Description

Our Client

Formed in 2006 to manage the design and construction of the 17-acre Manhattanville campus, the Manhattanville Development group directs all aspects of development, design, construction and project management of the University's new campus in the old Manhattanville manufacturing neighborhood of West Harlem, which will bring 6.8 million square feet of new academic facilities and many new public spaces.

Construction of the campus is underway and will continue to develop over the course of the next several decades. The Manhattanville Development Group consists of dedicated professionals from the fields of architecture, engineering and project management as well as administration.

Position Summary / Essential Job Functions

As the new Manhattanville campus approaches the City's formal rezoning process with the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), Columbia is building its Manhattanville team and seeking an Associate Vice President, MEP / Technical Services (AVP) to provide technical expertise and oversee a team of technical experts in various disciplines. The technical portions of the project include major building systems, a central energy plant, construction mitigation and technology.

The AVP will work closely with the Deputy Vice President, Manhattanville Development (DVP) and the Executive Team to establish policies, programs, budgets, and procedures for managing the technical aspects of each phase of the construction process. In conjunction with the DVP, the AVP and Project Managers will review and approve the selection of the outside technical team. The incumbent will assist with the coordination of consultants in the preparation of drawings and specifications for the mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other major systems design for the various Manhattanville projects. They will lead a professional group of construction mitigation technical staff for noise, air quality, traffic, etc. and will provide technical expertise for a number of projects. The AVC will act as the technical liaison to the Manhattanville team and oversee additional management responsibilities as assigned.

The Associate Vice President will:

• Work closely with the Deputy Vice President – Manhattanville Development and the Executive Team to establish policies, programs, budgets, and procedures for managing the technical aspects of each phase of the construction process. In conjunction with the Deputy Vice President – Manhattanville Development, the Associate Vice President – Manhattanville Capital Projects and the Project Managers, review and approve the selection of the outside technical team. (25%)
• Assist with the coordination of consultants in the preparation of drawings and specifications for the mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other major systems design for the various Manhattanville projects. Direct construction mitigation technical staff for noise, air quality, traffic, etc. Coordinate the activities of and communication between the various service firms that are associated with the applicable technical portions of the project. (25%)
• Advise on the preparation and review of all relevant construction documentation in conjunction with project management, development, and technical staff, including consultant and contractor agreements, change order requests, and construction draws. Establish and implement technical and quality assurance standards. Be responsible for monitoring and ensuring that time schedules regarding technical services and systems are accurate and met; performance is within approved budgets; all changes of scope are reflected in revised budgets; and quality control standards are established and met. (25%)
• Work closely with the state and local authorities to process approval of controlled inspections, permit amendments and other requirements necessary to secure the Certificate of Occupancy, commissioning, move-in and operations. Work closely with the Deputy Vice President – Manhattanville Development, the Project Managers, and other senior staff, keeping them appraised as to the status of the major building systems. (15%)
• Interface with the Columbia University schools and other constituencies to ensure a finished project consistent with objectives and needs. Hold responsibility for monitoring and coordinating activities as it relates to “Green Building” initiatives and the USGBC LEED rating system at the Manhattanville campus. Evaluate proposed green technologies for practical application and long-term use. Assist the project team in confronting and resolving/mitigating technical and environmental challenges that arise during the course of construction on a complex project of this breadth and scope. (5%)
• Work on special projects identified by the Deputy Vice President. (5%)

Supervision Received and / or Exercised

• The AVP will work independently and closely with the Deputy Vice President, Manhattanville
• They will be responsible for working closely and managing relationships with contractors, consultants, and project managers.

Responsibilities for Budget / Assets

• The AVP will have full accountability for the financial stewardship of projects in their portfolio.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A college degree with a major in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is required. Master’s degree a plus.
• A Professional Engineering license is preferred.
• Fifteen years plus experience in the construction of complex institutional and/or commercial properties with a developer/ owner, construction manager, general contractor, subcontractor, or similar firm, specializing in one or more aspects of mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, other major building systems, technology, or central energy plant.
• A team player who can fit into this professional development team and has the ability and capacity to become the technical specialist of that team.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and work ethic.
• Experience in contract negotiations; a strong understanding of construction law and the construction process in New York City.
• Successful track record in meeting budgets and schedules; excellent project management skills.
• Innovative approach to the building process and the resolution of field problems, a demonstrated problem solver.
• Strong administrative and cost control skills, able to communicate both verbally and written at all levels.
• Sensitivity to the sustainability goals of the University and an understanding of how to incorporate sustainable building concepts.
• Familiar with the application of various USGBC LEED rating systems; a LEED accredited professional is a plus.
• Commitment to achieving minority, women, and locally owned business enterprise goals.

Columbia University if an equal opportunity / affirmative action – Disability / Veterans employer.