To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

Director of Planning, Design, Construction and Renovation

Department:     Facilities Planning & Management            

Unit:                 Professional Administrative Exempt

Salary:               Grade 111 - Specific salary based on experience

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Planning, Design, Construction & Renovation is responsible for directing all facets of planning, design process and contracting relationships between Grand Rapids Public Schools and its professional service providers, administrating all facets of construction, and contracting relationships between Grand Rapids Public Schools and its contractors, and assuring the integrity and over-all quality of all new construction and renovation. This position reports to the Executive Director of Facilities and Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Represent the interests of the Grand Rapids Public Schools for all new construction and renovation projects.
• Evaluate all design and construction related projects and contracts to ensure that the Grand Rapids Public School’s standards for quality, component use and liability exposures are properly addressed.
• Provide & direct construction observation to assess that the requirements of the contract documents have been satisfied.
• Schedule with affected departments any interruptions of school activities and utilities related to construction projects.
• Maintain records of each construction contract that will withstand legal and audit scrutiny.
• Review, approve and process all pay requests for all prime contractors and professional service contracts.
• Directs the one-year warranty phase of projects and reports items requiring correction.
• Analyzes and interprets school enrollment data and assist the Executive Director of Facilities and Operations with all District space planning and building use.
• Recommends school sites, boundary changes and site expansions.
• Develops program design manuals and budgets for each construction or renovation projects.
• Works cooperatively with other divisions and departments in responding to schools’ requests for technical assistants and instructional support as related to facility’s needs.
• Assists in preparing bidder qualifications, advertisements for bids and contract awards.
• Provide on-going review of new products, techniques, and materials for potential use by Grand Rapids Public Schools.
• Responsible to develop and maintain the District’s Design Standards, and Facilities Education Standards. Works closely with the IT Department to identify current technology needs.
• Monitor and provide technical input to assure over-all compliance with rules, regulations, codes and appropriate use of materials and their assembly.
• Manages the work by “Owner” portion of projects, includes coordinating the installation of all N.I.C. separate contract items for the completion of the project.
• Consult with and assist other staff, supervisors, managers and Executive Director with recommendations and solutions to problems.
• Select, recommend and/or evaluate the appropriate professional service firms for architectural, engineering and testing services.
• Assist the Executive Director in the development of annual budgets and monitor the proper use of the financial and human resources necessary for all projects development.
• Assist Executive Director with costs control through the efficient use of department and District resources, including personnel and budgetary.
• Direct space planning and interior design projects to include programming, design, code analysis, estimation, installation, inspection, and contract administration.
• Establish and maintain efficient and effective procedures and criteria for periodic facility condition inspections and evaluations of all District facilities, and annually prepare a written report on the serviceability and condition of all buildings and facilities with recommendations.
• Responsible for bringing together diverse groups within the district for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information to all GRPS audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work with staff from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and expectations.
• Interact with administration, staff, students, parents, and community members in positive, supportive, and cooperative ways.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Engineering. A Construction Management degree may be considered.
• Five [5] years’ experience in managing multiple/diverse planning and construction projects.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional license.
• Experience with elected officials and government institutions, school districts, municipalities, and private corporations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong background in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry with proven experience and knowledge and an emphasis on problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to:

1. Bring multiple, diverse stakeholders together to achieve a shared mission.
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively present information and appropriately respond to questions from all internal/external customers, constituency groups and the media.
3. Demonstrated ability and desire to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with diverse stakeholders and always present a professional presence.
4. Demonstrated ability to assess customers short-term needs and anticipate long term requirements.
5. Exposure to the design and construction functions of Owner, Architect/Engineering and Contractor. Required.
6. Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Word, Excel, photoshop, SketchUp, blue bim and other necessary software programs; capable and willing to learn new software.
7. Knowledge of building codes and regulations pertaining to school buildings, their maintenance, renovation, and construction; including Life Safety (State Fire Marshall guidelines), ADA (Federal law), BOCA (Building codes), AHERA (asbestos guidelines and requirements), Lead Paint, and Playgrounds.
8. Capable and willing to obtain certifications on behalf of GRPS.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate both orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at (616) 819-2022 or humanresources@grps.org.