Product Design Director jobs in Albany, NY

The State University Construction Fund (the "Fund") is currently seeking a Director of Design to join our Design and Construction team at our office in Albany, NY.

Offering a competitive salary and excellent benefits package, including New York State Pension/Retirement, Health Insurance (including Rx, Dental, and Vision), Vacation, Sick, Personal time, 13 paid holidays, Telecommuting, Paid parental leave, and much more!

The State University Construction Fund (Fund) supports the State University of New York (SUNY) through the design, construction and renovation of campus facilities and the ongoing replacement of critical infrastructure to support SUNY's educational programs. The Fund's mission is to expedite the design, construction, acquisition, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the SUNY system, while providing purpose-built facilities that fulfill the University's needs. The Fund designs and constructs projects that comply with all necessary regulations and allow for the improvement of campus programs and operations, with a focus on increased energy efficiency where opportunities exist. The Fund is ultimately responsible for the stewardship and appropriate use of New York State capital appropriations.

The Director of Design is a respected leader, technical resource, and resident expert on all aspects of the Fund's design processes and procedures and assists Fund staff to successfully execute capital projects. The Director provides leadership and guidance to the overall Design Unit. This leadership responsibility includes the overall direction of the Engineering unit and other design support functions within the Fund. In addition, the Director of Design serves as the executive interface with Fund Counsel on all design related issues. The Director of Design promotes and facilitates cooperation, information sharing and efficiency across all Fund departments, in an effort to optimize the quality of the delivery of the SUNY Capital Plan.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads the Fund's Design Unit and establishes and maintains an effective management community of practice for Design staff.
• Identifies skillsets, training opportunities and best practices for Design staff that enhance the technical capabilities of the Fund and contribute to successful project delivery.
• Mentors and develops project design management expertise across the Fund. Assesses design management capability, identifying gaps and working collaboratively with other managers to develop plans to optimize performance.
• Develops and refines the approach to administrative processes for the Design Unit.
• Manages and oversees the Quality Control aspects of Design & Construction including the Engineering unit, regulatory requirements (SEQRA, Code Compliance, SHPO, etc.) and the future expansion and improvement of Design & Construction's Quality Control efforts.
• Serves as executive level interface with Fund Counsel on all design related issues.
• Develops and refines processes and approach to the use of alternative project delivery methods, including Design-Build and Construction Manager at Risk (CM as Constructor (CMc)). Works closely with other Fund units in the development of quality procurements related to these methods.
• Develops a team approach across the organization and builds partnerships with the staff on SUNY campuses.
• Interacts with high-ranking SUNY staff on complex and challenging project issues and works toward resolutions.
• Represents the Fund with outside agencies and organizations, such as the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York (ACECNY), the Association of General Contractors (AGC), and SUNY Physical Plant Administrators Associations (SUNY PPAA/NYAPPA).
• Builds and maintains relationships with the leadership of private-sector design, construction and construction management firms and other business partners of the Fund.
• Works with the Director of Project Management and the Director of Construction to identify opportunities to improve project documentation and delivery, modify existing processes to align with industry best practices and promote optimal cooperation and collaboration amongst these groups.
• Ensures Design staff and project teams have the necessary tools to manage design projects successfully, develops and maintains written policies and procedures for Design staff to ensure process consistency across the organization and identifies and develops necessary training programs for Design staff to enhance professional development and improve project success.
• Develops and refines processes and organizational approach for constructability reviews of project design documents. Leads project risk identification and mitigation processes as required.
• Maintains a high level of communication with Project Teams and Regional Directors to monitor project activity and troubleshoot potential issues.
• Reviews and revises existing design agreements and SUCF directives on a regular basis. Collaborates with the Director of Project Management and the Director of Construction, and other Fund stakeholders to develop appropriate contract agreements, including those that utilize the Fund's Design-Build authority.
• Collaborates with the Director of Construction to ensure that necessary technical peer reviews are completed to a high level of quality to improve contract documents and reduce change order volume.
• Visits project construction sites as necessary to become sufficiently informed on issues.
• Participates/leads meetings as required and meets with campus officials on design related matters.
• Oversees yearly internal control audits of design management processes as required by policy to identify and mitigate organizational risk.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering or related technical field. Advanced degree in a related field is a plus. Professional License is a plus. Minimum of 15 years relevant experience in the building design and construction industry.

• Leadership experience in the design and construction field.
• Strong working knowledge of design and construction processes, practices, contracting procedures, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Experience with Net-Zero Carbon facilities or Deep Energy Retrofits is a plus.
• Design-Build expertise is a plus.
• Experience with litigation and mediation is a plus.
• Experience with construction of facilities for Higher Education is a plus.
• Must possess excellent writing skills and communication skills.
• Strong computer and Microsoft Office skills are required.
• Ability to attain and maintain certification as a Code Enforcement Official.
• Knowledge and experience with design and construction industry software such as MS Project, Primavera, Submittal Exchange, Procore, etc.
• Travel will be required as necessary to execute position duties.
• Supervisory experience is required.

This position does not require a NYS Civil Service examination.

Additional Information:

Salary range: $133,453 - $185,851 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Note on Telecommuting: After six months of employment, employees are eligible to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute a limited number of days, according to the Fund's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

About Us
Located in beautiful downtown Albany, NY, the State University Construction Fund is a New York State entity dedicated solely to the State University of New York's building and infrastructure assets at 32 campuses and 3 teaching hospitals. We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence and diversity.

For more information, please visit our careers page at https://sucf.suny.edu/about/careers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $133,453.00 - $185,851.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person