Senior Director, Project Programming

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Project Programming provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University's Project Programming unit, directing the planning, programming, and execution of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities, Development & Operations, this position is responsible for developing long-range capital plans, managing multimillion-dollar construction programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, budgets, schedules, and quality standards. The role collaborates with senior university leadership, external agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors to advance the University's physical development while supporting institutional priorities. This position also provides leadership for professional staff and drives continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, programming, and delivery of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects from concept through project closeout.
• Develop and implement long-range capital planning strategies, operational goals, and project priorities aligned with University objectives.
• Direct project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, risk management, and regulatory compliance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure quality, safety, cost control, and adherence to project specifications.
• Establish project management standards, policies, and best practices while ensuring compliance with CSU, public works, and applicable building regulations.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with campus leadership, government agencies, and external stakeholders to support capital improvement initiatives.
• Lead departmental operations by establishing strategic direction, managing resources, improving processes, and ensuring exceptional customer service.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate professional staff, fostering employee development, accountability, and high-performance teams.
• Represent Facilities Development & Operations on campus committees, advisory boards, and capital planning initiatives while advancing the University's strategic growth.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills in managing complex capital construction programs.
• Extensive knowledge of project management principles, construction administration, and public works practices.
• Strong understanding of construction codes, regulatory compliance, and applicable CSU, State, and Federal requirements.
• Ability to develop, manage, and monitor complex budgets, schedules, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound business decisions.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and successfully lead multidisciplinary teams across the University and external organizations.
• Strong technical knowledge of facilities planning, design, engineering, construction, and project delivery systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability, and emerging technologies, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to lead organizational change while maintaining high levels of customer service and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or relevant technical fields.
• Previous experience as a Project Manager, Program Manager, or in a similar leadership role, typically with 5 to 10 years of experience.

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting capital planning, facilities, or construction programs within a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organization.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent capital projects with responsibility for budgets, schedules, consultant and contractor coordination, and regulatory compliance.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator III
Anticipated Hiring Range: $16,000/month - $17,938/month
CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university. Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose.