Assistant Director

Assistant Director

The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries.

The Assistant Directors, as members of the management team in the Office of Facilities Planning, Construction, and Management (FPCM), play a vital role in successfully implementing CUNY’s multi-billion-dollar, multi-year capital design and construction program across its 25 campuses. The Assistant Director (AD) has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of capital-funded construction projects, including the design and construction of new buildings, renovation projects, infrastructure projects, energy performance projects, repair projects, and capital maintenance projects at CUNY campuses.

Exercising independent initiative and judgment, and working under the general direction of the Executive Director, the AD has wide latitude in implementing the assigned capital program. The AD works collaboratively with numerous stakeholders, including college, university, governmental, and regulatory agency representatives, as well as consultants and construction teams, to successfully manage projects and deliver quality facilities that serve CUNY students, faculty, and staff on time and within budget.

Other duties include:

• Oversee all projects under assigned responsibility and ensure completion on time and within budget.
• Lead the team to meet productivity targets and annual construction program completion goals; identify and manage project dependencies and critical paths.
• Develop conceptual plans and budgets for facilities projects to support fiscal decision-making.
• Establish best practices for project execution and management.
• Develop and maintain project budgets.
• Draft and submit budget proposals and recommend subsequent budget adjustments.
• Plan, organize, manage, and participate in the selection of architectural/engineering consultants, construction managers (CMs), and contractors.
• Participate in the evaluation of and recommend consultant fees.
• Plan, assign, and review the work of supervising project managers and other staff.
• Prepare cost estimates and schedules for capital projects, including new construction, rehabilitation, infrastructure, energy performance, remodeling, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, fire protection, and repair projects.
• Ensure preparation of construction documents and compliance with project scope and budget.
• Oversee the work of consultants, CMs, and contractors.
• Coordinate with project managers to assemble bid documents and ensure an effective bidding process.
• Schedule project scope development, design, and bidding timelines to align with Board meetings.
• Prepare Project Board resolutions for approvals.
• Review bid submissions, analyze bids, and provide timely recommendations.
• Ensure all City and State project authorizations and budget approvals are secured prior to bidding.
• Ensure project managers regularly update the CUNY Project Management System with financial, schedule, and progress information.
• Ensure required documentation (State and City authorizations, bid results, total project cost, schedules, bidder qualifications, and risk analyses) is available prior to Board approvals.
• Direct and supervise project managers and staff to ensure effective coordination with City and State agencies.
• Establish and assign all activities required for project completion to project managers.
• Alert the Executive Director or appropriate leadership regarding critical issues and recommend actions.
• Prepare regular project management reports.
• Keep the Executive Director informed on project progress, status, and key developments.
• Ensure turnkey delivery of all CUNY-managed design and construction projects from inception through completion, including CM-at-risk and traditional delivery methods.
• Manage planning, budgeting, and key decision-making to ensure projects align with approved budgets and schedules.
• Attend and actively participate in construction meetings with project managers, campus facility staff, and stakeholders to review budgets, plans, and goals.
• Manage changes in project scope, identify risks, and develop contingency plans.
• Negotiate contracts with vendors, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors, including changes as needed.
• Review, negotiate, and approve change orders, ensuring fair value for the University.
• Review and approve payment applications for contractors and consultants.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of project strategy, including financial goals, scheduling, logistics, phasing, milestones, and inspections.
• Ensure job site operations comply with design and specifications, and meet schedule, budget, and quality standards.
• Maintain effective communication with project teams regarding changes in work, conditions, contractor relations, and project direction.
• Monitor and support the resolution of construction disputes and claims.
• Assist colleges in identifying capital construction and facilities needs in alignment with academic priorities.
• Interface with senior college administration throughout all phases of project development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or a construction-related field.
• 5+ years of senior-level design and construction management experience.
• Experience in project management methodologies, planning, cost control, construction economics, lifecycle cost analysis, and financial management.
• Understanding of building systems and construction methods.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, regulations, NYC and NY State codes, Board policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

Preferred Qualifications

• NY State Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect license.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Project Management.
• PMP Certification.
• Experience with New York State and/or New York City agencies and regulations.
• Experience with NY State and/or NYC design and construction projects.
• Strong leadership and managerial experience with the ability to lead teams and make strategic and tactical decisions.
• Strong technical and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to promote equity, inclusion, and diversity.
• Proficiency in computer applications, including email, spreadsheets, databases, project management, and presentation tools.

Core Competencies

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple design and construction projects simultaneously.
• Strong multitasking and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize competing demands effectively.
• Self-motivated and team-oriented with strong collaboration skills.
• Ability to set priorities and adjust implementation strategies as needed.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of capital and operating budgets.
• Strong attention to detail and a continuous process improvement mindset.
• Creative, innovative, and adaptable problem solver.

Pay Range: $130,000 to $150,000

RFCUNY Benefits RFCUNY Employee Benefits and Accruals

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.