Associate Construction Project Director

Job Description

The Highlights:
The Associate Director of Construction supports the Director of Construction in the management and delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects and renovations ranging from minor interior improvements to large-scale institutional construction initiatives typically valued between $50,000 and $100 million. This position provides leadership in stakeholder coordination, financial oversight, construction administration, and schedule management to ensure projects are executed in alignment with institutional goals, budget parameters, and time-line commitments. The role also supports and participates in vendor solicitation, competitive bidding, evaluation, and contract award processes in accordance with institutional procurement policies.


The Associate Director serves as a DePaul representative, coordinating across internal departments and external partners, including architects, sub-consultants, contractors, and vendors.

What You'll Do:

• Project Leadership & Stakeholder Coordination - Serves as a DePaul representative for assigned capital and renovation projects, coordinating with internal stakeholders, user groups, architects, engineers, and contractors. Manages scope alignment, supports project decision-making, and evaluates impacts of design changes to cost and schedule. Provides recommendations to the Director of Construction and supports successful project delivery from planning through closeout. Assists with vendor procurement activities, including development and coordination of Request for Proposals (RFPs) for professional services and construction-related vendors.
• Construction Administration & Contractor Oversight - Participates in Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings and manages construction administration activities, including review of RFIs, submittals, procurement status, and change orders. Monitors contractor and consultant performance to ensure compliance with contract documents, schedule milestones, and institutional requirements, escalating significant issues as appropriate. Conducts regular site visits to verify construction progress, quality, and safety, and coordinates resolution of field issues with project teams.
• Financial Management & Controls - Manages project budgets across multiple concurrent projects, including preparation of monthly cash flow projections and maintenance of financial tracking tools. Reviews and verifies pay applications, retainage, lien waivers, invoices, and change orders for accuracy and contractual compliance. Monitors contingency usage and cost overages. Supports development and maintenance of project financial standards and documentation protocols.
• Oversees project closeout procedures and supports utilization and data integrity within the University's Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS). Supports development of internal specifications and standards, and high-performance building requirements to promote consistency across projects. Assists in managing document control and ensuring adherence to established document management standards.
  
  
  What You'll Need:
  
  
  • No direct reports. Provides functional oversight and coordination of architects, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
  
  
  • Offers guidance and support to non-routine capital project managers to promote consistency in project execution, financial controls, and schedule management.
  
  
  • Provides support in monitoring capital and renovation project budgets.
  
  
  • Exercises delegated authority in reviewing pay applications and change orders and assists with financial forecasting and reporting to leadership.
  
  
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture.
  
  
  • 5 - 8 years of progressive experience in design, project management, owner representation, or capital project delivery.
  
  
  • Demonstrated experience managing commercial or institutional construction projects.
  
  
  • Working knowledge of architectural and construction principles and skills of the construction-related trades.
  
  
  • Ability to read, understand, and interpret construction and engineering drawings and specifications.
  
  
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in an active campus environment.
  
  
  • Strong understanding of construction administration, budgeting, and contract management. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project, and Procore.
  
  
  • Familiarity with project management or IWMS systems, preferred.
  
  
  • Working knowledge of CAD and BIM, preferred.
  
  
  • Walking of active construction sites and may involve climbing ladders and navigating varying site conditions as part of project oversight responsibilities.
  
  
  • May require schedule flexibility to support project milestones and construction activities.
  
  
  • Travel between university campuses and other affiliated project sites within the Chicago metropolitan area is required.
  
  
  The anticipated hiring range for this position is: $74,367 to $99,153.
  
  
  The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.
  
  
  Perks:
  
  
  • Working for a stable and well-known University.
  • Top choice medical, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Retirement plan matching contribution of 8%.
  • Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
  • Generous paid time off, sick time, holidays, floating holidays, and more!
  • Full-Time Benefits
  
  
  For consideration, please include a resume and cover letter.
  
  
  Vincentian Mission:
  Guided by an ethic of Vincentian personalism and professionalism, DePaul compassionately upholds the dignity of all members of its diverse, multi-faith, and inclusive community. We seek to hire collaborative, open-minded, and dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing our university mission to making education accessible to all, with special attention to including underserved and underrepresented communities. Successful candidates thrive in an environment where ideas and perspectives representing a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and experiences are welcome and supported.
  Required Background Check:
  
  
  Employment at DePaul University is contingent on passing a background check. Only final candidates who are extended an offer of employment will undergo a background check.
  
  
  DePaul University is an Equal Opportunity employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected status, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local EEO laws.