Director Special Projects & Capital Improvements

ODYSEA AQUARIUM; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ODYSEA AQUARIUM seeks a Director of Special Projects & Capital Planning to shape the organization’s future through strategic capital investments and facility improvements. You will oversee projects from concept to completion, balance budgets, schedules, and governance, and ensure alignment with guest experience and safety standards.

The role requires leading cross-functional teams, coordinating with executives, vendors, and regulators, and delivering on-time, on-budget outcomes while maintaining

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Master’s degree is beneficial.
• Proven experience managing capital projects and construction initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital planning and multi-year improvement programs.
• Direct and manage projects from initiation to completion, including budgeting and scheduling.
• Coordinate design, construction, and contractor engagement to meet safety and quality standards.
• Develop and monitor capital budgets and forecasts; report status to leadership.
• Lead cross-functional special projects and coordinate with stakeholders across departments.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Stakeholder communication

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction/Engineering/Architecture or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management software

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Special Projects & Capital Planning plays a critical role in helping to shape the organization's future by ensuring capital investments, facility improvements, construction projects, and strategic initiatives are effectively planned, managed, and delivered to support exceptional guest experiences, operational efficiency, and long-term organizational success.

The Director will manage projects from concept through completion, including feasibility analysis, budgeting, design coordination, contractor management, project execution, and post-project evaluation. The role works collaboratively with executive leadership, departmental directors, accounting, vendors, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with organizational objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Capital Planning & Strategic Development

• Support the development and maintain a multi-year capital improvement plan aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Assist in evaluating facilities, infrastructure, and operational needs and recommend capital investments.
• Lead project feasibility studies, business case development, cost analyses, and return-on-investment assessments.
• Assist executive leadership in prioritizing capital expenditures and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare project justifications, capital budgets, schedules, and implementation plans.

Project Management

• Direct and manage capital projects from initiation through completion.
• Oversee construction, renovation, infrastructure, exhibit, guest experience, and facility improvement projects.
• Establish project scope, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project progress and proactively address risks, challenges, and schedule changes.
• Ensure projects meet quality, safety, operational, and financial expectations.

Design & Construction Management

• Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage design development, bidding processes, contract administration, and project execution.
• Review drawings, specifications, schedules, and construction documents.
• Conduct site inspections and monitor contractor performance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, permits, environmental regulations, and industry standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage project budgets and capital expenditure forecasts.
• Monitor expenditures and provide regular financial reporting and project status updates.
• Review and approve project invoices, change orders, and contractor payment requests.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and improved project efficiencies.
• Support annual capital budget planning and long-range financial forecasting.

Special Projects

• Lead cross-functional special projects assigned by executive leadership.
• Manage initiatives involving operational improvements, facility expansions, infrastructure upgrades, sustainability efforts, technology implementations, and other strategic priorities.
• Coordinate internal resources and external partners to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Develop project plans, milestones, accountability measures, and reporting mechanisms.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership regarding capital planning and project development.
• Foster strong relationships across departments to ensure project alignment and support.
• Lead project teams and facilitate effective communication among stakeholders.
• Present project recommendations, updates, and performance reports to leadership.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a culture of safety throughout all project activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, permitting, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Oversee contractor adherence to organizational safety standards and job-site protocols.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field required.
• Master's degree beneficial.

Experience

• Minimum of 6-10 years of progressively responsible experience managing capital projects, construction projects, facility improvements, or infrastructure initiatives.
• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects with significant budget responsibility.
• Proven experience managing contractors, consultants, and vendor relationships.
• Experience developing and administering capital budgets.
• Experience in attractions, hospitality, entertainment, tourism, cultural institutions, zoos, aquariums, museums, or related environments preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of project management principles and best practices.
• Thorough understanding of construction processes, facility systems, and capital planning methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control skills.
• Excellent organizational and analytical abilities.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Advanced proficiency with project management software and Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Certifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Other relevant professional certifications

Physical and Medical Requirements

• Successful completion of drug screening and background investigation.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, as well as walk.
• Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb stairs, or crawl.
• Required to frequently talk and hear.-
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch, balance, and agility of movement which might interfere with ability to work.
• Specific vision requirements for this position include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Must be able to take directional cues directly or indirectly.
• Ability to work in office environments, active construction areas, attraction facilities, and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including occasional extreme heat, cold, and wet and/or humid conditions.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.