EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION AND PLANNING

CONSTRUCTION

Traditional 235 work days

FTE: 1.0

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Essential Functions and Objectives:

Responsible for leading multiple key functions within DPS. Directs, plans and oversees overall growth strategies. Implements and achieves strategic plans, translates district vision into operational goals, and sets the highest standards of excellence.

Directs facility design and construction programs across the District, including those within the District's bond program, providing vision and long-term planning. Leads and oversees projects, managing contract administration, budgets, staff, progress reporting, change and community engagement.

- Leads district change through developing and implementing nationally recognized or leading strategies using industry expertise, in depth knowledge and best practices. Prioritize, interpret and disseminate district goals to functional leaders and teams.

- Design and create integrated systems and processes that drive ongoing improvements, to meet both strategic and tactical goals. Develop, maintain and monitor operational budgets, to meet financial objectives.

- Create and build collaborative relationships and pro-active communication channels between the district, functions, departments and external stakeholders.

- Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, Board of Education policies and regulations, maintain and direct activities related to the District's safety and security efforts.

- Maintain a culture of trust and developed leadership across functions. Manage succession planning, career development and performance per function. Ensure functional effectiveness by building high performance teams, communicating contributions, and engaging leadership.

- Leads and directs the planning and preparation of drawings and specifications for new buildings, additions, remodeling and major repairs; reviews and approves all architectural and engineering drawings and specifications.

- Selects architects and construction consultants, following approved District contracting policies; reviews and approves construction contract documents, verifying that appropriate building code requirements and code compliance language is specified.

- Manages budget and forecasts costs, maintaining strong fiscal practices to ensure that estimates are accurate, fair pricing is obtained from third-party suppliers, appropriate contractual controls are in place, and high value is obtained for public funds.

- Effectively manages cross-functional processes with departments, architects, contractors and other external stakeholders; delivers regular and timely communication on project status and changes made to scope, schedule or budget; and serves as a liaison with building code departments and/or agencies of the state and city.

- Represents the District publicly in matters related to the bond construction program and ensures that accurate and positive messaging on progress and deliverables is effectively communicated to multiple audiences.

- Oversees strategies to grow diverse supplier participation in District priority procurement opportunities as well as environmental compliance programs as regulated by current federal, state and local guidelines, laws and regulations.

- Directs, supervises and evaluates the performance of on-site construction services staff.

- Authorizes and monitors the control of building systems and materials, verifying compatibility with District standards and program requirement.

- Ensures safety and manages the use of hazardous materials and asbestos programs.

- Prepares, issues and revises District property records as authorized or directed.

Knowledge, Experience & Other Qualifications:

- Ten (10) or more years of related management level construction experience, which includes planning and administration, preferably within a large school district or public sector employer.

- Demonstrated experience managing construction services, budgets, projects and contracts, including performance bonds.

- Five (5) or more years of management responsibility.

- Advanced knowledge of construction, building design, trends and technology in building services, construction contracting, and legal issues pertaining to construction and facilities.

- Demonstrated ability managing quantitative and qualitative activities in an environment of frequent change, adjusting plans and projects, as necessary, to meet timetables.

- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead and coach a high-performing team.

- Ability to develop, plan, and implement long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources.

- Demonstrated ability performing as an effective leader and team player and recognizing and resolving conflicts or potentially controversial situations through diplomacy.

- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including persuasive abilities.

- Ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization as well as external stakeholders.

- Ability to solve problems and make decisions quickly according to guidelines with consideration of safety and health of others.

- Encourages diversity and mutual respect among team members and demonstrates compassion and sensitivity.

- Demonstrated hands-on knowledge of the sale and purchase of materials, equipment, supplies, and other real property and services.

- Licensed as an architect and/or engineer in the State of Colorado a plus but not required.

- If using a personal or company vehicle to conduct work duties, must have a valid Colorado driver's license or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license within the state's required time frame for new residents and meet the District's insurability requirements.

Education Requirements:

- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent required.

- Master's Degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent preferred.

Other information:

Thank you for your interest in the DPS Construction Services Department. We are looking for individuals that demonstrate and share our DPS Core Values of Integrity, Equity, Accountability, Collaboration, Fun, and putting Students First. Come join the DPS team make an impact at a great organization! DPS has become the fastest-growing large school district in Colorado and is widely recognized today as one of the best urban school systems in the country. Construction Services are part of our Facility Management department. Facility Management manages over 13.9 million square feet of enclosed building space in 160 schools located in 135 DPS owned facilities and 8 Administrative facilities, and just under 2,000 acres. 17% of our facilities are registered historic landmarks. Our vision is to be a forward-looking 21 Century Facilities Department that provides state of the art educational environments through innovation and continuous improvement. DPS is continually reforming and growing. All this growth has its challenges and we need your help. If you want to help create a welcoming environment that makes an impact on student learning, you may be a perfect fit!

About Denver Public Schools:

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Susana Cordova and guided by the tenets of The Denver Plan, DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.