Special Instructions to Applicants: In PDF form, applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application.
About Rice
Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation’s top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.
Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.
Position Summary
The Assistant Director of Construction Delivery is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of new construction and renovation projects during the construction phase, ensuring effective planning, execution, and completion. Key responsibilities include reviewing construction budgets and reports, leading value optimization efforts to prevent budget overruns, evaluating project and contract documents, reviewing RFPs, leading the contractor selection process, and guiding project teams through all phases of construction.
Rice University’s Facilities and Capital Planning (F&CP) Project Management group provides comprehensive project management services that support the maintenance and improvement of the university’s infrastructure. The group directs the architectural development of capital improvements and offers strategic consultation on maintenance-related issues. The Capital Planning team comprises professional project managers who lead all aspects of construction and renovation projects on campus, delivering engineering expertise and project management services to enhance and sustain Rice’s built environment.
The ideal candidate can think critically, exercise independent judgment, set priorities, and solve problems. They should be a creative thinker with experience in construction delivery, project management, knowledge of contract management, and strong business acumen. The ideal candidate will have past experience working as a project manager for a general contracting firm, be highly skilled in construction scheduling, well-versed in analyzing complex change orders, possess in-depth knowledge of a variety of contract types and delivery methods, and possess the leadership and technical expertise to guide project teams through the coordination of complex building systems.
In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.
Workplace Requirements
This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. This position is mainly on campus, offering the option to work remotely one day per week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 4+ years of related experience in construction project management
Skills:
- Written and oral communication skills to address a wide variety of audiences and in alignment with Rice values
- Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams
- Demonstrates project management ability to employ integration, scope, time management, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement components
- Resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
- Depth of knowledge in technical discipline/domain needed to deliver projects
- Computer skills, proficient in: multiple scheduling software, multiple project management web-based platforms, Microsoft Office suite of programs
- Reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and shop drawings
- Ability to deal with stressful situations and critical issues with diplomacy
- Ability to plan personal time and productivity to meet pressing deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team, receiving direction from various team leaders
Preferences
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, mechanical or electrical engineering, or construction management
- Master’s degree (related field)
- License or certification in progress for Architect or Engineer, within 3 years of completion
- Five or more years of related experience, including at least five years of recent (within the past five years) relevant construction project management experience
- Experience with the design and construction of facilities in an urban setting
- Knowledge and experience with Web-based construction project management platforms, Excel spreadsheets, Word, and Microsoft Project scheduling software (i.e., Procore)
Essential Functions
- Provides highly technical analysis of construction issues for multiple major capital projects to aid with decision-making during the construction phase
- Efforts are largely concentrated on construction phase needs; participates in value optimization efforts during the planning and design phases
- Leads projects requiring functional integration
- Directs the development of an action plan and estimates requirements for resources, including management, labor, materials, and time required to complete the project
- Researches, consults, and recommends new construction methods or building materials to ensure the application of updated procedures and cost-effective alternatives
- Investigates installation failures and recommends corrections
- Participates in developing/updating project management procedures and standards with other department staff
- Subject matter expert in the field of construction, supporting multiple project managers across multiple projects
- Completes special projects as assigned
- Performs all other duties as assigned
Additional Functions
- Assists with asset documentation and handoff of asset information to the maintenance team
- Assists with the administrative functions of coordinating documentation; maintains record documents with assistance from the department coordinator, and organizes and schedules progress meetings
- When needed, will act as Project Manager
Working Conditions:
Physical Demands:
- Frequent construction site inspections at many locations, both on and off campus
- Ability to climb a ladder
- Must be able and willing to enter all university spaces
Work Environment:
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or [email protected] for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
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