Assistant Director for Facilities/Construction Projects
Inside Higher Ed, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306
Assistant Director For Facilities/Construction ProjectsResidential & Dining Enterprises, Stanford, California, United StatesProject ManagementJan 06, 2026 Post Date107981 Requisition #
Stanford University is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Founded in 1891, Stanford’s mission is to create and share knowledge and to prepare students to be curious, to think critically, and to contribute to the world. With world‑class scholars and seven schools located together on a single campus, Stanford offers academic excellence across the broadest array of disciplines including business, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, medicine, and sustainability. It also is an engine of innovation, blending theory and practice to move ideas and discoveries from labs and classrooms out into the world. Stanford strives to foster a culture of expansive inquiry, fresh thinking, searching discussion, and freedom of thought – preparing students for leadership and engaged citizenship in the world. The university is located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, on a scenic 8,180‑acre campus.
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&D), the largest auxiliary organization at Stanford University, supports the academic mission of the university by providing high–quality services to students and other members of the university community. R&D has an annual operating budget of $400M, operates 24/7/365, and oversees a $3B asset portfolio comprising over 7 million square feet—one‑third of the campus footprint. R&D provides housing for 16,000 students and dependents, serves 8 million meals annually at 48 student dining venues and 32 culinary enterprises, and offers executive services, conference operations, and guest lodging. R&D is a talented and diverse team of 1,200+ who comprise the following divisions: Student Housing Operations & Stanford Conferences; Stanford Dining and Hospitality & Auxiliaries; Maintenance Operations and Capital Projects; and a team of R&D strategic business partners—Finance & Administration, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Strategic Communications and Marketing.
“Students (Customers) First” is R&D’s mantra and its strategic goals reflect its commitment to delivering service excellence to the campus community. R&D’s belief is “students are never an interruption in our day; they are the reason we are here.”
R&D’s dedication to promoting fair treatment, access to opportunities, and a positive work environment is reflected in its essential priorities and efforts for cultivating a culture of operational excellence as a foundational cornerstone. R&D is committed to creating and sustaining inclusive excellence where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to thrive.
This role is currently designated as hybrid, which means eligibility for one day of telecommuting work. Hybrid schedules are discretionary and may change throughout the year depending on operational needs.
Job Purpose This role will assist the Senior Associate Director for Project Delivery in overseeing projects, supporting multiple staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also participating in planning, budgeting, and contract negotiations. The incumbent will act as backup for the Senior Associate Director when they are away. The role will manage projects, driving them to completion. It will oversee multiple projects of various sizes and complexities simultaneously and lead a project team that includes a project manager and a project engineer. The work is typically comprised of 80% project leadership and 20% technical contribution.
Core Duties
Perform the full range of the project management cycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
Independently lead and direct projects requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines.
Direct development of an action plan and estimate requirements for resources, including labor, materials, and time.
Facilitate discussions and negotiations to build consensus.
Develop and execute a comprehensive change‑management strategy and communication plan relative to project scope and stakeholders.
Manage risk, control, and report on risk associated with complex projects affecting university-wide and external stakeholders.
Oversee project accounting, ensuring accurate and timely tracking of costs and payments.
Provide quality assurance oversight to prevent quality problems, and quality control oversight to ensure works meet established standards.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
Minimum Requirements Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of related experience in managing large and complex projects, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred technical education in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related fields.
Preferred certification in Project or Construction Management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Highly effective written and oral communication skills across a wide range of audiences.
Ability to assemble, engage, and lead cross‑functional teams.
Demonstrated project management ability in integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.
Ability to balance customer expectations with project reality.
Resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem‑solving skills.
Interpersonal and impact awareness.
Depth of knowledge in a technical discipline necessary to deliver projects.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk‑based tasks and lift/carry objects up to 10 lbs.
Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand, twist/bend, or lift/carry objects up to 20 lbs.
Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach or work above shoulder, or lift/carry objects over 40 lbs.
Must maintain a valid non‑commercial California Driver’s license.
Auditory acuity to hear horns and bells, and visual acuity to determine colors for finishes.
Capability to climb scaffolding, ladders, stairs, etc.
University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
May work in active laboratories or outdoor environments.
Potential exposure to extreme temperatures, high voltage electricity, radiation, electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise >80 dB TWA, allergens, biohazards, chemicals, asbestos, heavy metals, or high‑elevation work.
May drive vehicle at any time of day.
Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment and dress for clean rooms as required.
May work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
Work Standards
Must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Interpersonal Skills: Works well with colleagues, clients, and external partners.
Promotes a Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and safety values.
Subject to all applicable University policies and procedures, including the Administrative Guide.
The expected pay range for this position is
175K‑185K per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4402
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: K
Requisition ID: 107981
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
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Stanford University is one of the world's leading teaching and research universities. Founded in 1891, Stanford’s mission is to create and share knowledge and to prepare students to be curious, to think critically, and to contribute to the world. With world‑class scholars and seven schools located together on a single campus, Stanford offers academic excellence across the broadest array of disciplines including business, education, engineering, humanities and sciences, law, medicine, and sustainability. It also is an engine of innovation, blending theory and practice to move ideas and discoveries from labs and classrooms out into the world. Stanford strives to foster a culture of expansive inquiry, fresh thinking, searching discussion, and freedom of thought – preparing students for leadership and engaged citizenship in the world. The university is located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, on a scenic 8,180‑acre campus.
Residential & Dining Enterprises (R&D), the largest auxiliary organization at Stanford University, supports the academic mission of the university by providing high–quality services to students and other members of the university community. R&D has an annual operating budget of $400M, operates 24/7/365, and oversees a $3B asset portfolio comprising over 7 million square feet—one‑third of the campus footprint. R&D provides housing for 16,000 students and dependents, serves 8 million meals annually at 48 student dining venues and 32 culinary enterprises, and offers executive services, conference operations, and guest lodging. R&D is a talented and diverse team of 1,200+ who comprise the following divisions: Student Housing Operations & Stanford Conferences; Stanford Dining and Hospitality & Auxiliaries; Maintenance Operations and Capital Projects; and a team of R&D strategic business partners—Finance & Administration, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Strategic Communications and Marketing.
“Students (Customers) First” is R&D’s mantra and its strategic goals reflect its commitment to delivering service excellence to the campus community. R&D’s belief is “students are never an interruption in our day; they are the reason we are here.”
R&D’s dedication to promoting fair treatment, access to opportunities, and a positive work environment is reflected in its essential priorities and efforts for cultivating a culture of operational excellence as a foundational cornerstone. R&D is committed to creating and sustaining inclusive excellence where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to thrive.
This role is currently designated as hybrid, which means eligibility for one day of telecommuting work. Hybrid schedules are discretionary and may change throughout the year depending on operational needs.
Job Purpose This role will assist the Senior Associate Director for Project Delivery in overseeing projects, supporting multiple staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also participating in planning, budgeting, and contract negotiations. The incumbent will act as backup for the Senior Associate Director when they are away. The role will manage projects, driving them to completion. It will oversee multiple projects of various sizes and complexities simultaneously and lead a project team that includes a project manager and a project engineer. The work is typically comprised of 80% project leadership and 20% technical contribution.
Core Duties
Perform the full range of the project management cycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
Independently lead and direct projects requiring high levels of functional integration and involving multiple disciplines.
Direct development of an action plan and estimate requirements for resources, including labor, materials, and time.
Facilitate discussions and negotiations to build consensus.
Develop and execute a comprehensive change‑management strategy and communication plan relative to project scope and stakeholders.
Manage risk, control, and report on risk associated with complex projects affecting university-wide and external stakeholders.
Oversee project accounting, ensuring accurate and timely tracking of costs and payments.
Provide quality assurance oversight to prevent quality problems, and quality control oversight to ensure works meet established standards.
- Other duties may also be assigned.
Minimum Requirements Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in a related field and five years of related experience in managing large and complex projects, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred technical education in engineering, architecture, construction management, or related fields.
Preferred certification in Project or Construction Management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Highly effective written and oral communication skills across a wide range of audiences.
Ability to assemble, engage, and lead cross‑functional teams.
Demonstrated project management ability in integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, and procurement.
Ability to balance customer expectations with project reality.
Resilience, diplomacy, influence, relationship building, and problem‑solving skills.
Interpersonal and impact awareness.
Depth of knowledge in a technical discipline necessary to deliver projects.
Physical Requirements
Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk‑based tasks and lift/carry objects up to 10 lbs.
Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand, twist/bend, or lift/carry objects up to 20 lbs.
Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach or work above shoulder, or lift/carry objects over 40 lbs.
Must maintain a valid non‑commercial California Driver’s license.
Auditory acuity to hear horns and bells, and visual acuity to determine colors for finishes.
Capability to climb scaffolding, ladders, stairs, etc.
University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
Working Conditions
May work in active laboratories or outdoor environments.
Potential exposure to extreme temperatures, high voltage electricity, radiation, electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise >80 dB TWA, allergens, biohazards, chemicals, asbestos, heavy metals, or high‑elevation work.
May drive vehicle at any time of day.
Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment and dress for clean rooms as required.
May work extended hours, evenings, and weekends.
Work Standards
Must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.
Interpersonal Skills: Works well with colleagues, clients, and external partners.
Promotes a Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and safety values.
Subject to all applicable University policies and procedures, including the Administrative Guide.
The expected pay range for this position is
175K‑185K per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Additional Information
Schedule: Full‑time
Job Code: 4402
Employee Status: Regular
Grade: K
Requisition ID: 107981
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Eligible
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