Director, Capital Planning

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Capital Planning leads the strategic development, execution, and financial management of the organization-wide capital budget and projects for the National Aquarium. Reporting to the VP of Financial Planning and Analysis and in close collaboration with the VP of Planning & Design, the Director oversees the development, management, and reporting of the short- and long-term Capital Plan, ensuring alignment with institutional needs, financial resources, and the organization’s strategic plan.  The Director manages one Senior Project Manager and one Project Manager and works with other departments to meet their capital needs and assists in planning and managing their capital projects, including creating realistic budgets, cash flows, and schedules.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Capital Financial Planning and Strategy

• Lead the development and management of short- and long-term capital budgets, including the Annual Capital Budget ($5M-$15M) and the institution’s $600M total asset portfolio, ensuring alignment with the organization's financial strategy and priorities.
• Conduct financial, needs, and risk assessments to evaluate capital investments and recommend funding priorities to leadership.
• Partner with the VP of Planning and Design and VP of FP&A to monitor capital spending, conduct financial analyses, and provide cash flow projections, quarterly forecasts, and scenario planning updates to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop and maintain reporting systems, dashboards, and financial tools to track capital expenditures, timing, and project performance, ensuring leadership and other stakeholders have clear insights for effective management.
• Ensure compliance with organizational, regulatory, and grant-related requirements for capital projects.
• Partner with fundraising teams to secure funding for Capital Projects.
• Provide financial oversight of capital projects managed by other teams, ensuring budgets, schedules, and financial controls are adhered to.

Capital Planning

• Lead the development and management of the short- and long-term Capital Projects Plan, collaborating with internal teams to track capital needs, asset lifecycle, and identify future repair, replacement, and upgrade requirements.
• Focus on collaboration between Finance, Capital Planning, Experiential Design, and Exhibit Fabrication & Operations.
• Collaborate with VPs, Directors, and Curators to define project scopes and budgets, while determining estimated costs and schedules for planning, design, and construction.
• Oversee, develop, and execute contracts for significant P&D projects aligned with the RFP process.

Capital Committee

• Chair and manage monthly committee meetings to ensure cross-departmental collaboration on capital plans.
• Monitor and report on capital projects' progress, ensuring that required approvals are obtained.

Capital Projects

• Manage Capital Planning Project Managers and ensure successful project execution, including project budget, schedule, and scope.
• Create and maintain an annual master capital project schedule.
• Coordinate projects to maximize efficiencies and reduce operational impact.
• Maintain a database of project information and ensure proper closeout of all projects.
• Oversee bid specifications and manage the entire bid process, including evaluations, awards, and negotiations.
• Assign projects to project managers and manage workload distribution.
• Maintain standard contracts and ensure all contracts are executed and filed appropriately.
• Approve project expenditures up to $50,000, acting as project manager for individual projects when necessary.
• Oversee the construction of operating and project budgets, track, and reconcile expenditures.
• Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, finance, architecture, engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience managing capital budgets and projects with an annual capital budget of at least $10M and total asset value of at least $100M, preferably in an institutional setting (museum, zoo, aquarium, healthcare).
• Expertise in capital budgeting, financial forecasting, and analysis.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills to convey complex financial data clearly.
• Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and collaboration.
• Highly organized and able to multi-task and work under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Experienced in managing design and construction projects, including RFPs, construction drawings, bid documents, project schedules, RFIs, ASI, and other related materials.
• Significant experience with financial and budget management tools.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), Microsoft Project, and project management software (Teamwork or similar); financial systems (Adaptive, Intacct).
• Ability to comprehend design and construction drawings, articulation of scope of services required, manage RFPs and contract negotiations, and general oversight of the project from concept to delivery.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Salary range: $71,000 to $ 92,399 per year. National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including unlimited time off, six paid floating holidays, up to four weeks of paid family leave and conservation day leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work and 401(k) plan participation with employer match available. Employees receive a family membership package and Aquarium tickets.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.

Salary : $71,000 - $92,399