Description
Vice President of Construction
Full-Time | Exempt | Benefits Eligible
Reports To: President & CEO
Direct Reports: Construction Team
Position Overview
The Vice President of Construction is a key member of the senior leadership team at Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City (HFHKC), responsible for leading all construction and economic development operations in support of the organization’s mission: building homes, communities, and hope.
This role provides strategic and operational leadership across homebuilding, homeowner development, neighborhood revitalization, and land acquisition. The VP of Construction ensures the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective homes while maintaining a strong focus on safety, volunteer engagement, and community impact.
The ideal candidate is a mission-driven executive who brings deep construction expertise, strong people leadership, and the ability to build systems that support sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as a strategic partner to the President & CEO and senior leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and long-term growth strategies.
- Translate HFHKC’s mission and strategic goals into actionable construction and development plans.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration across Construction, Development, Finance, and Programs to ensure alignment and execution.
- Promote a culture of accountability, inclusion, safety, and continuous improvement.
Construction & Operations Management
- Provide executive oversight of all construction-related activities, including new home builds, rehabilitation projects, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with quality standards and Habitat for Humanity International best practices.
- Develop and manage construction schedules, ensuring a consistent pipeline of work for staff, volunteers, and partner families.
- Oversee land acquisition strategy, including evaluation, due diligence, and approval of property purchases and donations.
- Collaborate with municipal officials, engineers, developers, and community stakeholders on site planning and development initiatives.
- Explore and implement innovative construction methods, materials, and energy-efficient practices to improve cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
People Leadership & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing construction team through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
- Foster an engaged workforce aligned with HFHKC’s mission, values, and culture.
- Partner with Human Resources on recruitment, onboarding, retention, and leadership development initiatives.
- Ensure effective engagement and appreciation of volunteers, recognizing their critical role in HFHKC’s success.
Financial Management & Operational Efficiency
- Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with organizational priorities.
- Monitor financial performance, including cost per home, construction expenses, and capital investments.
- Review and approve contracts, invoices, and expenditures within Board-approved authority.
- Partner with Finance to support forecasting, reporting, and long-term capital planning.
Partnerships & Community Engagement
- Serve as an ambassador for HFHKC, building strong relationships with municipalities, contractors, developers, funders, and community partners.
- Represent the organization in joint ventures and collaborative development opportunities.
- Support fundraising and grant initiatives by providing project insights and technical expertise.
- Collaborate with Advocacy, Government Grant & Compliance staff to maximize funding opportunities and ensure compliance.
Compliance, Safety & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and safety standards.
- Promote and maintain a culture of safety across all construction sites for staff, volunteers, and partners.
- Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and project-related risks.
- Ensure all departmental policies, procedures, and documentation are current and consistently followed.
Data, Systems & Performance Management
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to construction timelines, cost efficiency, quality, and homeowner pipeline.
- Utilize data and reporting tools to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Maintain project management systems and ensure transparency and accessibility of project timelines across the organization.
- Provide regular updates and reports to the CEO, Board of Directors, and relevant committees.
Core Values Alignment
- Active support of Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City’s values:
- Humility?- We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
- Courage?- We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
- Accountability?- We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.
Requirements
Success Measures
Success in this role will be defined by:
- Achievement of annual home production and preservation goals
- On-time and on-budget project delivery
- Employee engagement, team development, and retention
- Safety performance and regulatory compliance
- Effective cross-functional collaboration and operational alignment
Qualifications & Experience
- Deep commitment to the mission of Habitat for Humanity: building homes, communities, and hope
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in construction, operations, or development, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
- Strong knowledge of residential construction, land development, and project management
- Proven experience managing budgets, contracts, and complex projects
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams
- Experience working in or with nonprofit, community development, or volunteer-driven environments (preferred)
- Knowledge of government funding and affordable housing programs (preferred)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with construction/project management systems
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking & Execution
- Leadership & Team Development
- Financial & Operational Acumen
- Relationship Building & Influence
- Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Mission Alignment & Community Impact
Physical Requirements Required to Perform Essential Functions of Job:
- Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to stand for prolonged duration, walk, climb, bend and squat.
- Comfortable standing, walking, and bending for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, stoop, or kneel repeatedly as part of job duties.
- Working outdoors in various weather conditions may require withstand exposure to heat, cold, rain, or other elements.
- Reach above shoulder heights or below the waist or lift as required to file documents, store materials, or move materials.
- Individual may be subject to intermittent moderate noise levels.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
