Associate Director Portfolio

Associate Director Portfolio & Work Management

About the Opportunity

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Portfolio & Work Management develops and maintains processes, procedures, and systems that retain accurate project portfolio status reports which support the decision-making process for the Capital Projects team and the University's capital program.

Oversee and manage the development, tracking, and reporting of project and program-related activities across the team. Collaborating closely with Program Directors and Capital Projects team, ensures that resources for estimating, scheduling, and project management are in place to support assessments and preparation of project Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).

Serve as a key liaison between client groups and internal teams to maintain open communication on capital project portfolios. Support evaluation of capital project requests, working alongside the Capital Projects, Facilities Operations, and Campus Planning teams to allocate appropriate project management resources for approved projects.

Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track performance trends and ensure adherence to best practices in project delivery. Manage and report on the capital program portfolio to PREF Leadership. Coordinate project reports for clients and play a leading role in the ongoing development and implementation of the e-Builder system, ensuring data accuracy and completeness.

In partnership with the Project Controls Manager, establish and maintain processes, procedures, and systems to provide timely and accurate information on portfolio status, enabling effective decision-making. Assist to develop a governance framework that ensures accountability in project delivery across all levels of the organization.

Oversee and drive professional development and training initiatives within the team, identifying skills gaps and emerging trends relevant to portfolio management and designing targeted training programs to address these needs, and coordinating with external training providers, facilitating internal workshops and seminars. Evaluate training effectiveness. Mentor staff, providing guidance and support to foster their professional growth and development within the organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and skills required for this position are normally obtained through a Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Facilities Management, Business Management or similar discipline as well as six to eight years of relevant experience in project management, construction management, facilities management, or a related field, with a focus on managing capital projects and portfolios in large organizations or institutions. Extensive relevant work experience could substitute for the degree requirement.

Other requirements:

• Experience in leadership or supervisory roles, with demonstrated ability to manage teams, allocate resources, and oversee multiple, large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Proven experience working in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams, such as Program Directors, client groups, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in financial management of projects, including budgeting, resource allocation, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with project management systems (e.g., e-Builder) and best practices in project delivery, with a focus on performance benchmarking and continuous improvement.
• Experience in governance and compliance frameworks related to project management and delivery, ensuring accountability and quality control at all stages of the project lifecycle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

1) Project Management

• Actively participate in the capital planning process to ensure the availability of estimating, scheduling, and project management resources for accurate assessments of capital project requests. Collaborate in the development of comprehensive project Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to facilitate clear expectations and deliverables.
  
  
• Partner with the Project Controls to create and maintain a governance framework that ensures accountability at every level of project management. Define, develop, and implement reporting metrics to evaluate project performance and delivery.
  
  2) PREF Relations
  
  
• Manage and oversee the development and reporting of the Capital Program portfolio, providing regular updates to Facilities and the Senior Leadership Team. Coordinate and deliver timely project reports to clients, ensuring that expectations, timelines, and project milestones are communicated effectively and aligned with the broader goals of the institution.
  
  3) Financial Management
  
  
• Collaborate with the Program Director to identify and allocate project management resources to approved projects, ensuring efficient use of financial and human resources.
  
  
• Work closely with the Project Controls Manager to develop and maintain financial processes, procedures, and systems that provide accurate and timely information on portfolio, program, and project statuses.
  
  
• Support decision-making by ensuring that financial data and reporting are up-to-date and accessible, enabling informed decisions at the appropriate organizational level.
  
  4) Project Benchmarking
  
  
• Develop, implement, and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and measure the performance of Design and Construction projects. Ensure that these KPIs drive continuous improvement and maintain high-quality, consistent project delivery service across all initiatives. Regularly review performance metrics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing project efficiency and outcomes.
  
  5) Professional Development / Training
  
  
• Assess skills gaps and emerging trends, and develop targeted training programs to meet these needs.
  
  
• Organize and facilitate both external and internal educational initiatives to ensure continuous team development.
  
  
• Monitor the effectiveness of training programs and make necessary adjustments to enhance team performance.
  
  
• Provide guidance to team members to promote their professional growth and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  
  Position Type
  
  Facilities
  
  Additional Information
  
  Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
  
  Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
  
  Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
  
  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
  
  To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
  
  
  To apply, visit https://northeastern.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/careers/job/Boston-MA-Main-Campus/Associate-Director---Portfolio---Work-Management_R128208-1
  
  
  
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