Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

S15361P

Working Title

Director of Construction

Department

F&A-University Architects

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Office of University Architects ( OUA ) is responsible for the development and management of the campus master plan, including transportation planning, historic preservation planning, environmental planning, and precinct planning; the development and management of campus site design and architectural standards; GIS management of existing conditions; and the coordination and project management of major capital projects for all of the UGA campuses across the state.

College/Unit/Department website

https://www.architects.uga.edu/

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time

Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

Normal work hours are Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Project deadlines may necessitate work outside of the typical work week.

Advertised Salary

$120,000 - $130,000

Posting Date

06/29/2026

Open until filled

Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date

10/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([email protected]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title

Univ Construction Director

FLSA

Exempt

FTE

1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 12 years of professional experience to include 5 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and ten years of experience working in construction management or construction project management with an emphasis on higher education facilities. Ideally this would include experience with construction projects in an urban environment, research laboratories, classrooms, residence halls, dining facilities, and varsity sports facilities.

Position Summary

The Office of University Architects ( OUA ) provides professional planning, design, and construction management for the University of Georgia's main campus and extended campuses for all major renovation and construction projects. Reporting to the Senior Director of Construction, the Director of Construction serves as a critical leader and trusted problem-solver for the Office of University Architects ( OUA ), providing strategic leadership and hands-on oversight for complex capital projects from pre-construction through close-out and warranty. This position is responsible for proactively identifying risks, resolving issues before they escalate, and guiding teams through challenges related to quality, schedule, logistics, and budget.

The Director of Construction will collaborate closely with the OUA team ( AVP , Senior Director of Construction, Directors, Project Managers, Contract Compliance Specialists), setting clear expectations, ensuring consistent practices, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. Working closely with campus partners, BOR Real Estate and Facilities, GSFIC , and external design and construction teams, this role serves as a key point of decision-making and escalation, bringing clarity, sound judgment, and timely resolution to project-critical issues.

The Director of Construction drives continuous improvement by implementing best practices, integrating lessons learned, and advancing innovative approaches to construction delivery within a higher-education environment. The role requires a strong communicator and leader who can navigate complex stakeholder environments, lead through influence, and ensure that construction projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with University of Georgia standards and expectations.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of higher education capital construction projects from planning and design through closeout, delivered within established budgets and schedules.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current construction methods, the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ), applicable building and life safety codes, and their application across diverse project types.
• Expertise in pre-construction services, construction phasing and logistics, quality control, materials testing, and commissioning for both renovation and new construction projects.
• Working knowledge of the facilities and physical plant operations typical of institutions of higher education, including an understanding of how construction activities interface with occupied campuses. Ability to physically access work areas that may include confined spaces or elevated locations.
• Ability to efficiently review and interpret construction documents, drawings, specifications, submittals, and code-related issues; identify risks or discrepancies; and determine compliance with institutional standards and requirements.
• Knowledge of and commitment to appropriate safety and security practices relevant to construction and renovation work on an active campus.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, with strong organizational and project management skills. Proficiency with construction and project management software such as Bluebeam, e-Builder, Procore, and similar platforms.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite and related productivity tools.
• Ability to exercise tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment when interacting with various stakeholders, including in sensitive or confidential situations.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to manage, supervise, mentor, and effectively delegate work to professional staff.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Exceptional commitment to customer service and collaborative problem-solving in support of institutional priorities.

Physical Demands

• Walk on uneven terrain and walk through construction sites.
• Visit project sites across the state.
• Sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

Pre-construction Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of pre-construction activities, coordinating closely with the Office of University Architects ( OUA ) project teams, construction managers, design professionals, and associated consultants to ensure alignment with institutional goals.
• Anticipate, identify, and mitigate potential project risks during the pre-construction phase; lead collaborative problem-solving efforts and elevate critical issues as appropriate to maintain budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
• Direct and oversee pre-construction cost estimating and pricing reviews to support informed decision-making and cost control.
• Oversee the review and evaluation of component change orders, Guaranteed Maximum Price ( GMP ) submissions, and subcontractor award recommendations to ensure accuracy, transparency, and consistency with institutional policies.
• Guide the incorporation of subcontractor input during pre-construction to enhance constructability, schedule reliability, and campus coordination.
• Provide oversight of contractor-developed project schedules to ensure compliance with project requirements, including Board of Regents ( BOR ) and Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission ( GSFIC ) milestones.
• Lead design standards compliance and constructability reviews, ensuring consistent application of institutional standards and best practices.
• Oversee site logistics planning and campus coordination efforts to minimize disruption and support safe and efficient project execution on an active campus.

Percentage of time

25

Duties/Responsibilities

Construction Leadership:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for construction phase activities, ensuring effective collaboration among OUA project teams, construction managers, design professionals, and consultants.
• Maintain a proactive management approach to identify emerging issues related to scope, schedule, budget, or quality; lead resolution efforts and escalate concerns as needed to protect institutional interests.
• Ensure comprehensive understanding of contract documents and project requirements to support effective quality control oversight and informed decision-making throughout construction.
• Supervise and provide leadership to Contract Compliance Specialists ( CCS ), ensuring consistency, professionalism, and alignment in their interactions with projects and project teams. Provide mentorship, guidance, and timely responses to support issue resolution both on-site and administratively. Assist with interface and maintain strong relationships with Fire and Life Safety and Facilities Management Division, and resolve issues as appropriate.
• Establish expectations and oversight processes for CCS documentation, including review of daily logs to identify trends, risks, or issues requiring management attention.
• Provide oversight to ensure timely coordination and delivery of required utility services to support construction schedules, including transformer purchases, provision of natural gas, domestic and fire water infrastructure, and extension of steam and chilled/hot water lines.
• Provide leadership for construction advisories by forecasting needs with the project team reviewing construction advisories for accuracy and clarity & collaborate with OUA staff as needed.
• Oversee construction inspection processes, including special inspections and institutional quality requirements, and guide the development of standardized inspection checklists in collaboration with CCS and project managers.
• Provide management-level support to project managers in the review of pay applications and change orders, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to contractual requirements.
• Represent the institution by leading or participating in Owner/Architect/Contractor meetings, pre-construction meetings, and pre-installation meetings as appropriate.
• Ensure coordination of Facilities Management Division ( FMD ) walkthroughs (at least twice during the course of construction) and commissioning-related quality reviews (bi-weekly during the duration of construction) to support long-term building performance and operational readiness.
• Maintain regular communication with OUA project managers and the Senior Director of Construction, providing timely updates on project status and identifying potential threats to schedule, budget, quality, or safety.

Percentage of time

50

Duties/Responsibilities

Warranty and Closeout Leadership:

• Provide leadership and oversight of warranty-related activities, coordinating with OUA project teams, construction managers, design professionals, and consultants to ensure timely resolution of post-occupancy issues.
• Direct and oversee the project closeout process, including coordination of all operations and maintenance (O&M) training sessions with end users and Facilities Management Division personnel.
• Ensure appropriate documentation and follow-through related to O&M training sessions, including tracking attendance, identifying unresolved items, and confirming satisfactory completion.
• Identify and document opportunities for continuous improvement to institutional design standards based on issues identified during closeout and warranty phases.
• Review drafts of O&M manuals and record drawings to ensure completeness, accuracy, and usability for long-term facilities operations.
• Ensure all closeout documentation is properly submitted to and coordinated with Facilities Management Division systems and records.
• Guide and train contractors in the use of institutional documentation tools and platforms, including incorporation of closeout materials into required systems.
• Implement the warranty tracking system and manage the warranty work in AiM or other systems.

Percentage of time

15

Duties/Responsibilities

Administrative Items

• Lead monthly coordination meetings with Fire and Life Safety staff to maintain current awareness of inspection status, temporary certificates of occupancy, and final certificates of occupancy across active projects.
• Maintain required professional safety and environmental training certifications to support institutional compliance and best practices.
• Chair and lead the OUA Lessons Learned program, fostering engagement, documenting findings, and ensuring integration of outcomes into institutional project delivery processes and systems.
• Oversee development and maintenance of historical cost data and unit cost analyses to inform future budgeting, benchmarking, and pre-construction planning.

Percentage of time

5

Duties/Responsibilities

Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time

5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Melanie Ford

Recruitment Contact Email

[email protected]

Recruitment Contact Phone

706-542-3605

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a valid Driver's license?
   • YES
   • NO

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents