awe: Safety, Care, Connect and by embracing our Core Values of: Welcoming, United, Transformative, Curious Courageous in all that we do. 

The Director of Construction Management directs and manages the construction project management team in the construction of new facilities, exhibits and other capital projects for the Zoo. The Director of Construction Management will provide leadership in directing professional consultants and general contractors with guidance and decisions to ensure the construction of new facilities and exhibits meets or exceeds the design intent for guest experience, animal care and Zoo sustainability efforts. This position directs the construction efforts by decisively managing small to large-scale capital and in-house planning and design projects.

The Director of Construction Management supports long-term campus initiatives by providing oversight on all pre-construction and construction-related activities which includes MEP, Structural & Civil works throughout a capital project’s lifecycle. The position is responsible for all pre-construction and construction activities and directs project teams through the construction phases to successfully complete projects on time and within budget.

Our staff is a dedicated and diverse group of individuals committed to providing quality care to our animals while creating moments of awe for guests. If you are a like-minded individual and thrive in a dynamic, fast paced and innovative culture, Denver Zoo is the place for you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Priority 1 – Design Management

• Provide direct supervision and management of Project Managers and Project Coordinators undertaking construction scope and support the Planning & Design Director, working in collaboration with the Planning & Design Project Managers and Project Management staff in a matrix format.
• Direct pre-construction and the construction process for capital projects including, but not limited to:
  • Project scope development in the areas of MEP, Structural & Civil;
  • Ability to review MEP/Structural designs and construction practices;
  • Capital project budget recommendations, development and management;
  • Permit pathway and project procurement strategy;
  • On-site construction policy and procedure development;
  • Quality control assessment, documentation and management;
  • Project close-out and warranty management; and,
  • Developing relationships with city, state and regulatory agencies in support of Denver Zoo construction efforts.
• Develop and approve construction logistic plans to minimize impact of construction activities on zoo operations, guest experience, health and safety.
• Direct the management of contractors and subcontractors during all phases of construction.
• Direct activities of outside design/engineering/MEP consultants, as needed.
• Direct production of as-built drawings, operations and maintenance manuals, warranty documentation for completed projects.

Priority 2 – Collaboration & Team Integration Support

• Assists Senior Director for Planning, Design and Construction and the Director of Planning & Design to represent zoo in promoting capital projects and securing necessary design approvals from community groups, government agencies, utilities, and other appropriate organizations.
• Cost estimating exercises and managing the master financial budget for capital projects in coordination with Project Managers.
• Educating Project Managers on best practice contractor management
• Provide needed information to Sr. Director of Planning, Design & Construction to develop annual department operating budget. 

Priority 3 – Team Leadership and Administration

• Prepare & manage direct reports staff reviews and development plans.
• Participate and lead the Planning, Design & Construction Department meetings and daily huddles.
• Hire, train, coach, direct, evaluate and set assigned staff members up for success by delegating work, empowering improvement, and monitoring performance.
• Develop strategies, tools and processes for managing planning and design activities for the team. 
• Develop strategies for successfully utilizing matrix management organizational strategies for efficient use of team resources in collaboration with the Sr. Director of Planning, Design & Construction.
• Assist in fundraising activities including, but not limited to grant writing, donor presentations and general support for Development staff, as needed.
• Represent the department on internal committees, participate in zoo-wide activities and act as a positive influence in supporting the ‘One Zoo Team’ culture.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Other assistance, as designated by the Senior Director of Planning, Design and Construction, to support the overall goals of the department and organization. Denver Zoo retains the right to add or change duties and/or responsibilities at any time.
• Perform ROM analysis and budget studies for new design/construction and capital projects. Acts as a good steward of Denver Zoo’s resources.
• The nature of this position requires safeguarding against the release of confidential and proprietary information of Denver Zoo.
• This position will interact with Executives, Directors & Managers at all levels and staff members across the organization, in addition to members of external organizations and the public.

Technical / Professional Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in project/construction management, MEP engineering, architecture or related discipline required. Advanced degree (preferred).
• Experience: A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the construction management industry preferably with experience in zoo/aquarium exhibits, animal facilities or entertainment venues. Experience directly supervising staff, consultants, contractors, and project teams. Working in a nonprofit in a related field are preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
• Knowledge of general commercial design, planning, and construction.
• Ability to read and interpret design, MEP & construction documents.
• Ability to manage complex design and construction projects which usually impact zoo operations, public facilities, animals, staff work areas, project budgets generally ranging from $1-$25 million.
• Experience directly supervising staff, consultants, contractors, and project teams.
• Must be able to explain design & construction documents for those not versed in reading/interpreting drawings and specifications.
• Working knowledge in software packages including MS Projects, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, MS SharePoint, MS Teams, AutoCAD, Adobe Acrobat is recommended. 
• Requires exemplary collaboration, organizational skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize work and tasks. Requires adaptability to produce and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-task and changing environment, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have superior negotiation skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy. Must be a recognized communicator and considered to be a developer, coach, and mentor who is comfortable working with a broad cross section of people in direct and matrixed relationships. Experience developing and executing strategic goals preferred. Must have proficient skills in managing large and complex teams and/or programs.
• Diplomacy at confronting personal, individual, and internal discrimination requiring sharing and discussing personal identities relative to the work environment strongly preferred.

Position Conditions

• Ability to pass a background check and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
• Clear driving record
• Schedule Availability: Monday – Friday with ability to work nights and weekends as needed.
• Work Location: On campus. 

Compensation

Range for this position is $8,330 - $10,621 (monthly).

Benefits

This is a full-time position with excellent benefits including medical, dental and vision benefits; life insurance; short term and long-term disability; 403(b) retirement plan; and vacation and sick leave. 

Application Process and Timelines

Resumes / Completed applications must be submitted by May 16th, 2024. Review of applications will begin immediately. Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to this date. 

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply for this role. 

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected status or any other characteristic protected by law.

www.denverzoo.org