Director, Planning, Design & Construction

About the RoleThe 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 ResponsibilitiesCapital Project & Portfolio LeadershipLead a complex capital project portfolio valued between $100M–$250M annuallyOversee projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, and occupancyEnsure successful delivery of scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risk objectivesPeople LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of project management professionalsFoster a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on accountability and continuous improvementSupport staff development, succession planning, and resource allocation across the portfolioFinancial & Operational ManagementProvide oversight of capital budgets, consultant selection, procurement, contracts, and financial performanceMonitor project risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycleDrive operational consistency and continuous improvement across Planning, Design & ConstructionStakeholder PartnershipPartner with University leadership, faculty, clinicians, researchers, Facilities, Real Estate, and other stakeholders to align capital projects with institutional prioritiesServe as the University's representative with architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agenciesCommunicate project status, risks, and recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholdersCompliance & Project DeliveryEnsure compliance with University policies, regulatory requirements, and construction best practicesOversee quality assurance, commissioning, project closeout, and transition to Facilities OperationsPromote sustainable, safe, and efficient project delivery across a diverse capital portfolioQualificationsBachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline required10+ years of progressive experience leading complex capital planning, design, and construction projectsExperience leading multidisciplinary project management teams and developing staffDemonstrated success managing large capital project portfolios with responsibility for budget, schedule, quality, and riskExperience working in healthcare, higher education, research, or similarly complex institutional environments preferredStrong knowledge of construction delivery methods, regulatory requirements, and project governanceExcellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence diverse stakeholder groupsPreferredAdvanced degreePMP, LEED AP, or other relevant professional certificationsWhy This RoleLead a diverse portfolio of high-impact capital projects across an academic medical center and research universityDevelop and mentor a talented team of project management professionalsPartner with leaders across the University to shape projects that support patient care, education, and researchJoin a collaborative organization committed to delivering innovative spaces that advance the University's mission