Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in PDF format to the Supporting Documents section of the application.

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre, tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. These values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Construction Delivery is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of new construction and renovation projects during the construction phase, ensuring effective planning, execution, and completion. Key responsibilities include reviewing construction budgets and reports, leading value optimization efforts to prevent budget overruns, evaluating project and contract documents, reviewing RFPs, leading the contractor selection process, and guiding project teams through all phases of construction.

Rice University's Facilities and Capital Planning (F& CP) Project Management group provides comprehensive project management services that support the maintenance and improvement of the university's infrastructure. The group directs the architectural development of capital improvements and offers strategic consultation on maintenance-related issues. The Capital Planning team comprises professional project managers who lead all aspects of construction and renovation projects on campus, delivering engineering expertise and project management services to enhance and sustain Rice's built environment.

The ideal candidate can think critically, exercise independent judgment, set priorities, and solve problems. They should be a creative thinker with experience in construction delivery, project management, knowledge of contract management, and strong business acumen. The ideal candidate will have past experience working as a project manager for a general contracting firm, be highly skilled in construction scheduling, well-versed in analyzing complex change orders, possess in-depth knowledge of a variety of contract types and delivery methods, and possess the leadership and technical expertise to guide project teams through coordination of complex building systems.

Workplace Requirements

This role is classified as an Essential On-Campus Position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. During emergencies or crises, the employee is required to report to campus as directed to ensure continuity of critical operations and must remain accessible to leadership to fulfill responsibilities necessary for maintaining institutional functions. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of related experience in construction project management

Skills:

• Written and oral communication skills to address a wide variety of audiences and in alignment with Rice values
• Ability to engage and influence cross-functional teams
• Demonstrates project management ability to employ integration, scope, time management, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement components
• Resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem-solving skills in a variety of situations
• Depth of knowledge in the technical discipline/domain needed to deliver projects
• Computer skills, proficient in multiple scheduling software platforms, multiple web-based project management platforms, and the Microsoft Office suite
• Reading and interpreting construction drawings, specifications, and shop drawings
• Ability to deal with stressful situations and critical issues with diplomacy
• Ability to plan personal time and productivity to meet pressing deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, receiving direction from various team leaders
• Experienced in leading a team of project management and construction services professionals

Preferences

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, mechanical or electrical engineering, or construction management
• Master's degree (related field)
• License or certification in progress for Architect or Engineer, within 3 years of completion
• Five or more years of related experience, including at least five years of recent (within the past five years) relevant construction project management experience
• Experience with the design and construction of facilities in an urban setting
• Knowledge and experience with web-based platforms, Excel spreadsheets, Word, and Microsoft Project scheduling software

Essential Functions

• Provides senior-level technical oversight and strategic analysis of construction issues across multiple major capital projects, guiding leadership decision-making during the construction phase
• Leads and coordinates multidisciplinary project teams during the construction phase while contributing strategic input to value optimization efforts during planning and design
• Directs complex projects requiring cross-functional integration, aligning architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure project objectives are achieved
• Develops and oversees implementation of project action plans, defining scope, schedule, and resource requirements, including management oversight, labor allocation, materials, and timelines
• Leads evaluation and adoption of innovative construction methods and building materials, recommending cost-effective and technically sound solutions to improve project outcomes
• Oversees investigation of construction and installation failures, directing root-cause analysis and implementing corrective strategies to mitigate risk and ensure quality outcomes
• Collaborates with departmental leadership and project managers to develop and enhance project management procedures, standards, and best practices that improve operational efficiency and project delivery
• Leads and supports strategic initiatives and special projects that advance departmental and institutional construction objectives
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Oversees coordination of asset documentation and facilitates the transition of asset information to the maintenance team, ensuring continuity of operations and accurate lifecycle records
• Provides oversight for project documentation and administrative coordination, working with department coordinators to maintain record documents and ensure effective scheduling and facilitation of progress meetings

Physical Demands

• Be able to frequently perform construction site inspections at many locations, both on and off campus
• Ability to climb a ladder
• Must be able and willing to enter all university spaces

Work Conditions

• Works in shared spaces

Rice University HR | Benefits: https: //knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.