Design & Construction Manager

Design and Construction Manager

Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans

New Orleans Louisiana

 

  

Description

 

Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (RNDC) is a joint initiative of the Volunteers of America National Services and Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans to develop high quality, mixed-income housing affordable to working households in New Orleans’ key service sectors.  Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs, and opportunities for individual and community involvement.

 

Candidate must be a bright, energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our growing Housing Development team as Design/Construction Manager, for the completion of 1000 affordable housing units within the first five years.  This person will manage the efforts of the design and construction teams for multiple developments from the concept stage through final completion.  Key responsibilities include performing site due diligence, procuring outside consultants, negotiating contracts, developing project budgets, developing and maintaining project schedules, providing owner guidance to project team, providing input to finance staff in securing project funding, overseeing construction, approving construction draws and change orders, providing input for monthly project reports and ensuring project completion according to contract documents.

 

The ideal candidate would have an equal proficiency and ability to achieve high quality affordable housing design, as well as proficiency with best practices in construction management of large scale affordable housing projects.  A Bachelor’s degree in a construction related field is required, with a graduate degree preferred.  Applicants must have at least five years of practical work experience in the design and/or construction of large scale affordable rental housing.

 

Required Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, excellent organizational skills.  High proficiency in Word, Excel and Microsoft Office.  High proficiency in construction budget and schedule management.  Knowledge of federal, state, local and private funding, HUD and IRS Section 42 (LIHTC) regulations/procedures/project management preferred.  A competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vacation leave, sick leave, and Long Term Disability insurance.  We are located in the heart of Mid-City New Orleans.  Please send resume and salary requirement via email to: evollentine@voagno.org .

 

Reports To                           Executive Vice President of Housing Development

 

Direct Report(s)                  N/A      JOB DESCRIPTION:                              

Primary Relationships      Renaissance Neighborhood Development Corporation (RNDC) Staff, Board Members, Public Regulatory and Funding Agencies, Project Design Consultants, Project Contractors, Co-developer and Joint Venture participants; Private Funding Entities.

 

Objective                              To support RNDC in accomplishing the housing goals of the Organization.

 

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

 

1.      Predevelopment Stage

·        Perform site due diligence, directly or in conjunction with consultants, (utilities, zoning, etc.)

·        Direct third party due diligence by engaging contractors and property analysts, as appropriate.

·        Develop and maintain design and construction standards, consistent with Volunteers of America National Services’ standards.

 

2.      Development Stage

·        Procure Architect.

·        Procure Contractor.

·        Negotiate and administer Design and Construction Contracts.

·        Develop project budget.

·        Develop project schedule.

·        Direct architect and contractor on design issues.

·        Work with other development team members to prepare and submit funding application packages.

·        Direct appraiser, surveyor, cost analysts, and any other third-party consultants to secure the necessary documentation for application packages for funding, tax credits, or bonds.

·        Represent RNDC at city/parish zoning meetings, as well as at neighborhood meetings.

 

3.  Initial or Construction Closing

·        Analyze the prepared plans and specifications for compliance RNDC design standards. 

·        Direct architect to make changes in plans that are necessary to meet LHFA, ADA, Fair Housing and 504 requirements, as applicable

·        Analyze the contractor’s bid and direct value engineering, as necessary.

·        Assist RNDC Accounting in preparation of initial closing and construction draws

·        Involve, inform, and seek approval from senior staff when appropriate.

·        Provide direction to contractor and architect on preparation of initial closing documents and contracts.

 

3.      Construction

·        Maintain project schedule and budget.

·        Provide owner direction to architect and contractor throughout the construction period.

·        Serve as owner representative at regular construction meetings, and at construction draw meetings.

·        Review and approve construction draws in accordance with contract and submit to funders.

·        With architects’ assistance, analyze change orders and recommend approval or disapproval to supervisor.

·        Inspect work regularly to ensure quality control and adherence to plans and specifications.

·        Provide input for monthly preparation of project reports.

·        Perform final punch-list, noting any conflicts between the plans and specifications to ensure correction.

·        Attend the 9 and 12-month warranty inspection meetings and determine the corrections to be made by the architect and/or contractor.

·        Analyze the cost certification and advise Director of Development Accounting and V.P. of Financial Services of any discrepancies.

·        Provide direction and guidance for transition from development to management.

·        Assist RNDC Communications Department in the planning of ground breaking and grand opening ceremonies.

 

4.      Final Closing (If not completed as part of earlier closings)

·        Provide instructions to development team members and governmental agencies regarding any latent construction deficiencies.

·        Ensure that any necessary corrections are completed.

·        Provide direction to the management agent regarding construction deficiencies.

 

 

 

5.      General

·        Keep EVP of Housing Development informed of progress of all projects.

·        Engage Legal, Finance, Asset Management, and Property Management departments as appropriate for advice and guidance on projects as per departmental review processes.

·        Provide day-to-day direction and supervision of outside development consultants.

 

 

 

Requirements / KnowledgeBachelor’s degree required with graduate degree preferred.Minimum 5 years’ practical work experience in the design and/or construction of large-scale affordable rental housing.Knowledge and experience with affordable housing development preferred. Knowledge of state, local, private funding, HUD and IRS Section 42 LIHTC regulations/procedures/project management preferred.

 

SkillsExcellent organizational skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency in budget and schedule management.Hi proficiency in MS Word and Excel or equivalents. 

 

AbilitiesAbility to work some flexible hours. Ability to travel on occasion.

 

 Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Works in office areas as well as on project construction sites.  Interacts with staff, consultants, and outside vendors.  May be subjected to interruptions throughout the workday. 

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 10 pounds. The vision requirement includes: close vision.