Senior Director, Project Programming

The California State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 192,000 - 265,428; Full time

Job summary

San José State University seeks a Senior Director to lead the Project Programming unit, directing planning, programming, and execution of complex capital construction programs. You will develop long-range capital plans and oversee multimillion-dollar projects, ensuring regulatory compliance, budgets, and schedules while collaborating with university leadership and external partners.

You will guide professional staff, drive continuous improvement, and promote innovation in project delivery across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Experience in leading large capital programs or projects.
• Strong understanding of budgets, schedules, and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, programming, and delivery of complex capital construction projects from concept to closeout.
• Develop long-range capital planning strategies aligned with university goals.
• Direct project budgets, schedules, procurement, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee consultants, architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure quality and safety.
• Establish project management standards and ensure compliance with CSU and state regs.
• Build partnerships with campus leadership and external stakeholders.
• Lead department operations, directing resources and improving processes.
• Coach and evaluate staff to foster high performance.
• Represent Facilities Development & Operations on committees and capital planning initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Staff development

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or relevant technical fields

Job description

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Project Programming provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University's Project Programming unit, directing the planning, programming, and execution of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities, Development & Operations, this position is responsible for developing long-range capital plans, managing multimillion-dollar construction programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, budgets, schedules, and quality standards. The role collaborates with senior university leadership, external agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors to advance the University's physical development while supporting institutional priorities. This position also provides leadership for professional staff and drives continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across project delivery.

Job Summary

The Senior Director, Project Programming provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University's Project Programming unit, directing the planning, programming, and execution of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President of Facilities, Development & Operations, this position is responsible for developing long-range capital plans, managing multimillion-dollar construction programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, budgets, schedules, and quality standards. The role collaborates with senior university leadership, external agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors to advance the University's physical development while supporting institutional priorities. This position also provides leadership for professional staff and drives continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence across project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, programming, and delivery of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects from concept through project closeout.
• Develop and implement long-range capital planning strategies, operational goals, and project priorities aligned with University objectives.
• Direct project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, risk management, and regulatory compliance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Oversee consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, and construction teams to ensure quality, safety, cost control, and adherence to project specifications.
• Establish project management standards, policies, and best practices while ensuring compliance with CSU, public works, and applicable building regulations.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with campus leadership, government agencies, and external stakeholders to support capital improvement initiatives.
• Lead departmental operations by establishing strategic direction, managing resources, improving processes, and ensuring exceptional customer service.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate professional staff, fostering employee development, accountability, and high-performance teams.
• Represent Facilities Development & Operations on campus committees, advisory boards, and capital planning initiatives while advancing the University's strategic growth.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning skills in managing complex capital construction programs.
• Extensive knowledge of project management principles, construction administration, and public works practices.
• Strong understanding of construction codes, regulatory compliance, and applicable CSU, State, and Federal requirements.
• Ability to develop, manage, and monitor complex budgets, schedules, and multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound business decisions.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships and successfully lead multidisciplinary teams across the University and external organizations.
• Strong technical knowledge of facilities planning, design, engineering, construction, and project delivery systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability, and emerging technologies, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to lead organizational change while maintaining high levels of customer service and operational excellence.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, or relevant technical fields
• Previous experience as a Project Manager, Program Manager, or in a similar leadership role, typically with 5 to 10 years of experience.
  
  

License

A valid driver's license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a State of California driver's license within 10 days of hire in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Once hired the employee must successfully complete the Defensive Driver Training Program provided by the State of California for California State University campuses.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting capital planning, facilities, or construction programs within a higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organization
• Experience managing multiple concurrent capital projects with responsibility for budgets, schedules, consultant and contractor coordination, and regulatory compliance
  
  

Compensation

Classification: Administrator III

Anticipated Hiring Range: $16,000/month - $17,938/month

CSU Salary Range: $6,891/month - $22,119/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience.

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary .

Application Procedure

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: July 13, 2026, through July 28, 2026. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

Contact Information

People and Culture

[e-mail]

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measures established by each campus. The system wide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/ and questions may be sent to [e-mail] .

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment, and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third-party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

All San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. Incumbent is also required to promptly report any knowledge of a possible Title IX related incident to the Title IX Office or report any discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Education Code 89521 Requirements:

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Campus Housing Fire Safety Notification:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the Annual Security Report (ASR) is also now available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Security-Report.pdf. The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and Sexual Assault prevention information, and information about drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery crimes for San José State University locations for the three most recent calendar years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the Office of the Clery Director by phone at 408-924-1501 or by email at [e-mail] .

Pursuant to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, the Annual Fire Safety Report (AFSR) is also available for viewing at https://www.sjsu.edu/clery/docs/SJSU-Annual-Fire-Safety-Report.pdf . The purpose of this report is to disclose statistics for fires that occurred within SJSU on-campus housing facilities for the three most recent calendar years, and to distribute fire safety policies and procedures intended to promote safety on Campus. A paper copy of the AFSR is available upon request by contacting the Housing Office by phone at 408-795-5600 or by email at [e-mail] .

Campus Security Authority - In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and CSU systemwide policy, this position is subject to ongoing review for designation as a Campus Security Authority. Individuals that are designated as Campus Security Authorities are required to immediately report Clery incidents to the institution and complete Clery Act training as determined by the university Clery Director.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military status, nationality, race, religion, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotype, and veteran status. This policy applies to all San José State University students, faculty, and staff, as well as university programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus). Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. San José State University employees are considered mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and are required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.