• Associate Director of Capital Projects

    University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS)


    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.