Director of Project Management Planning, Design and Construction

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a Director of Project Management, Planning, Design and Construction who is a results driven leader with experience managing numerous complex projects while prioritizing execution and customer satisfaction, with proven experience in teamwork and strategic thinking, plus exceptional skills in communication, financial planning, construction operations, and overseeing capital project implementation.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction, the Director will work closely with key partners to support an integrated approach to design and construction that ensures excellence within specific functional areas and across the institution. Proactive coordination and collaboration between the departments responsible for campus planning, real estate management, sustainability, utilities, maintenance, and operations is a crucial requirement for the Director.

The Director will have oversight of client-focused teams (Academic, Arts and Administration, Research and Science, Auxiliaries and Infrastructure, and Special Projects), led by four Associate Directors who oversee 75 professionals across the PDC organization, executing design and construction projects across main campus and other UT Austin locations.

The Planning, Design and Construction (PDC) team of 200 works within the Campus Operations unit and is responsible for managing all design, construction, and renovation projects. The capital construction program has oversight of $5+ billion in construction over the next 5 years, 29 million square feet across 700 buildings and multiple campuses. The PDC team is currently overseeing 30 major projects valued at $5.0 billion and 1,000 minor projects totaling $650 million, with a $10 million threshold distinguishing between the two categories.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field, along with five to seven years of progressive project and staff management experience in a medium to large organization, demonstrating exceptional leadership abilities and expertise in institutional project delivery methods. This individual must exhibit outstanding organizational and communication skills, with the capacity to manage multiple complex activities simultaneously while fostering positive stakeholder relationships and making sound decisions under pressure.

The full position description can be viewed here.

To Apply

The University of Texas at Austin has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Kenna Boyd, Partner, and Marisea Rivera, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be submitted by email to Marisea Rivera at marisea.rivera@opuspartners.net. To be considered, candidates must provide a CV/resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described above. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The university is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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