Job Summary: The Director of Capital Planning and Construction is an administrative, exempt position with Olympia School District. This position is responsible for the District’s capital projects, from planning through construction and including management of the District’s Capital Projects Fund. The position supervises employees and contractors working on capital projects, and works closely and cooperatively with the Executive Director of Operations, Supervisor of Grounds and Maintenance, Technology Department and Building Administrators.

Olympia School District facilities include eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, one regional academy, and the Knox Administrative Center. Ancillary facilities include the Transportation Center, Support Services Center, and Ingersoll Stadium. The District is currently planning for future facility upgrades, modernizations, and potential educational program changes.

Best to apply by May 16, 2025.

This 8.0 hpd continuing position is Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week, 260 days per year.

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance benefits, as administered by the School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB). Final benefit eligibility to be determined at time of hire. Employees are eligible to enroll in the Department of Retirement Services (DRS) SERS plan (classified employees) or TERS plan (certificated employees), as well as the DRS Deferred Compensation Program. Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead and administer all functions of the Capital Planning and Construction. Supervise and mentor members of the department. Facilitate and model a culture of teamwork and collaboration which encourages staff to provide ongoing input into decisions which affect their work and engages staff in problem solving and strategic planning to maximize efficiency, effectiveness and customer service.
Work directly with the Capital Planning & Construction Team, other district administrators, and staff, contractors, architects, engineers, city staff, and the general public as a key representative of the District.
Direct planning, design, safety and construction of all capital improvement projects, oversees project management.
Lead, supervise and enforce effective safety procedures, maintain safe working conditions, and facilitate communication and training to prevent injuries and address safety concerns and risks.
Coordinates scheduling and budgeting of all building construction, renovation and other capital projects.
Develops and annually updates comprehensive Capital Facilities Plan.
Responsible for the planning, budgeting, design, bidding, construction, purchasing and warranty procedures for all capital projects.
Manages the bond process in collaboration with the Executive Director of Finance and Capital Planning and the Executive Director of Operations.
Leads development of education specifications and early budgetary parameters.
Leads architect selection processes, negotiates and finalizes all architect/engineering contracts.
Manages Capital Projects Fund--review and approve budget expenditures, monitor progress of contracted work and approve payment requests.
Works with state, city and county agencies regarding district projects, land use issues, building requirements and planning procedures.
Develops and implements District facilities construction standards and specifications. Coordinates with building administrators and staff to align capital construction/modernization with education program needs and goals. Determines facility design requirements that support current and future District instructional goals. Develops and maintains written facility space standards to describe and promote these requirements throughout all projects.
Monitors potential opportunities for land acquisition.
Monitors state grant resources and processes.
Supports the District financial objectives and funding process by preparing estimates, making recommendations related to major new building and renovation expenditures, and by collecting and analyzing historic project cost data relative to national and local economic trends.
Advises Superintendent and Executive Director of Finance and Capital Planning of policy, fiscal, contractual or legal items requiring review or action and leads community-wide planning efforts.
ADA Facility Requirements.
Master Facility Plan & Long-Range Planning.
Maintains professional certifications, required training, and education requirements and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
Other duties as assigned by the superintendent or designee.

Reporting Relationship:

This position is assigned to the Capital Planning & Construction office located at the Knox Administrative Center and reports directly to the Executive Director of Finance and Capital Planning. This position also coordinates work with the district’s maintenance and operations staff.

Conditions:

Experiences frequent interruptions; occasionally required to work around heavy machinery with moving parts, hazardous chemicals, and high noise levels; occasionally required to work outdoors in inclement weather and at heights; required to travel to district and other sites within the community; required to work extended hours as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related engineering field from an accredited college or university. Or 6 years’ experience as Construction Project Manager, Construction Project Superintendent managing public or commercial projects can be substitute for education requirement.
Professional licensing or registration preferred, Registered Architect or Project Management Professional (PMP) or Professional Engineer (PE) preferred.
Experience with school design and construction preferred.

Desired Knowledge and Skills:

Technical knowledge of architecture or engineering.
Knowledge of the building construction trades and crafts, including mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, electrical power systems, communication, security, landscaping, and civil work.
Working knowledge of IBC, WAC, and RCW requirements.
Working knowledge of contract documents, general conditions, special and supplementary conditions, public works bidding, prevailing wages laws, and project retainage requirements.
Knowledge of fiscal management practices and procedures; ability to develop and monitor project budgets.
Effectively communicate both verbally and in writing; speak in public; lead and/or participate in staff meetings, project meetings, and in training sessions. Effectively communicate with state and local agencies, design professionals, contractors, vendors, and the general public.
Skills in decision making and problem solving.
Strong analytical, program management and supervisory skills.
Skills in obtaining, clarifying, and exchanging information.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and maintain good follow-through procedures.
Ability to work under pressure and meet established deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of people.
Strong human relations skills with a commitment to nurturing a culture of teamwork, support and appropriate accountability. Demonstrated history of emotional stability as well as a positive outlook, a cooperative attitude, confidence, integrity, humility, sympathy and diplomacy in working with staff and stakeholders.
Ability to climb a ladder up to 15-feet high.
Ability to participate as a member of a team.

Licenses/Special Requirements

Valid Washington State’s Driver’s License.

Professional licensing or registration is preferred.

Criminal Justice fingerprint clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer – James Whitehead, (360) 596-8545, jwhitehead@osd.wednet.edu; Executive Director of Elementary Education – Autumn Lara, (360) 596-8534, alara@osd.wednet.edu; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) – Ken Turcotte, (360) 596-7530, 06/04/24 1997-60 klturcotte@osd.wednet.edu; ADA Coordinator (Staff) – Starla Hoff, (360) 596-6185, shoff@osd.wednet.edu; Affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator – Scott Niemann, (360) 596-6185, sniemann@osd.wednet.edu. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506.

The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: (360) 596-6185 or TDD: (360) 596-7537 or FAX: 360-596-6181.

Director of Capital Planning & Construction