Senior Director, Project Programming

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

Job summary

San José State University seeks a Senior Director, Project Programming to lead the planning, programming, and execution of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects. You will collaborate with campus leadership, external agencies, architects, engineers, and contractors to advance the University’s physical development and strategic priorities.

This role establishes standards, manages budgets and schedules, ensures regulatory compliance, and mentors staff toward continuous

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning in managing complex capital construction programs.
• Extensive knowledge of project management principles and public works practices.
• Ability to develop and monitor budget and schedules.
• Excellent communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, programming, and delivery of complex capital construction projects from concept to closeout.
• Develop long-range capital plans and align priorities with University objectives.
• Direct budgets, schedules, procurement, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, and construction teams for quality and safety.
• Establish standards and ensure compliance with CSU, public works, and building regulations.
• Build partnerships with campus leadership, government agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Lead departmental operations, manage resources, and drive process improvements.
• Supervise and develop professional staff to achieve high performance.
• Represent Facilities Development & Operations on campus committees and capital planning initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Budgeting & scheduling

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Facilities planning

Change management

AI awareness

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.

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.

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.

License

A valid driver’s license is required for this position. Out of state candidates selected for the position must obtain a 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.

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.

Benefits

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.

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.