Director of Capital Projects - Student Housing

University Partners is a leading real estate investment and management firm focused on student housing communities across the U.S. We’re committed to creating exceptional living experiences and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Join a team that values people as much as performance.

Position Summary

The Director of Capital Projects is responsible for managing and executing capital projects across the company’s student housing and multifamily portfolio. This includes renovations, retail tenant improvements, and large-scale repair and maintenance initiatives. The role ensures projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget, while also supporting Asset Management and Acquisitions teams with property operations and underwriting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead capital projects from inception to completion, ensuring alignment with budget, scope, and schedule.
• Develop and maintain relationships with contractors and subcontractors; prepare scopes of work and evaluate proposals to ensure best value.
• Assist in reviewing and negotiating construction and repair & maintenance contracts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to prioritize projects within the overall capital budget.
• Review retail tenant leases to determine financial responsibility for maintenance and repairs.
• Implement risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Coordinate regular site visits with Asset Managers to ensure consistent property oversight.
• Participate in acquisition due diligence, including site walks and construction pricing for major repairs and improvements.
• Track project progress, payments, and accruals using internal systems.
• Conduct post-project evaluations to capture lessons learned and improve future project execution.
• Collaborate with Acquisitions, Asset Management, and University Partners/Elevate leadership to align physical asset strategies with business plans.
• Lead regular reviews of project budgets, schedules, scopes, and challenges.
• Oversee accounting updates, budget adjustments, and vendor payments.
• Share best practices and develop innovative solutions to complex project challenges.
• Review and assess property condition reports, engineering studies, entitlements, and surveys.
• Provide technical guidance during due diligence to support optimal investment decisions.
• Work with legal counsel on contract reviews and dispute resolution.
• Ensure timely and accurate capital project reporting to Asset Management and leadership teams.
• Stay current on industry trends and integrate best practices into project planning and execution.

Experience & Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in Construction Management, Facility Management, or Development Execution.
• Background with general contractors, owner’s rep firms, or construction-side project roles.
• Strong knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, generators, building envelopes, and energy management systems.
• Proven ability to develop and manage project budgets and estimates.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with scheduling and budgeting software.
• Excellent organizational, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Experience with energy-saving capital projects and minimizing customer impact is a plus.

Working Conditions

Travel required 50% or more across the continental U.S. Frequent property site visits, including full interior/exterior walkthroughs and rooftop inspections. Collaborative work with multiple Asset Managers and Acquisitions team members.

Core Competencies

• Budget Forecasting: Aligning financial planning with project scope to prevent overruns.
• Risk Management: Proactively identifying and mitigating project risks.
• Contract Negotiation: Securing favorable terms to meet project goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Aligning diverse interests for successful project outcomes.
• Project Scheduling: Coordinating resources and timelines to meet critical deadlines.
• Quality Control: Ensuring construction standards meet regulatory and client expectations.

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required.