Associate Director of Design

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City (NC)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A prominent educational institution in North Carolina is seeking an Associate Director of Design to lead capital project management efforts. This role involves overseeing projects valued up to $150 million and ensuring compliance with all building codes and university requirements. Ideal candidates will have a professional degree in architecture or civil engineering, along with an architectural license or professional engineer registration. Strong project management, budget oversight, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

Hold a professional degree in architecture or civil engineering.
Possess an architectural license or be registered as a Professional Engineer.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects.

Responsibilities

Manage capital improvement projects valued up to and over $150 million.
Ensure projects meet federal, state, and local building codes.
Coordinate staff and contracts for project management.

Skills

Project management

Budget management

Communication

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Education

Professional degree in architecture or civil engineering

Job description

Overview

Posting Summary

Position Number 6086-0000-001-026

Classification Title Engineering/Architectural Supervisor III

Working Title Associate Director of Design

Division Operations

Department/Unit Design and Construction

Section Design and Construction

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Operations Division services the students and staff of the University’s teaching, research/administrative space and the entire campus of infrastructure. The Operations Division provides design and building services, maintenance, custodial, landscape, solid waste removal, utility, mail, and motor pool services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The goal is to deliver cost effective services to the University, ensure completed projects and maintenance that conform to codes and regulations, while minimizing University liabilities and disruptions caused by the maintenance, repair, building, and equipment modifications to the University. The primary purpose of the Capital Project Management (CPM) unit is to support teaching, research, extension, and other activities of the University through timely and economical completion of design, construction, renovation and/or repair, and other improvements to the facilities. Accordingly, CPM administers all University, endowment and research corporation design and construction for formal and informal capital improvement projects. Formal projects are defined by General Statutes as being valued in excess of $500,000 and are subject to oversight by the Office of State Construction and governed by the State Building Commission via legislative authority.

Description of Work

The primary purpose of this position is to carry out the mission of the Capital Project Management (CPM) department which seeks to support the overall goals and objectives of the Operations Division. The position is charged with staff management responsibilities for ensuring formal and informal capital improvement design and construction projects are completed on time and within established budgets; meet Federal, state and local building codes; and meet University requirements with minimal disruption to on-going University activities. As a licensed Engineer/Architect, this position is tasked with managing a staff of three to six project managers who manage capital improvement projects. Capital improvement projects may be valued up to and in excess of $150M, are complex and technical in nature and involve those modifications to the physical educational and work environment requiring funding to implement. Projects may vary from new construction of buildings and infrastructure to renovations of existing facilities and systems. Examples may be replacement of boiler equipment, new roofing, underground utilities, new buildings, renovated spaces, storm water basins, parking lots, telecommunications and data centers, laboratory research facilities, multi-purpose spaces, landscaping, fire alarm systems, security systems, HVAC equipment and systems, life safety systems – typical of higher education facilities. This position has direct responsibility for administration and coordination of each staff member and the contracts and professionals they manage. This position requires the ability to prepare for emerging needs; manage multiple direct reports; determine project urgency in a meaningful and practical way; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans; and schedule people and tasks to achieve goals with minimal oversight.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge – Professional
Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret professional engineering/architect theory, techniques, practices and procedures, organizational structure, and/or extraneous factors or implications; skilled in applying this knowledge. Ability to apply thorough knowledge of and may interpret local, state and federal rules/regulations governing the area of work. Ability to apply thorough knowledge of supervisory practices and skill in supervising others, including communication skills, how to delegate and assign work, how to deal effectively with difficult employees, how to evaluate performance and to conduct investigations and participate in disciplinary actions. Ability to mentor new supervisors. Full knowledge of state government’s human resources policies and procedures, relevant to job duties. Ability to apply thorough knowledge of applicable information technology, and the impact of work with other systems and program. Considerable knowledge of strategic planning methodologies and practices. Knowledge and ability to manage budgets/contracts of some scope and complexity including resources such as budget, personnel, and equipment within timelines.

Program Supervision and Administration
Ability to manage the competencies of total staff. Seek sources and opportunities for employee training and growth. Ability to direct the management of program and staff resources. Ability to involve employees in strategic planning and implementation and in the development of policies and procedures in the area of assignment. Ability to develop strategies to improve quality of service, performance, and budgetary/operational efficiency. Ability to review and approve work often regarding more complex or unique issues. May have approval authority. Ability to provide fiscal oversight for area and may be involved in full cycle budget creation and implementation for agency/university. Ability to ensure that fiscal rules and regulations are interpreted correctly, internal and external to the area of assignment.

Critical Thinking
Ability to manage complex work situations. Ability to anticipate potentially problematic situations; resolves unusual problems. Ability to develop solutions to unique problems and situations. Ability to implement response to a situation based on interpretation of local, state and federal rules/regulations and standards. Ability to ensure implementation of program policy and procedure changes to reduce risk. Ability to apply innovative solutions and/or engineering/architecture designs where appropriate.

Change Management
Ability to lead and direct the development and implementation of new rules, policies and/or procedures. May require ability to participate in the development and implementation of vision and mission statements.

Communication
Ability to communicate major and/or complex situations and actions, internal and external to the organization. Ability to interpret rules and regulations internal and external to the organization. Ability to serve as a technical resource in developing response to the media. Ability to review and approve more complex written reports or unique issues and ensures effective articulation of written conclusions. Ability to ensure that rules and regulations are interpreted correctly, internal and external to the organization. Ability to develop and maintain professional working relationships in complex and/or difficult situations in order to achieve work goals. Ability to seek appropriate input from others, internal and external to the program, prior to developing new policies and procedures. May require ability to act as representative to the media or act as an expert.

Minimum Training and Experience

Hold a professional degree in architecture or civil engineering. Possess an architectural license or be registered as a Professional Engineer, with the ability to obtain registration in North Carolina.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation

Possess an architectural license or be registered as a Professional Engineer, with the ability to obtain registration in North Carolina.

Management Preferences

Position Recruitment Range

Position Category

Position Category Staff

Position Status

Position Status Permanent Full Time

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Posting Number

Posting Number EHRA00579P

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 03/11/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

• Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, and education are listed on your application. Do not write ‘see resume’ on your application when completing the job duties section. • If you answer the supplemental questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers.

Priority consideration given to applicants who apply within the first 21 days

HR/EEO and Eligibility Statements

EHRA OSHR Statement: This position is Exempt from the State Human Resources Act.

AA/EEO Statement: Elizabeth City State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or sexual orientation.

Eligibility for Employment: You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Elizabeth City State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Elizabeth City State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Public Job Posting
- Internal Job Posting
- Agency Referral
- Advertisement/Publication
- Personal Referral
- Website
- Other
Are you a current employee of the university?
- Yes
- No
Do you hold a professional degree in architecture or civil engineering?
- Yes
- No
Do you possess an architectural license or are you registered as a Professional Engineer, with the ability to obtain registration in North Carolina?
- Yes
- No