Director, Planning, Design & Construction

About the Role

The University of Rochester is seeking a Director of Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) to lead the delivery of a complex portfolio of capital projects across the Medical Center, Academic, and Research campuses.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for overseeing projects from planning through occupancy while leading a multidisciplinary team of project management professionals. The Director serves as the University’s representative throughout all phases of project delivery, partnering with stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with institutional priorities.

This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys managing complex capital programs, developing high-performing teams, and collaborating across a diverse academic medical center environment.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project & Portfolio Leadership

• Lead a complex capital project portfolio valued between $100M–$250M annually
• Oversee projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, and occupancy
• Ensure successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk objectives

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of project management professionals
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement
• Support staff development, succession planning, and resource allocation across the portfolio

Financial & Operational Management

• Provide oversight of capital budgets, consultant selection, procurement, contracts, and financial performance
• Monitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
• Drive operational consistency and continuous improvement across Planning, Design & Construction

Stakeholder Partnership

• Partner with University leadership, faculty, clinicians, researchers, Facilities, Real Estate, and other stakeholders to align capital projects with institutional priorities
• Serve as the University’s representative with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies
• Communicate project status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders

Compliance & Project Delivery

• Ensure compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and construction best practices
• Oversee quality assurance, commissioning, project closeout, and transition to Facilities Operations
• Promote sustainable, safe, and efficient project delivery across a diverse capital portfolio

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline required
• 10+ years of progressive experience leading complex capital planning, design, and construction projects
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project management teams and developing staff
• Demonstrated success managing large capital project portfolios with responsibility for budget, schedule, quality, and risk
• Experience working in healthcare, higher education, research, or similarly complex institutional environments preferred
• Strong knowledge of construction delivery methods, regulatory requirements, and project governance
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholder groups

Preferred

• Advanced degree
• PMP, LEED AP, or other relevant professional certifications

Why This Role

• Lead a diverse portfolio of high-impact capital projects across an academic medical center and research university
• Develop and mentor a talented team of project management professionals
• Partner with leaders across the University to shape projects that support patient care, education, and research
• Join a collaborative organization committed to delivering innovative spaces that advance the University’s mission