Position Summary

Salary- $112,800 - $137,900 annually depending on experience.   MSU Benefits - free comprehensive health care for you and your family as well as a 10% contribution toward your retirement; Generous sick, vacation, personal and holiday time; Eligible to work a partial remote schedule after a successful probationary/trial period, or at supervisor's discretion.  

This position will maintain fiscal control and monitors projects in order to provide contractual, fiscal and procedural administration of the University's major construction projects. Principal construction and facilities procurement resource for the University, including Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF), Land Management, and others with specialized business issues such as Facilities Planning & Space Management, Residential and Hospitality Services, and Athletics. Negotiates architectural/engineering/construction contracts, reviews contractual requirements of construction bidding documents, schedules and conducts bid openings and bid evaluations, reviews construction project budgets developed by IPF capital project managers, and drafts Board of Trustees’ (BOT) resolutions relating to capital projects with information provided by project teams.
 
This position must draw upon real world experience to shape strategy, decisions, best practices, and recommendations for executive leaders. The design and construction environment at MSU is complex and fast-paced with significant risks involved.
 
This position will mentor, coach and develop IPF staff to help deliver outstanding capital projects from early planning through implementation, ensuring goals are met and a quality product is delivered.  Provides continuous feedback, project leadership and timely review and approval of project related transactions submitted by other staff members.  

Breakdown of job duties:

30% Serves as advisor to Director of Design and Construction and to the Executive Leadership Team of IPF regarding construction and consultant contracts for approval by the Board of Trustees (BOT). Collaborates with Capital Project Accounting (CPA) and Project Managers (PM) preparing other information for the BOT relative to capital projects. Supporting peers providing reporting mechanisms and reviewing capital project expenses allowing internal customers, service providers and key stakeholders with current project information.

30% Negotiates contractual agreements with architectural and engineering firms, construction managers, granting agencies and subcontractors for capital projects. Serves on search and selection committees for design and construction services. Participates in construction project planning and review meetings as it pertains to contractual requirements. Reviews proposals, bids, contracts, change orders and budgets in order to insure the inclusion of all costs and adherence with University and grantor policies and procedures. Conducts construction project bid openings. Works closely with Capital Project Accounting to support appropriate project and account structures. Manages the dispute process from claim to litigation, works with Office of the General Counsel and outside counsel on projects in litigation.

20% Part of team developing new initiatives to improve capital project delivery for campus. Coaches and mentors PMs to develop their skills in the procurement process. Reviews award recommendations prepared by project managers. Mentor, coach and develop direct reports to deliver outstanding capital projects from early planning through implementation, ensuring goals are completed and a quality product delivered. This includes direct observation of staff performance, project leadership and support. Providing continuous feedback to maximize staff potential. Timely review and approval of direct reports contract requests, budgets and schedules.

10% Acts as a liaison with State Building Authority and State Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) on capital outlay business issues. Acts as liaison with state funding agencies as it relates to contractual requirements. Fosters relationship with Michigan Building Trades Council, a coalition of trade unions involved in construction. Part of the core team that explains MSU policies and practices to the Council, and carries the Council concerns back to MSU administration and staff. Develops outreach mechanisms to create robust, high-quality, vendor pools.

10% Mentor, coach and develop direct reports and team members to deliver projects from early planning through implementation. This includes direct observation of staff performance, project leadership, work assignments and support. Provides support to team to improve performance through problem solving and forecasting departmental needs. Performance Excellence reviews. Removing obstacles by problem solving with staff.
 
Regular attendance is required to meet business and customer needs.

This position will engage in high performing, leading edge practices, valuing people, partners and stewardship. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related field; five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in accounting, administration, participation in audits, contract negotiations and/or construction; supervision and knowledge of contract administration and construction industry practices and terminology; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A valid vehicle operator's license at the time of hire is required, and candidate must meet MSU Safe Driving Standards for operating a university vehicle.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate should: 
Understand the varying met hods of project delivery mechanisms. Specifically, they should understand best practices for design and construction contract language, terms and conditions, project bidding, and service solicitations.
Understand the strategies involved in developing contractual relationships with A/E design professionals, construction managers, general contractors, and skilled trade organizations. This includes not only the individual relationships, but also the complex interrelationships of contracts involving sub-contractors.
Have experience in the design and construction sector to identify, understand, and address risks on many levels of a project from conception to closeout.
Have an in depth understanding of how the design and construction contracts can assist with problem solving not only at the onset of a project, but during the entire lifespan. On MSU's campus this may also include understanding an adjacent project and how the respective teams/contracts must interact.
Be experienced with a complex funding mechanism that drives contract structure and financial risk mitigation.
Have robust subject matter expertise to draw upon when supervising and developing direct reports.
Be a skilled communicator to assist in providing direction to IPF design professionals and executive leaders regarding problem solving, developing best practices, and explaining project specific impacts.

A lifelong learner and problem solver with strong technical skills and communication skills, who focuses on innovative solutions aligned with University goals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter and resume are required.

Special Instructions

Cover letter and resume are required as part of the application process; the application may be declined if both are not submitted. 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://ipf.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends August 12, 2025, 11:55 PM