California Center for Construction Education Program Manager

This position will perform a wide range of executive and program management functions of broad scope and complexity for the California Center for Construction Education (CCCE). The primary purpose of the CCCE is to serve as an educational outreach unit designed to provide practitioner education, applied research services, and consultation to the design and construction industry in the state of California and to serve the community at large as a clearinghouse for industry leadership, knowledge, technology, and innovation.

The CCCE Program Manager connects students and faculty in the Construction Management department at Cal Poly with a broad range of external constituents serving the built environment. Central to this will be the incumbent’s position as the main point of contact for all external relations and inquiries, including industry recruiters, donors, alumni, and Construction Management Advisory Council (CMAC) members. Furthermore, the incumbent will be responsible for identifying advancement opportunities and developing creative initiatives and communication strategies to achieve the Center’s mission and goals.

Under the general direction of the Construction Management Department Head and the Director of the CCCE, the incumbent will be responsible for growing and enhancing relationships with external stakeholders, students, and faculty; assisting department leadership in expanding external partnerships to support and sustain the vision for construction management initiatives; and facilitating the interaction between construction management faculty and practitioners. This position will also manage the day-to-day operations of the CCCE and the CMAC, including the coordination of recruiting programs that will bring over 200 companies on campus throughout the year. The incumbent will manage these operations with independent decision-making and will work directly with the CCCE Director and the CM Department Head to strategically improve each area. This position will serve as the Executive Secretary for the Construction Management Advisory Council (CMAC).

We offer various scheduling options, including flexible hours, remote work opportunities, and the ability to adjust schedules as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field.

Minimum 3 years of progressive, responsible experience independently managing programs/projects, preferably in in the architecture, engineering or construction industries or in education.

Excellent ability to work independently and to perform analytical and professional tasks for efficient program management.

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and coordination of people and resources.

Demonstrated ability to network, build relationships, and function effectively in social and professional situations with external constituents.

Demonstrated ability to articulate ideas and make presentations.

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with colleagues and university friends; and ability to motivate and instill enthusiasm in potential volunteers in order to promote their involvement in achieving goals.

Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a high level of diplomacy and professionalism and a strong commitment to excellence in serving clients and constituents.

Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.

Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, productive work atmosphere in and outside the University with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population and with those from various cultural backgrounds.

Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.

Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.

Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.

Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.

Excellent computer skills and proficiency with a variety of computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, on-line systems, Internet as well as online calendaring and email.

Working knowledge of or ability to quickly learn university infrastructure and policies and procedures.

Skill in planning and execution of logistical details for high level special events involving outside constituents.

Ability to collect, evaluate, and interpret data/information from a wide variety of sources to develop sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations and decisions.

Ability to effectively lead projects.

A background check is required for all regular benefited positions.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to apply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Physical Demands

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone

Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator

Seeing to read a variety of materials

Sitting or standing for extended period of time

Physical agility to lift 20 pounds to shoulder height

Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects

Ability to drive on an as needed basis

Typical Essential Functions

CCCE Operations

Be the first point of contact for all external industry constituents, including industry recruiters, alumni, donors, professional organizations, and CMAC members

Facilitate communication between the CM department and external constituents

Develop and maintain positive relationships with external constituents that lead to advancement and collaboration opportunities

Manage the day-to-day operations of the CCCE, including budget, personnel, events, educational programs, recruiting, advancement, and web maintenance

Work with the CCCE Executive Committee to develop and implement strategic action plans for the CCCE

Managing the CCCE budget, including budget projections and oversight, fiscal analysis, accounts payable/receivable, and other related budgetary duties

Responsible for hiring/training/supervising student assistants

Work with student assistants to develop, produce, and share promotional materials, presentations, social media campaigns, displays, signage, press releases, and other information with CCCE constituents

Work with student assistants to maintain the CCCE website

Responsible for coordinating special events, including CMAC meetings, alumni networking events, awards banquets, workshops, Senior Project presentation events, job fairs, and special events with the CM department

Travel to attend CMAC events, student competitions, and related industry/recruiting events as needed

Perform other duties assigned as required

Construction Management Advisory Council

Serve on the CMAC Executive Committee as Executive Secretary

Maintain minutes for all CMAC and its Committee meetings

Support CMAC on strategic initiatives

Run elections for officer positions

Facilitate communication between CMAC and the CM department

Plan CMAC meetings and events

Track membership dues as it pertains to membership categories

Track action items of the CMAC Committees

Coordinate logistical details of educational programs for CMAC members

Support CMAC as it implements solutions/policies/procedures for CMAC in a way that confirms the University policies/procedures

Perform other duties assigned as required

Recruiting programs

Manage recruiting programs: interact with recruiters daily, manage recruiting calendar, leverage recruiting opportunities, arrange information sessions, coordinate biannual Job Fairs, provide requested interview spaces/logistics as requested

Manage the Carpenter’s Apprenticeship program: host promotional events, work manage student applications, coordinate program details with union reps and recruiters

Engage in outreach and strengthen industry partnerships that will attract external support for the CM department and CCCE

Track job placement data and provide job placement reports as needed

Advertise recruiting event opportunities to students through a variety of formats, including weekly emails, recruiting event calendar, and CM Job Board

Track event participation statistics and analyze results to improve recruiting programs

Provide information related to construction management career opportunities for students seeking employment

Perform other duties assigned as required

Consulting and Training

Assist the CCCE Director and Department Head in developing consulting and training programs

Promote consulting and training programs

Assist the CCCE Director in managing contracts, including faculty hires, partnership agreements, fee-for-service contracts

Coordinate logistical details of consulting and training programs