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Assistant Director – Planning, Design & Construction
The department of Planning, Design & Construction is comprised of three units: Project Delivery, Planning, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Under general direction and guidance of the PDC Director, this position is responsible for the management of personnel, finances, projects, plans, studies, and campus initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Establishes priorities in collaboration with the Director and plans and coordinates the day-to-day operations with managers for the Project Delivery, Planning and GIS teams, and other units as needed.
- Supports department’s mission-oriented work culture and finds strategic opportunities for interdisciplinary coordination and collaboration across teams within Planning, Design & Construction and UFM.
- Responsible for the development, implementation, and control of the division workload management and customer service. Reviews division needs, prepares reports on project statuses, and develops associated reports.
- Develops and revises policies pertaining to the provision of services, (e.g., priorities, scheduling, billing, communication, stakeholder engagement, etc.).
- Evaluates the effectiveness of services provided; meets with campus partners to improve customer service; implements a quality assurance/quality control process for all projects and plans, and reviews work upon completion.
- Provides negotiation, accountability, and oversight of contracts between University Facilities Management and architecture or engineering firms, construction contractors, and other service providers.
- Reviews work assignments, schedules, programs, procedures, and practices, and makes improvements as needed. Develops, tracks, and directs project delivery milestones, procedures, and policies. Guides managers and project managers on meeting department and division objectives.
- Determines departmental training needs and works with managers in developing training programs or securing additional resources to address training needs. Is responsible for department training programs such as supervisory training, project delivery, and leadership training programs.
- Collaborates with the Director in making decisions, evaluating, formulating, and making suggestions for the changing of departmental policies, procedures, and goals. Meets with various boards and committees as designated by the Director, and attends various meetings as requested by the Director.
- Manages general human resources functions in the absence of the Director (e.g., sick leave, vacations, leaves of absence, performance management, disciplinary action); assesses staffing needs and capabilities; assists with hiring of personnel; supports on boarding and training of new employees.
- In the absence of the Director, is the principal representative to the Associate Vice President for University Facilities Management regarding all Planning, Design & Construction matters, as well as serving as the institutional representative, in the absence of the Director, to university leadership. Provides assistance with other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, construction management, planning, or relevant field.
- Five or more years of relevant work experience within the planning, design, and construction field.
- Progressive supervisory experience managing staff.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Detailed knowledge of project management principles and relevant technical knowledge of building construction projects in planning, design, and construction.
- Working knowledge of computer systems/software programs appropriate to the position.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s or similar degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, architecture, construction management, planning, or relevant field.
- Experience across multiple perspectives of project delivery: i.e. experience as an owner’s representative, designer, and as a builder.
- Experience with an integrated work-management system to track project status and finances.
- Experience as a leader overseeing an organization’s operations and management.
- Established experience working at a public institution or similar setting.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
- Mentors staff through complex problem-solving efforts.
- Thinks creatively to address issues and sets a professional example for staff within the department.
- Demonstrates competence in a shared-governance environment.
- Exercises sound judgment and decision-making skills.
- Manages conflict professionally and while maintaining relationships.
- Collaborates with multiple campus entities and possesses a service-minded, positive attitude.
- Demonstrates commitment to establishing and maintaining excellent working relationships across a wide span of internal and external stakeholders.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
The final candidate selected for this position will be required to successfully pass a background check.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including temperature extremes and inclement weather, and around noise, dust, smells, and dirt.
- Must be able to move nimbly, ascend, descend, and otherwise move through or access a wide diversity of sites and spaces in various conditions.
This position has supervisory duties?
Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on July 8, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
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