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Associate Director of Capital Projects

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director of Capital Projects.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division Administration Physical Plant

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 93,883.00 - 110,451.00

Pay Grade

E17

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Capital Projects will oversee the planning, budgeting, design, and construction of major capital improvements and renovations, ensuring projects align with the university’s academic mission, strategic goals, and sustainability initiatives. This role involves collaboration with internal stakeholders, external contractors, consultants, and state agencies to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of construction projects.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

+ Capital Project Oversight: The role involves managing the full life cycle of major capital projects, including academic buildings, residence halls, research facilities, and campus infrastructure. This includes coordinating all phases of project delivery—programming, design, construction administration, and close-out. Serving as the primary liaison, the position facilitates communication and collaboration among university departments, external consultants, and contractors to ensure project objectives are achieved efficiently and effectively.

+ Budget & Contract Management: Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining detailed project budgets and schedules in compliance with the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) and state procurement regulations. This role requires reviewing and negotiating contracts with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure clarity, accountability, and value. Additionally, the position ensures that proper procurement procedures and documentation are followed, including close coordination with the Mississippi Bureau of Building, Grounds and Real Property Management (BoB).

+ Leadership & Staff Supervision - The position supervises, and mentors project managers and support staff engaged in capital construction activities. Leadership responsibilities include fostering a collaborative work environment that emphasizes professional development, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Through effective supervision, the team is equipped to deliver complex projects while meeting institutional goals and regulatory requirements.

+ Compliance & Quality Assurance - A core duty is ensuring that all capital projects comply with federal, state, and local building codes, ADA requirements, and university policies. The role also involves implementing rigorous quality control and risk management practices across all project phases. Coordination of inspections and securing necessary regulatory approvals are essential to maintaining safety, functionality, and legal compliance throughout the construction process.

+ Campus & Stakeholder Coordination - The role emphasizes ongoing coordination with academic units, student affairs, and facilities operations to incorporate stakeholder input into project planning and execution. Regular communication with university leadership is critical to provide updates on project status, budget forecasts, and to address any potential impacts on campus operations. This ensures alignment between capital projects and the broader mission of the institution.

+ Sustainability & Innovation - Sustainability is a key focus, with efforts to promote environmentally responsible building practices, energy-efficient systems, and the pursuit of LEED certification where applicable. The role actively supports the university’s long-term goals related to sustainability and campus resilience, integrating innovative solutions into the planning and execution of capital projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Civil/Structural/Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field and seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in capital project management, preferably in higher education or the public sector.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

+ In-depth understanding of capital project delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, Construction Manager as Advisor (CMa), and Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR), familiarity with university planning processes, capital budgeting, and funding mechanisms (including state and bond-funded projects).

+ Ability to mentor junior project managers and foster a culture of accountability and excellence.

+ Ability to lead teams of project managers, estimators, architects, and external consultants; effective at managing multiple concurrent projects across various stages of development.

+ Skill in aligning capital projects with institutional goals, long-range master plans, and budget forecasts; ability to assess project feasibility and conduct risk assessments.

+ Strong interpersonal skills to coordinate with university administration, facilities management, external stakeholders (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors, state agencies); excellent written skills for creating board reports, budget justifications, and RFPs.

+ Skilled in budget development, cost control, value engineering, and cash flow tracking.

+ Ability to resolve construction disputes, manage schedule delays, and adapt to evolving project needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

One year of experience in a supervisor role.

Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) in the State of Mississippi, or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), or LEED AP certification.

Familiarity with Mississippi IHL, Bureau of Buildings processes, and public procurement laws.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.