Director, Construction and Design

Job Summary:

Responsible for overseeing the planning, design, and execution of construction projects, ensuring quality, safety, and budget compliance. Coordinates with architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed to design specifications and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions:

• Project Oversight: Direct and monitor construction projects from conception through completion, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and building codes.
• Design Coordination: Collaborate with architects, engineers, and design teams to translate plans into actionable workflows.
• Resource Management: Allocate materials, labor, and equipment efficiently while managing budgets and schedules.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary liaison between clients, contractors, government agencies, and the community.
• Risk and Compliance Management: Identify potential risks, implement mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and environmental standards.
• Team Leadership: Lead, supervise and mentor project managers, superintendents, designers, and estimators to achieve project goals.
• Review construction documents to assure compliance with University standards and specific program of requirements and design intent. Review and approve project submittals, including shop drawings, schedules, pay applications, and other correspondence.

Additional Position Information:

Education:

Requires bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or related field.

Licenses/Certifications/Requirements:

Valid Ohio Driver’s License. Professional licensure as an architect, engineer, or construction-related certification preferred.

Experience:
Requires a minimum of 10 years in construction or design management, with progressively responsible leadership experience. Proficiency in construction software, blueprint reading, project scheduling, AutoCAD and cost estimation required. Strong strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving abilities to manage complex projects and diverse teams.

Leadership:

Direct supervision as a first-line supervisor over exempt staff (and nonexempt staff, if applicable).

Physical Requirements:

Light physical effort required involving stooping and bending; individual has limited discretion about walking, standing, etc.; occasionally lifting of lightweight objects (up to 25 lbs.).

Working Conditions:

Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded working conditions and/or minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems. Near continuous use (>70% of the time) of a video display terminal.

Compensation: Starting salary is $110,000; final compensation will be commensurate with experience.

Learn more about benefits at The University of Akron:

Application Instructions: To apply for this position, please complete the online application and attach your resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: May 21, 2026.

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Email:

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

All About UA

The University of Akron empowers our people to flourish by delivering an applied and community-connected educational experience and cultivating research excellence. Leveraging our passion and expertise, we create innovative academic opportunities, support the well-being of our students and employees, and prioritize community embeddedness and engagement to impact lives through transformative experience. Through this focus, UA aspires to be the leader in community-focused higher education.

The University of Akron is a lifelong learning partner, recognizing and valuing diverse learning experiences and combining traditional classroom experiences with innovative and robust approaches.

As Zips, we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees, cultivate a culture and community where all can flourish, and act as responsible stewards of our resources and infrastructure by leveraging data to differentiate our processes and systems.

We leverage our urban campus as a responsive and reliable partner to identify and meet the needs of the region. We intentionally contribute to economic and workforce development and civic life through research, innovation and engagement to provide community-embedded experiential learning opportunities that will enhance the UA experience for all students.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about shaping and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, experts, artists and leaders.

For more information about The University of Akron or the Akron community please visit our About UA page.

Benefits

The University of Akron offers a competitive total compensation package comprised of a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits for eligible employees including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, and paid leave of absences including time off for illness, vacation, and maternity or paternity leave. In addition, eligible employees and their dependents are provided tuition remission. All staff and eligible non-bargaining unit faculty have the option to request a Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA). The University of Akron participates in state retirement systems and offers alternative retirement options with competitive employer contributions. Optional investment opportunities are available including deferred compensation programs (403(b) and 457(b)). Please visit our benefits home page for more information.