Description
Santa Monica College is currently undergoing one of the largest new construction developments in its history, and is seeking a new Director of Facilities Planning and Construction to lead the charge in its endeavors. In this capacity, the incumbent will be responsible for overseeing District-wide facilities planning, design, and construction activities for a multi-campus college, which includes substantial responsibility for monitoring, directing, and evaluating the work of multiple independent construction firms.
Important Note: This role requires direct, hands-on experience managing projects through the full California Division of the State Architect (DSA) process — submittal, plan review and back-check, construction administration, and closeout/certification. This is not a delegated-oversight role; the Director is personally responsible for DSA outcomes, not as a supervisor of consultants who handle the DSA process on the District's behalf, but as the person accountable for getting projects through the process.
We are looking for a candidate who has significant personal experience:
Preparing or directing DSA submittal packages and managing plan review/back-check cycles
Coordinating with an Inspector of Record (IOR) and ensuring compliance with testing lab documentation requirements on construction projects
Assembling and reconciling documentation to bring a project to DSA Certification of Compliance
Managing field changes and determining when DSA notification or resubmittal was required
Examples of Duties:
Develops, oversees and implements computerized records, project management information systems and project management controls to enhance operational efficiencies and track facilities expense records; develops, oversees and implements system workflows to communicate construction-related matters with all stakeholders.
Directs and evaluates the work of contract architectural, project management and construction management firms, and general contractors for compliance with contract specifications and terms and conditions; authorizes payment in accordance with contract provisions.
Directs the operating budget development process, monitors adherence to project budgets, and analyzes, negotiates, recommends and prepares change orders, budget adjustments and modifications as appropriate.
Oversees the selection and work of architects, engineers, planning and design consultants, project managers, construction managers, contractors and other professionals, in addition to negotiating their scope of work and contractual agreements.
Coordinates with various city and state offices, agencies and groups to obtain timely building permits, zoning changes and environmental impact reports.
Represents the District in meetings, hearings, and conferences with contractors, representatives from public agencies, regulatory agencies, legislative bodies, business organizations, community groups, and the general public.
Ensures department compliance with District policy and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Serves as liaison between college staff, administrators and contract architectural and engineering firms
Plans and directs the activities of the Facilities Planning Department, which include the areas of facilities planning and design, facilities renovation and improvement, facilities construction and facilities funding and budget.
Serves as the District’s advisor to the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee.
Makes presentations to the Board of Trustees, city and community groups, and appropriate planning committees to secure buy-in and advise on matters regarding facilities planning and development.
Analyzes needs for new and existing facilities and makes recommendation for facilities improvements; determines new and remodeled facilities’ project scope and timelines.
Manages District-wide facilities utilization analysis, long-range facilities planning and facilities design, including the Facilities Master Plan.
Oversees and coordinates the submission and tracking of the Capital Outlay Program, Scheduled Maintenance Program, Hazardous Materials Removal Program, Five Year Capital Construction Plan, Space Inventory, and the other state or federal programs.
Conveys information to appropriate parties regarding technology infrastructure projects, including data and communications networks and wiring systems, computer laboratories, audio/visual systems, and security and fire alarm systems.
Develops proposals and implements plans for energy conservation and sustainability.
Plans for future property needs and uses, site development, entitlements, and approvals.
Provides policy recommendations to develop or revise legislation, regulations and controls affecting the District’s Facilities planning and construction program.
Performs other related duties as requested or assigned.
Examples of essential duties are descriptive and not restrictive in nature, and are generally listed in descending order of importance.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience administering a District-wide facilities planning and construction program in a California K-14 educational environment, which included primarily responsibility for coordinating communication, and planning and project implementation with the Division of the State Architect (DSA). This individual will have experience performing the full scope of construction management activities, from design through completion, as well as prior experience balancing numerous large-scale construction projects (e.g., new construction) at different stages in the planning and development process. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively manage the activities of construction contractors, hold contractors accountable for their work, and serve as an ardent advocate for the District's best interests in interactions with contractors and stakeholder groups. Additionally, this individual must be able to deliver presentations to the Board of Trustees, City and community groups, and appropriate planning committees regarding facilities planning and development.
Please note that all candidates must have authorization to work in the United States; the District does not have the ability to provide sponsorship.
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirement:
Bachelor’s degree in business, architecture, engineering or a related field. A master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
Experience Requirement:
Five years of facilities construction project and planning management experience, preferably in a K-14 educational institution. Experience must include managing facilities design, budget preparation, construction oversight, and technology implementations, including two years of administrative or supervisory experience. Three years of construction management experience that involved working with the California Division of the State Architect is required.
Education/Experience Equivalency:
Experience and/or education of the same kind, level, and amount as required in the minimum qualifications may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
Licensure and/or Certification:
Possession of a valid driver’s license. Access to an automobile. Licensure as an architect by the California Architects Board is preferred.
