Design Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

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About Us
Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,00 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values https://www.augusta.edu/about/mission.php make Augusta University an institution like no other.
Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state.
The University System of Georgia https://www.usg.edu/hr/orientation/welcome_to_the_board_of_regents_university_system_office is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Location
Augusta University
Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912
Our Summerville Campus: 2500 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904
College/Department Information
Providing the highest level of quality service in a responsive and efficient manner to the entire university community while creating and caring for a physical environment in which those who seek knowledge, enlightenment and well-being enjoy successful, productive, and fulfilled lives. Facilities Services Division provides quality customer service by maintaining a safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing environment in which students, faculty, and staff can function and accomplish their educational objectives and by supporting a patient care culture that continuously improves. Facilities Services' responsibilities include Interior and Exterior Facilities Support, Construction, Space Management, and Environmental Services.
Job Summary
Provides senior-level, strategic leadership, oversight, and day-to-day direction of the planning, design, and construction activities for all Augusta University facilities. Responsible for the successful and timely completion of a designated program of renovation and new construction capital projects. Manages the programming and design process of large and small-capital projects for new university facilities and specific maintenance, repair, and renovation projects for approximately 160 existing university buildings. Responsible for leading all campus planning initiatives as well as overseeing the execution of all university construction contracts from vendor selection to final inspection. Serves in the role as the university facility ADA compliance coordinator overseeing the identification, assessment, and corrective actions required for modifying existing physical facilities to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) codes and guidelines. Establishes performance metrics to measure effectiveness of the Planning Design and Construction team and develops improvement initiatives to continuously improve the timeliness and quality of the project delivery process.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Leadership - Collaborates closely with other Facilities directorates and space management on Facilities related issues.
Works closely with Director, Facilities Operations to create and maintain a comprehensive list of potential large and small-capital projects. Leads the submission of bi-annual capital plans to USG.
Oversees the development of key planning initiatives that foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement as related to the project delivery process within PDC.
Establishes and builds strong professional relationships with industry professionals and local contractors.
Thoroughly assess performance of PDC team members and provides guidance and feedback related to performance; completes detailed annual performance evaluations for staff.
Mentors PDC staff related to career development and long-term goals.
Delivers project-related status updates as required to university leadership as well as issuing regular progress status reports.
Provides leadership and direction to approximately 10 university project managers, architects, coordinators, and administrative staff.
Reviews the progress of PDC staff assigned projects frequently and provides guidance related to resolution of project related questions.
Oversees the assignment of new projects based on staff workloads and capabilities.
Meets regularly with the PDC team to review university initiatives and adjust workloads as needed.
Trains staff on new procedures and processes as well as providing training on university and departmental policies.
Assesses effective approaches to project delivery methods and recommends appropriate direction for procurement of vendor services.
Maintains positive working relationships with University System of Georgia (USG} Real Estate and Facilities staff and shares updates with PDC staff as appropriate.
Project Delivery - Responsible for the overall planning, programming, design, construction, and acceptance of capital improvement projects for the university.
Oversees the assessment, completion, and review of selected consultant studies and other evaluations.
Continuously assesses the project delivery process from initiation through warranty period to identify, develop, and implement improvements.
Utilizes approved procedures and policies to select and procure design professionals, consultants, and contractors based on best practices for each project.
Ensures PDC staff are delivering projects that are timely, cost-effective, and of high quality workmanship.
Ensures all new projects and renovation project designs meet or exceed current ADA codes and requirements.
Responsible for the project design, review, design professional selection, contract management, and communications for assigned MRR projects.
Develops effective tools to communicate and present information to university leadership and other stakeholders.
Responsible for thorough reviews of project costs ensuring they align with available budgets.
Self-manages selected capital projects as assigned.
Campus Planning - Leads campus planning efforts by developing and analyzing facility and land-use requirements, conducting site planning, and overseeing selection of master plan consultants.
Oversees the development, review, and adherence to existing and new campus master plans and capital projects plans.
Identifies ADA deficiencies related to university facilities and responds to inquiries related to potential ADA code conflicts and develops plans to address and correct known deficiencies.
Communications - Consistently provide professional, accurate, tactful, and timely written and verbal communications to Facilities staff, USG, university leadership, and other stakeholders.
Initiates comprehensive and effective communication standards ensuring stakeholder needs are met and priorities are represented.
Establishes and maintains positive, respectful, collaborative working relationships with all levels of university staff and USG staff.
Develop and lead group presentations and meetings including work groups and committees as assigned.
Provides comprehensive and frequent status updates on Planning Design & Construction initiatives as directed.
Other - Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in construction management, engineering, architecture, building science or related field with at least seven (7) years of experience in facilities planning, design, and construction. Minimum of five (5) years of experience leading design and construction management teams in a multi-building institutional environment or engineering/ architectural firm specializing in the design and construction of institutional facilities. V alid Drivers License to operate AU vehicles.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Educational Qualifications
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Building Sciences and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience of document leadership in the design/construction field related to institution facilities project management. A Professional Engineers (PE) license or American Institute of Architects (AIA) certified preferred.
Preferred Experience
A minimum of five years health care project management experience. CHFM designation and PE or NCARB Licenses preferred not required. Direct knowledge of compliance requirements as they relate to an academic campus setting.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Strong attention to detail, judgement, and discretionary with respect to confidential information.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge of institutional facilities management and operations including program management, facilities design, construction methods, contract management, USG methods, and multi-building infrastructure systems as related to a university campus or similar.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and other related computer software/database systems.
SKILLS
Must be forward-thinking, problem solver, and propose sound solutions.
Excellent verbal/written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
Shift/Salary/Benefits
Shift: Days/M-F (work outside of the normal business hours will likely be required of an employee in an exempt level position)
Pay Band: 18
Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position
Recruitment Period: 8/4/26 - Until Filled
Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.
Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.
Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Conditions of Employment
All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.
If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.
Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.
For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.
Driver's License Statement
The Human Resources Division will request a driver's history report for the identified top candidate(s) for this position. We will initiate this through our Background Check Vendor; this report will come from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.
Other Information
This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."
Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
How To Apply
Consider applying with us today!
Applicants are encouraged to tailor their resumes to the position of interest by clearly highlighting relevant work experience and skills gained from previous employment. Resumes should reflect how your background aligns with the qualifications and responsibilities of the role.
https://www.augusta.edu/hr/jobs/
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