Senior Director, Project Programming

San Jose State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 16,000 - 17,938; Full time

Job summary

San Jose State University seeks a Senior Director, Project Programming to provide strategic leadership for the University’s Project Programming unit. You will oversee planning, programming and execution of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects, directing multi‑million‑dollar programs while ensuring regulatory compliance, budgets and schedules.

You will collaborate with university leadership, external agencies, architects, engineers and contractors to advance growth and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Project management

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

AI awareness

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration or Management

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, the position develops long‑range capital plans, manages multi‑million‑dollar construction programs, and ensures 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, and leads professional staff toward continuous improvement, innovation and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, programming and delivery of complex capital construction and infrastructure projects from concept through 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 delivery.
• Oversee consultants, contractors, architects, engineers and construction teams to ensure quality, safety, cost control and adherence to 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 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 experience 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, organisational 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 lead multidisciplinary teams across internal and external organisations.
• Strong technical knowledge of facilities planning, design, engineering, construction and project delivery systems.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, sustainability and emerging technologies, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to lead organisational 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 5 to 10 years.

License

A valid driver's licence is required. Out‑of‑state candidates must obtain a California driver's licence within 10 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Compensation & Benefits

Classification: Administrator III
Salary Range: $16,000–$17,938 per month (anticipated). CSU Salary Range: $6,891–$22,119 per month.
Annual base salary will be commensurate with experience.

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary.

Equal Employment Statement

San Jose State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination based on age, ancestry, caste, colour, 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. 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 programmes and activities operated by the university. Reasonable accommodation is made for applicants with disabilities who self‑disclose.