If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Description

At Smith College, we believe that the spaces we create shape the community we become.

We’re seeking a visionary, collaborative leader to serve as our Senior Director of Capital Projects—someone who thrives at the intersection of mission-driven leadership, strategic design, and inclusive community building.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead a talented and dedicated project team to plan, design, and deliver capital projects that not only support Smith’s world-class educational mission but also reflect its values. From major renovations and new construction to long-term space planning, your work will set the tone—and the culture—for generations to come.

Apply today and help us shape the future of Smith College.

Job Summary

Responsible for leading and managing the project planning, design, and construction needs of an extraordinary College community, the Senior Director of Capital Projects directs capital improvement, which includes new building construction, facility and grounds renovations, and implementing space planning recommendations. The role mentors and manages an experienced and committed project team and effectively communicates with internal and external customers to complete project assignments. The position develops and manages the capital construction and project management budgets and prepares project financial reports.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College’s efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Project Management Administration: Responsible for leading and managing the project planning, design, and construction needs of an extraordinary College community, the Senior Director of Capital Projects directs capital improvement, which includes new building construction, facility and grounds renovations, and implementing space planning recommendations. The role mentors and manages an experienced and committed project team and effectively communicates with internal and external customers to complete project assignments. The position develops and manages the capital construction and project management budgets and prepares project financial reports.

Budget & Financial Management: Prepares, maintains, reviews, and oversees detailed budgets for all costs on projects, to insure the consideration of all related expenses and completion of work within approved financial limits. Approves and processes contractors’ requests for periodic payments for labor and materials. Responsible for developing and training project managers in the operation of project management systems and financial reporting. Oversees cost estimating and coordinates value engineering exercises with supported customers. Work collaboratively with Controller and Finance team to ensure annual capital budgets and outlays are accurate and up-to-date and to develop long-term capital budgets and financial analysis.

Risk/Regulatory: Liaises with counterparts at other educational institutions, businesses, government, and the community to promote collaboration and information exchange regarding design and construction best practices. Collaborates with the Office of Risk Management and Campus Safety to support compliance and reporting. Acts as the college’s representative and coordinates project activities with government regulatory boards or agencies; coordinates intra and inter departmental matters, necessary to expedite the projects; facilitates and troubleshoots problems associated with design, implementation, and completion of projects. Working knowledge of Massachusetts building code, life safety and accessibility regulations as they relate to design and construction.

Supervisory / Leadership: Supervises, schedules, assigns, and reviews project manager work. Coordinates selection of project staff; evaluates performance and provides ongoing feedback to staff regarding performance. Collaborates with senior academic and administrative leadership to support Smith’s mission and cultivates and sustains cooperative working relationships with local, county, and state agencies. Promotes a culture of innovation for project delivery methods, approaches to contracts, and advances in technology that support design, construction, and sustainability.

MINIMUM REQUIRED Qualifications (education, experience, certifications, licenses, knowledge, skills)

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, preferably architecture, civil engineering, or construction engineering and management; plus, 10 years of progressively responsible experience in construction and project management; and supervision responsibilities. Must have experience and working knowledge of all federal, state, and local building and construction code requirements.

Skills

• Success in this role requires strong creative problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, clear and effective communication, team leadership abilities, and a client-service mindset.

• Ability to strategically align project development and implementation with institutional priorities.

• Excellent interpersonal, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a collaborative environment.

• Must demonstrate integrity and sound judgment.

• Skilled in communicating construction information to a diverse set of constituencies.

• Executive presence and ability to present to senior institutional leadership is required.

• Ability to lead database and space planning systems, software, and workflow integration to optimize project management and delivery.

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About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.