About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Director of Design & Construction Management, the Project Executive is responsible for organizing and managing a group of professional staff in the management of capital projects; the development and organization of project management processes and procedures; and the management of personally assigned projects in direct support of the overarching mission of the Design & Construction Management Division.
Essential Functions
- Maintain responsibility for the overall performance, productivity, and outcome of a group of architects, engineers, and related professionals engaged in the planning, design, and construction management of capital projects.
- Organize, manage, and enhance the overall performance, productivity, and outcome of senior project managers and related professionals engaged in the management of capital projects by developing and maintaining project management standards, as well as enforcing UMA project management processes and procedures.
- Coordinate and manage multiple technically complex capital project activities utilizing outside consultants, including preparation and administration of consultant contracts. Develop, maintain, and communicate cash flow forecast, staffing allocations, budgets, and project schedules for assigned team and all assigned projects.
- Perform oversight of the contract administration for assigned projects; supervise construction engineers and resident engineers during the construction of a variety of capital projects that could include new construction, renovations, utility installations, site work, and landscaping.
- Serve as a senior University representative in managing and coordinating the University’s activities with the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), State Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAM), and other local, state, and federal agencies in the planning, design, and construction of capital projects.
- Assist in the update and maintenance of the University’s Design Guidelines and Standards in consultation with the Director and key staff responsible for facilities development and operations, including Campus Planning, Physical Plant, OIT, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS).
- Assist in the development and maintenance of a project design review process that is aligned with the executive review process and in consultation with leadership of Design & Construction Management, Physical Plant, EHS, OIT, clients and customers, and affected parties on campus. Provide training to staff to ensure that design reviews are consistently implemented and effective in providing design quality control.
- Assist in the continued development of divisional systems, policies, procedures, and training in order to provide superior customer service that meets the needs of a diverse campus community.
- Prepare oral, written, and graphic presentations.
- Coordinate contracted services and construction activities with DCAM, UMBA, various campus departments, and Physical Plant in order to maximize effectiveness and enhance customer service while minimizing disruption to the campus environment and to surrounding neighborhoods.
- Promote and assure continuous improvement; establish and maintain productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflects a strong commitment to customer service and respect for a diverse campus community
Other Functions
Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- A Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or related field.
- Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience with multi-discipline, multi-million-dollar construction projects, including a minimum of three (3) years’ experience managing project staff
- Demonstrated excellence in oral, written, and graphic communication, client interaction and public presentations Demonstrated ability in the managing of financial information and schedule as related to design and construction projects.
- Demonstrated ability in establishing and maintaining productive relationships with a full range of campus and external constituents, including state and local agencies, that reflects a strong commitment to customer service.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and implement imaginative solutions to complex problems.
- Demonstrated experience in word processing and project controls database management systems as related to design and construction.
- Working knowledge of project control platforms eBuilder, Prolog or similar Working knowledge of scheduling tools, Microsoft Project, P6, or similar.
- Thorough knowledge of construction practices, project budget development, scheduling, tracking, and cost control Ability to access any portion of a construction/facility site.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Master’s Degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, business administration, project management, or related field.
- Knowledge and experience in higher education facility planning, design, and construction.
- Experience with and working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) as they pertain to public procurement, design, and construction.
- Experience with and working knowledge of the State Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAM) and/or the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA) design and construction statutes, processes, and procedures.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Must be able to access all areas of a facility or construction site.
Work Schedule
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Salary Information
Level 34
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.