Director of Construction

Description

The Director of Construction is a strategic leader who ensures the effective planning, execution, and delivery of Habitat for Humanity's residential construction vertical. This role blends people leadership with operational excellence, overseeing construction staff, contractors, and resources to deliver safe, high-quality homes on time and within budget.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director manages day-to-day construction operations while providing strategic oversight of budgets, schedules, facilities, equipment, and vendor relationships. The position serves as a key connector between strategy and execution, aligning people, processes, and projects to advance Habitat for Humanity's mission and commitment to safety, dignity, and quality.

What You'll Do

Lead People & Build Teams

• Lead, mentor, and support construction management, project management, and field staff across multiple job sites.
• Foster a collaborative, safety first, and high performing culture rooted in accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain skilled construction professionals to meet current and future organizational capacity.
• Set clear expectations through goal setting, performance reviews, coaching, and professional development.

Oversee Construction Operations

• Provide leadership across all phases of residential construction—from pre-construction planning through project completion.
• Develop and manage project budgets, schedules, contracts, and resource allocation to ensure strong financial stewardship.
• Establish benchmarks, KPIs, and team goals; monitor performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement by implementing best practices that enhance productivity, homeowner experience, and cost controls.

Champion Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all building codes, OSHA standards, safety regulations, and organizational quality guidelines.
• Promote and model a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, training, reporting, and accountability.
• Ensure construction practices reflect our client's values of dignity, accessibility, and respect for homeowners and volunteers.

Manage Facilities, Assets & Vendors

• Oversee facilities, inventory, vehicles, tools, and equipment to support efficient operations and minimize downtime.
• Maintain strong vendor and contractor relationships to support consistent quality and performance.
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior leadership on construction performance, risks, capacity, and resource needs.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Serve as an active member of organizational leadership and operations meetings, aligning construction priorities with broader organizational goals.
• Partner closely with Finance, Family Services, Development, Real Estate, Operations, and the Chief of Staff to remove barriers and strengthen coordination.
• Contribute to budget planning, vendor management, and longterm operational strategy.

What You'll Experience

Mission in motion:
You'll see the tangible results of your leadership as families move into safe, affordable homes.

Strategic influence:
Your decisions will shape Habitat for Humanity's construction capacity, quality standards, and longterm impact.

People leadership:
You'll grow and empower skilled professionals in a culture that values safety, dignity, and excellence.

Complex & meaningful work:
From budgets to build sites, your role balances day-to-day operations with longterm vision.

What Success Looks Like

• Homes are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
• Construction teams are engaged, supported, and performing at a high level.
• Strong safety outcomes with proactive risk prevention and compliance.
• Budgets, schedules, and resources are managed with transparency and discipline.
• Construction operations align seamlessly with organizational strategy and values.
• Leadership receives clear, actionable insights into performance and capacity.

What You Bring

Experience:
8–10+ years of progressive residential construction experience, including leadership across multiple projects or job sites.

Education:
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.

Strengths & Capabilities:

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop teams in dynamic environments.
• Execution: Strong budgeting, scheduling, and project management expertise.
• Safety & quality: Deep knowledge of residential construction methods, codes, and safety regulations.
• Collaboration: Effective communicator and partner across departments and with external vendors.
• Strategic thinking: Ability to translate vision into actionable plans and drive results across priorities.
• Technology: Proficiency in construction management software (Buildertrend preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; must be insurable.
• Ability to adequately traverse a residential construction job site; climbing, jumping, lifting, carrying (minimum 50 lbs.) or other similar activities as required.  
• Willing to occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Why It Matters

The Director of Construction plays a critical role in turning Habitat for Humanity's vision into reality—ensuring that every home is built with care, safety, and respect for all involved. Through strong leadership, disciplined execution, and commitment to equity and inclusion, this role helps expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthens communities across Omaha.