Assistant Vice President of Capital Planning and Institutional Projects Posted: January 31, 2025 Position Code: 190

Position Description:

Under the direction of the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (SVP/COO), the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Capital Planning and Institutional Projects will oversee and guide the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of capital projects for the institution. This role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and contractors to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and goals. The AVP will manage project scopes, timelines, and budgets, ensuring projects are executed efficiently and meet regulatory compliance and institutional standards. Additionally, the AVP will lead efforts to develop long-term capital planning initiatives that align with the institution’s mission.

Position Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the SVP/COO, Director of Facilities, and other institutional leaders to develop and implement a comprehensive capital planning strategy. Lead the planning and execution of large and small-scale institutional projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, timelines, and budgets. Oversee the preparation and management of project budgets, ensuring financial accountability and timely processing of purchase orders, invoices, and contracts. Ensure adherence to campus design standards, sustainability goals, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, and other external partners to ensure successful project delivery. Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to address challenges proactively. Facilitate communication and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure transparency and alignment throughout project lifecycles. Coordinate project closeout activities, including inspections, certifications, and turnover of completed facilities to institutional operations. Lead the development of institutional policies and procedures for capital planning and project management to enhance operational efficiency. Support the SVP/COO in preparing and presenting reports, including capital planning updates, project status, and budget summaries to institutional leadership. Represent the institution in negotiations and contract discussions with external partners and regulatory agencies. During declared campus emergencies, perform specific job-related duties at a designated off-campus location or place of residence. Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned by the SVP/COO.

Position Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field is required. A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or a related discipline is preferred. Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams. Strong understanding of capital planning, project management principles, and construction management. Knowledge of sustainability practices, regulatory compliance, and campus design standards. Proficiency in managing project budgets and financial forecasting. Skilled in risk assessment, mitigation, and contract negotiation. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in capital planning, construction management, or a related field. Experience in higher education or multi-building property management is strongly preferred.

Licensing Requirements:

    A valid driver’s license is required.

EXPECTATIONS OF ALL EMPLOYEES: 

Employees are expected to:

 Comply with institutional policies and procedures. Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information.  Work efficiently and prioritize institutional objectives.  Attend departmental and institutional meetings, training sessions, and apply new information learned.  Collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners. Serve on committees and attend institutional events as required.  Demonstrate accountability and a commitment to professional development.

NATURE OF THE WORK:

Physical Requirements:

Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands to handle or control objects, tools, or equipment. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Noise levels are generally moderate but may be loud during site visits. Exposure to varying weather conditions during site inspections may occur.

Application Materials Should Include:

Resume Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Vaccinations and Remote Work

This is an on-campus position as employees are essential in order to provide a fully on-campus, residential college experience for our students and the community.

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster for which an individual may be eligible are highly recommended for students, faculty and staff. Merrimack College does not require proof of COVID vaccination for enrollment, employment or to be a guest on our campus.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission and values.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,000 undergraduate and 1,700 graduate students from 43 states and 42 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has five schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy and the Girard school of business. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 37th in the Regional Universities North category in 2025. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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