Construction Director

About Great Rivers Greenway

Great Rivers Greenway is a collaborative, mission-focused organization devoted to connecting the community through a robust network of greenways. Our team works passionately to create, care for, and maintain these public spaces, fostering lasting regional impact.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Construction Director to lead and oversee the planning and execution of greenway capital projects across the Greater St. Louis area. This full-time, onsite role is pivotal in managing construction management teams—both internal and external—and ensuring projects meet stringent standards for safety, budget, schedule, and quality in alignment with our regional vision and organizational mission.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the internal Construction Management team responsible for delivering multiple capital and repair projects.
• Oversee capital construction budgets that may reach up to 50 million dollars annually, ensuring timely and budget-compliant project delivery.
• Set clear expectations and workflows for Construction Managers while providing coaching, mentorship, and performance management.
• Distribute and monitor workloads effectively, promote team development, safety, and maintain a productive work environment.
• Engage with internal teams, contractors, consultants, partners, and community stakeholders for successful project outcomes and positive user experiences.
• Evaluate construction plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules to provide input on constructability, risks, materials, and method selection.
• Manage all procurement and bidding stages, including leading pre-bid meetings, bid reviews, and making contract award recommendations.
• Supervise active construction processes including contractor coordination, documentation, approval of payments, change control, inspections, and final project closeout.
• Ensure compliance with relevant standards and funding rules, notably those from Missouri Department of Transportation Local Public Agency guidelines when applicable.
• Promote continuous process improvement by identifying best practices, enhancing project delivery, and preparing leadership and board reports.
• Represent the organization in regional partnerships, committees, and community engagement efforts.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as required.

Required Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation, or a closely related discipline.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification required or willingness to obtain within the first year of employment.
• Preferred certifications include Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Program Management Professional (PgMP).
• Participation in relevant professional associations is encouraged.

Experience and Knowledge

• A minimum of five years progressive experience in construction management roles.
• At least three years in leadership or supervisory positions.
• Experience managing construction or inspection of infrastructure projects.
• Strong background in construction, contract, and project management.
• Familiarity with Missouri Department of Transportation Local Public Agency policies is a plus but not mandatory.
• Understanding of municipal government processes regarding procurement, contracting, and construction is preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Self-motivated with sound judgment, capable of managing multiple projects, goals, and budgets efficiently.
• Proven leadership skills with ability to mentor and guide professional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, versatile to address diverse technical and public audiences.
• Strong organizational capabilities and acute attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of project management best practices, including the PMBOK framework, is advantageous.
• Technical skills: proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe products.
• Adept at learning advanced project management software and utilizing mobile technology for access to programs and reports.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Office work involves moderate noise level conditions.
• Work at construction sites exposes to weather variations, loud noises, moving machinery, airborne particles, and typical construction risks.
• May require occasional evening and weekend work.
• Physical demands include frequent site visits with prolonged standing and walking on uneven terrain in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Must be willing to travel across regional work sites in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive benefits package supporting health, wellness, and financial security.
• Generous paid time off including 120 hours of vacation annually, monthly accrual of eight hours sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.
• Employer-sponsored health insurance options including PPO or HDHP medical plans, dental, vision, life insurance equal to one times salary, and disability coverage.
• Health and tax-advantaged accounts with employer contributions to HRA or HSA, plus FSAs and dependent care accounts.
• Retirement plan offering a 457(b) with employer match up to 5%, subject to vesting.
• Potential relocation assistance based on candidate qualifications and geography.
• Additional perks such as a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, mileage reimbursement, free parking, employer-funded professional development, and memberships.
• Work location at the Foundry in Midtown St. Louis.