Director of Design & Construction

Great Parks’ design team has been hard at work designing and building big and innovative projects that will rejuvenate park infrastructure and build new facilities where families in our region will make memories that last a lifetime. Our team is looking for an experienced and collaborative AEC professional to lead our design and construction teams in delivering these projects to the public. Join us and contribute to projects that prepare our region for a bright future as part of a workplace committed to equity and work-life balance. 

Be a part of an inclusive organization that enriches the region by inspiring nature-based experiences, celebrating cultural heritage and building strong and healthy communities through our dedicated staff, volunteers, and friends.

Please include resume and cover letter in your application. Candidates selected for an in-person interview will be asked to bring a portfolio of design work.

This position will direct and provide leadership to the design & construction teams with respect to site, infrastructure, building, and building systems design and construction. Maintains responsibility for planning, developing, administering and achieving design and construction teams’ goals and objectives, and for providing leadership and coordination of work in accordance with Great Parks’ master plan, strategic plan, policies, and requirements.

The successful candidate will perform the following:

• Provides leadership and development to the design & construction teams.
• Manages in accordance with delegated authority, and Great Parks’ policies, applicable laws, and regulations.
• Maintains responsibility for the timely and effective accomplishment of the delegated mission of the design and construction teams, and for accomplishing the strategic goals in accordance with Great Parks’ Comprehensive Master Plan, Park & Facility Master Plan, strategic plan and initiatives.
• Responsible for recruiting talent and monitoring performance of the design and construction teams. Manages various employee levels and makes major personnel decisions in consultation with the Chief of the Planning Division, Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Human Resources.
• Delegates job responsibilities, maintains effective organizational communications, and consistently follows sound management principles and practices. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the agency’s rules, policies, and applicable laws.
• Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates performance of assigned staff.
• Establishes priorities, performance requirements, and professional development targets that are connected to the agency’s goals, objectives and initiatives.
• Regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development.
• Provides recommendations related to hiring, compensation and other rewards to recognize performance.
• Takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies in conjunction with Human Resources.
• Maintains responsibility for the quality, timeliness, and budgets of architectural, engineering, and landscape architectural improvement projects executed within the Planning Division.
• Coordinates with other divisions in the planning of parkland and facilities.
• Manages the capital improvement process for projects delivered within the Planning Division including priorities, budget, design, workflows, construction and construction scheduling and assigning project management responsibilities to design and construction teams.
• Projects delivered within the division include park improvements, major infrastructure repair and replacement, new facilities, and facility improvements.
• Responsible for the implementation of the Comprehensive Master Plan and Park and Facility Master Plan in coordination with senior management and the Director of Planning to support the mission, vision and strategic plans of the park district as it relates to planning and capital improvement projects.
• Develops goals and vision for architectural, engineering, and landscape architectural improvement projects executed within the Planning & Design Division for confirmation with senior leadership.
• Ensures aesthetic and experiential qualities of architectural, engineering, and landscape architectural works are consistent with Great Parks’ identity, brand, and placemaking strategies as they relate to such work.
• Ensures architectural, engineering, and landscape architectural works are consistent with sustainability and other organizational goals and policies.
• In coordination with the Director of Planning, makes recommendations to division chief and then senior leadership for 2-, 5-, and 10-year capital implementation plans.
• Maintains responsibility for management and coordination of contractors and consultants to ensure the highest quality of capital improvements, appropriate legal bidding process, and appropriate expenditure of funds.
• Oversees selection of consultants to ensure selection of most qualified team per project objectives and in accordance with Great Parks’ master plan, strategic plan, policies, and requirements.
• Recommends expenditures on capital projects based upon approved budget. Develops budget requests based upon project cost estimates.
• Develops and implements departmental expenditure budgets and maintains responsibility for monitoring and controlling expenditures within approved budget. Approves purchasing requests.
• Makes formal presentations and speaks before groups concerning park planning and development.
• Performs job duties in accordance with Great Parks’ policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
• Maintains confidentiality of confidential and sensitive information.
• Works assigned schedule, exhibits regular and punctual attendance and works outside of normal schedule as required.
• Supervises volunteers for projects.
• Represents Great Parks by serving on internal and external committees.
• Utilizes and promotes environmentally sustainable practices and processes.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

An appropriate combination of education, training, course work and experience may qualify an applicant to demonstrate required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of an acceptable qualification is:

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Engineering or related field is required.

A minimum of five years of experience that evidences a thorough knowledge of design, construction, and project management.

Experience leading a team preferred.

Ability to document identity and employment eligibility within three (3) days of original appointment as a condition of employment in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act requirements.

LICENSE OF CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License that meets GPHC current carrier guidelines. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Ohio or registration as a Landscape Architect in the State of Ohio.

The typical salary range for this position will be $104,551.00 - $130,689.00 depending on experience.

We offer an excellent benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation, 11 holidays and sick time; enrollment in Ohio Public Employees Retirement System and free or discounted use of many Great Parks of Hamilton County recreational activities.

Great Parks is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other classification protected under applicable law.