Posting Timeline

　　PPS strongly encourages and recommends everyone who is able, to be vaccinated and remain current on the COVID-19 vaccine.

　　This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.

　　Position Details

　　THE OPPORTUNITY:

　　Portland Public Schools (PPS or District) and the Office of School Modernization are currently recruiting for a Senior Director to oversee the Office of School Modernization (OSM).

　　OSM manages planning, design and construction of capital improvement projects identified and funded by voter-approved bond measures. Current bond programs under OSM's oversight include the 2012 School Building Improvement Bond, the 2017 Health, Safety, and Modernization Bond, and the 2020 School Improvement Bond, with approximately $1B in current budget.

　　We are seeking a collaborative, teamwork oriented, passionate leader with demonstrated and focused experience to join us as our Senior Director of School Modernization. This position will report to the Chief Operations Officer of PPS. The Senior Director will assume responsibility and accountability for the implementation of complex plans, schedules and budgets for multiple capital improvement projects as well as the operational systems necessary to support a large project management office. We want someone who has the knowledge, skills and expertise to engage with multiple stakeholders, listen to multiple perspectives, and who will lead with integrity while representing the District with the utmost professionalism.

　　PPS's bond-funded capital improvement program consists of a mix of projects ranging from relatively small facility improvements to $300 million dollar historic renovations. The Senior Director must be experienced in overseeing technical staff, managing complex design and construction contracts, and maintaining positive relationships with community stakeholders, school staff, public agency representatives, elected officials, and more. Excellent analytical, collaboration and communication skills are a must.

　　REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

　　Assist with the development and execution of a voter-approved strategic capital program that aligns with District goals and initiatives around student success as expressed through teaching, learning, equity, multi-culturalism and operational efficiency.Execute the District's capital construction bond program while meeting scope, quality, budget, schedule and communication objectives; develop and oversee operational metrics and project benchmarks.Review and develop project scopes, budgets, schedules and projected outcomes; negotiates fees for professional services contracts; oversee coordination of architect, engineer, construction and other consultants according to district policies and project requirements.Oversee development of timelines and critical path scheduling including phasing to facilitate ongoing school activities; provide accurate and timely project and program financial budgeting and accounting.Ensure compliance with District contracting policies and procedures for all assigned projects as well as enforcement of contract provisions.Exercise proactive management of project scope, quality, schedules and budget issues; develop multiple options, recommendations and alternatives to resolve project budget shortfalls.Coordinate the review of project designs and specifications; collaborate with multiple stakeholders, district staff, professional and technical experts and others to explore multiple perspectives, differing viewpoints and project problems' resolution. Participate in planning meetings with design professionals, district stakeholders, community representatives and governing agencies.Oversee certification of consultant and contractor payment requests, change order requests, requests for information and all project processes necessary for quality assurance and compliance with district policy.Oversees implementation of project communications, including web-based and electronic updates.Prepare a variety of presentations and reports for the School Board, Superintendent, Bond Accountability Committee and others on the capital program; attend School Board meetings and routinely makes presentations to the Board regarding Bond Program issues & concerns.Coordinate design, construction, commissioning, building occupancy and warranty matters with District stakeholders.Compile complex and technical analyses and information for District leaders in making informed decisions in the area of school modernization and capital improvement programs.Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy, Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K - 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend, implement and communicate improvements to school and business practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.Ensures timely and complete contractual and financial closeout for projects; participate in the development of future Bond capital programs.Oversee development and update of capital program policies, procedures and manuals.Supervise the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary actions.Represent the District in meetings, hearings, workshops, conferences and professional activities.Perform related duties as assigned.

　　DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICCS OF THE CLASS:

　　The Senior Director - School Modernization provides day-to-day operational leadership over programs and staff performing planning, construction and modernization activities of District schools, funded at $482 million by voter approved school modernization bonds. This position supports the PPS community by ensuring overall efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service in projects' completion and delivery.

　　EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

　　Knowledge of:

　　Public contracting procedures for large public agencies.K-12 school building design and construction systems.Trends, approaches and problem-solving techniques used in design, construction, inspection and compliance processes.Techniques, equipment and materials used in public works construction.Project management techniques and related software.Laws governing bond-funded public agency capital projects.The ethnic, cultural, geographic, and socio-economic diversity of the populations served by the District.Written and public communication skills.Qualities of judgment, discretion and confidentiality.People and process management skills including problem solving and conflict resolution.District organization, operations, policies and objectives.Elements of effective management and supervision.

　　Ability to:

　　Design, implement, monitor and evaluate department programs, policies and procedures in compliance with relevant legislation and funding guidelines.Conduct research, analyze data and prepare recommendations for program development or modification.Interpret, explain and apply complex rules, regulations, policies and procedures.Plan, organize, assign, coordinate, review and evaluate the work of professional, technical, consultant and administrative support staff.Prepare, administer and monitor a project budget and anticipate future budgetary needs.Interpret and apply complex rules, regulations, laws and ordinances.Provide assistance and leadership on all aspects of assigned projects.Analyze technical design engineering, construction engineering and surveying problems.Evaluate alternative project approaches and adopt effective solutions.Prepare accurate and detailed written material, including staff and administrative reports.Manage budgets and audits. Review and negotiate agreements and contracts.Actively participate as a member of a highly dedicated and professional team.Analyze emergent situations and programs.Work with and engage a variety of stakeholders.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.Develop effective communications strategies for a diverse, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual population.Demonstrate the highest levels of professional conduct, including but not limited to integrity, honesty, confidentiality, and equity.Work on multiple projects at one time with constantly changing priorities and deadlines.Communicate a culture of equity and inclusion.Advocate, model, implement and communicate Portland Public School's Racial Educational Equity Initiative and board policies.Learn and implement the PPS Equity in Public Purchasing and Contracting board policy.Act judiciously under pressure. Model ethical behavior and communicate high expectations of ethical behavior to others.Operate a variety of office machines, technologies and software.Manage and supervise assigned staff and operations.

　　EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

　　A Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, construction management or a related field is required. An MBA or Master's degree in one of these disciplines is preferred.

　　Experience:

　　A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing large capital construction programs, budgets and staff is required. Experience working in a school district, municipality or other public agency in a richly diverse community is preferred.

　　CLASSIFICATION AND SALARY:

　　This position is classified as a Senior Director on the Senior Leadership Salary Schedule FLSA Exempt.

　　Salary Range: $150,000 - $185,000

　　For a full review of the Classification Specification, please see here.

　　Work Year: 260 days

　　Benefits Information

　　Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.

　　Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.

　　For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635