Executive Director of Capital Planning and Project Management

Austin Peay State University; Clarksville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Peay State University is seeking an Executive Director of Capital Planning and Project Management to lead strategic capital projects and enterprise-wide transformations. You will oversee design, construction, and compliance while coordinating with state agencies and executive leadership.

The role requires building and guiding cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals and regulatory standards. Experience in higher education is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Business, Construction Management, or related field; Military equivalent accepted.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage strategic capital projects aligned with institutional priorities.
• Supervise 3 direct reports: 2 Architects/Project Managers and 1 Office Assistant.
• Oversee feasibility and engineering studies; ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Administer contracts with external contractors, architects, and engineers to ensure quality, timeliness, and budget adherence.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives and coordinate cross-functional teams across departments and partners.
• Develop and manage capital budgets; ensure procurement compliance and reporting to leadership.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting

Change management

Regulatory compliance

Higher education experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Business, Construction Management, or related field

Master's degree in Business, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Job description

The Executive Director of Capital Planning and Project Management is responsible for leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of both capital construction initiatives and enterprise-wide business transformation projects. This position ensures the successful delivery of infrastructure and organizational initiatives that align with institutional goals, regulatory standards, and operational efficiency. This position reports to the Vice President for Finance & Administration.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Planning, Design, and Construction

• Direct and manage the formulation and execution of strategic capital projects aligned with institutional priorities
• Supervise 3 direct reports: 2 x Architects/Project Managers and 1 x Office Assistant
• Manage the creation of feasibility and engineering studies
• Oversee architectural and engineering design processes, ensuring compliance with state laws and policies, relevant codes, and institutional standards
• Oversee all phases of capital construction projects from concept through closeout.
• Administer contracts with external contractors, architects, and engineers to ensure quality, timeliness, and budget adherence
• University Liaison with state agencies for approvals, inspections, and reporting coordination of university projects
• Establish and maintain relationships and communicate project status, progress, and issues to key stakeholders and project sponsors, both internal and external
• Responsible for the fulfillment and updating of the Campus Building Master Plan.

Enterprise Business Initiatives

• Lead cross-functional teams in the planning, execution, and closeout of complex, enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Ensure project delivery by aligning timelines, resources, and stakeholders across departments and external partners.

Oversee project schedules and milestones to achieve successful outcomes within scope and budget.

Budget & Compliance

• Develop and manage capital budgets ranging from lower-cost to multimillion-dollar initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership to manage enterprise initiative budgets.
• Ensure compliance with state procurement laws, grant requirements, and institutional policies.
• Prepare reports and presentations for executive leadership and governing boards.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise project managers, architects, and administrative staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a liaison between APSU and external vendors, consultants, and regulatory bodies.
• Maintain relationships as a university representative with counterparts in other public universities and state agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, including PMP certification standards.
• Proven ability to lead and manage large-scale projects and project teams over extended periods of time.
• Excellent project management skills, including scope, timeline, budget, and resource management.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills to collaborate with internal departments and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address system issues and project challenges.
• Ability to facilitate training plans and change management efforts to drive adoption of new systems and processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Capability to manage all phases of projects from concept through closeout, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Familiarity with higher education systems, workflows, and regulatory standards.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Business, Construction Management, or related field. Military equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive experience overseeing complex projects.
• Minimum 4 years of progressive supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business, Project Management, Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Supply Chain/Logistics, or related field. Military equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of a degree.
• 7 years of progressive experience leading and overseeing complex projects, including responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, and team coordination.
• Project Management Institute PMP® Certification or equivalent Project Management certification OR Lean Six Sigma certification OR significantly demonstrated experience in process improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience working with State Agencies and Legislative Committees.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.