Director, Project Management

Position Summary The Director, Program Management will be responsible for overseeing compliance, technical, and legal requirements associated with the management of large District programs and overall direction for the Project Management Office (PMO) for both gas and water projects. This role is responsible for providing strategic direction and governance for all project management activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with district policies/procedures. This position will be the point person for these initiatives and provide guidance of divisions across the District to achieve the desired outcomes. This position will provide guidance related to research and support funding opportunities to improve system safety, reliability, and efficiency for the District. In addition, this position will be responsible for leading project and program management methodologies to drive standardization across the District. This position is responsible for leading large capital projects including review of contract documents, contractor payments and change orders among other processes, to ensure compliance with all District policies and procedures through the finalization of these projects.

Education
•Required - Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field; or non-degreed candidates must possess significant leadership experience, technical experience (i.e., interpret design drawings, scheduling, budgeting, contracts, procurement, etc.). Significant relevant experience with compliance and day-to-day construction operations is required.
•Preferred - Master's Degree in Business Administration, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum Requirements
•Required - Minimum of 10 years in program management including financial management, delivery methodologies, and standardization of project management processes. and
•Required - Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management with a proven track record in leading project teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. and
•Required - Minimum of 7 years of experience leading change management initiatives at multiple levels in an organization. and
•Required - Minimum of 7 years of experience in engineering, gas, and water to include regulatory compliance, standards, and operational procedures. and

•Required - Minimum of 5 years of experience writing, reviewing, and providing project administration of contracts.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing
•Required - Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
•Preferred - Professional Engineer (PE) License in the State of Nebraska Upon Hire
•Preferred - Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)-PMI or other professional certifications Upon Hire
•Required - Pre-employment Background Check & Drug Screen Upon Hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
•Strong knowledge of project controls, contracting practices, and risk management that align with District policies/procedures.
•Demonstrates attention to detail, highly organized, ability to effectively manage competing priorities, and focus on delivering results and meeting established deadlines.
•Excellent leadership, written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills to engage and influence internal and external customers.
•Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include familiarity with, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP). (Intermediate proficiency)
•Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required.
•Efficient written and verbal communication skills, in English, to assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management professionally, regardless of provocation. (Advanced proficiency)

Essential Functions
•Manage/assist with efforts of the design, development, and maintenance of the project management operating model for the District including the use of standard project management methodologies, processes, tracking and reporting metrics (KPIs).
•Collaborate with executive leadership to develop long-term project strategies, as well as develop/implement phase gate approach for projects.
•Represent the District as the internal and external point person as assigned to major programs and initiatives.
•Provide guidance related to project planning, contract negotiations, overall administration/execution, procurement, scheduling, budgeting, project performance, and managing relationships with all vested parties of District related projects.
•Develop and deliver a 5-year roadmap of major programs and initiatives. Maintain/track project status, identify project issues, risks, and dependencies.
•Develop, implement, and maintain project management best practices that will improve efficiency, productivity, and decision making related to targeted business outcomes.
•Manage risks & resolutions, communicate project status, escalate to business stakeholders and management as needed.
•Demonstrate leadership related to issues that impact project scope, schedule, or budget.
•Provide oversight and manage District programs/initiatives by optimizing available District funds with Federal, State, philanthropic or other financial means to further improve reliability for customers.
•Research and identify grants, Federal and State appropriations, and other funding opportunities for capital improvement or operational needs of the District. Report potential funding sources and make recommendations to management.
•Coordinate with District subject matter experts and grant writers to draft effective proposals or submittals maximizing funding opportunities. Assist with the preparation of applications for additional grants and other funding sources to enhance financing of the infrastructure replacement programs and other planned capital improvement projects.
•Ensure projects are completed in compliance with funding requirements set forth by grants and reimbursement programs to maintain the District’s financial stability and maximize grant and other outside funding sources.
•Develop and oversee routine committee meetings with other departments to ensure accuracy and consistency for lead services and PHMSA on contractor payments, change orders, and other contractual processes. The committee shall also provide oversight and recommendations to improve workflows for better efficiency and transparency on work.
•Become knowledgeable of and maintain an understanding of Davis-Bacon Wage and Build America, Buy America Federal provisions, Federal Tier I/II Environmental reviews, and other Federal funding requirements.
•Build and lead a high-performing project management team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professional development, while promoting a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
•Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadership opportunities and professional development.
•Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings.
•Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of discipline when appropriate.
•Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
•Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and succession planning.
•Handle stresses related to effectively completing the above referenced responsibilities.
•Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional and Administrative positions as stated.

Required for All Jobs
•Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
•Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures
In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but not limited to: -Board of Directors -All levels of District -Internal and external customers -Federal, State, and local agencies -Community organizations and partners -Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this
role -Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations

Physical and Environmental Requirements
•Office: Work is primarily performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, office lighting and noise.
Hybrid Flexible Work Arrangement Job may be eligible for a hybrid in-office and work from home flexible work arrangement.

*Please see job posting on our Careers page for a full list of physical demands

*Please ensure the application is filled out thoroughly to be considered for this position

An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation"