Director of Planning and Construction

Haverford College

2d • $126,360 • Hybrid

About The Position

Haverford College invites applications for our full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, benefits-eligible, Director of Planning and Construction opportunity. The Director of Planning and Construction provides strategic leadership and operational management for the planning, design, construction, renovation, and capital renewal activities of the College. This position is responsible for overseeing capital projects from concept through occupancy, ensuring projects support the institution’s academic mission, campus character, sustainability goals, operational needs, and long-term campus planning objectives. The Director serves as the College’s primary representative for capital project delivery and collaborates extensively with senior leadership, faculty, staff, students, trustees, donors, architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory authorities. The role requires balancing strategic planning, technical expertise, financial stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and day-to-day project execution within the context of a small liberal arts college environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Facilities Management, or related field
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience managing capital projects, planning, design, or construction activities
• Three (3) years of experience supervising professional staff that report directly to you
• Experience overseeing multiple concurrent projects with varying scale and complexity
• Demonstrated experience managing consultants, contractors, budgets, and schedules
• Ability to obtain and maintain PA Act 12 background checks
• Possession of a valid U.S. Drivers’ License and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record check

Nice To Haves

• Experience in higher education, institutional, or campus environments strongly
• Professional licensure or certification (Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, CCM, PMP, LEED Accreditation, etc.)
• Familiarity with historic campus environments and renovation of occupied facilities

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the College’s capital construction and renovation program, including academic, residential, administrative, athletic, infrastructure, and campus landscape projects
• Oversee projects through all phases including feasibility, programming, design, estimating, bidding/procurement, construction, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout
• Establish project scopes, schedules, budgets, and performance expectations
• Ensure projects align with institutional priorities, campus master plans, and operational objectives
• Monitor project performance related to budget, schedule, quality, and risk
• Support implementation and refinement of the Campus Comprehensive Plan and related strategic planning efforts
• Evaluate space utilization, deferred maintenance priorities, infrastructure renewal needs, and long-range campus development opportunities
• Assist senior leadership in developing project priorities and capital planning recommendations
• Coordinate planning studies, feasibility analyses, and consultant-led assessments
• Lead selection, procurement, and management of architects, engineers, consultants, construction managers, and contractors
• Administer Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), bidding processes, and consultant evaluations in accordance with College policies and governance expectations
• Negotiate professional service agreements and construction contracts in coordination with College leadership and legal counsel
• Foster collaborative and accountable relationships with external project partners
• Develop and manage capital project budgets and cash flow projections
• Review and approve project invoices, change orders, pay applications, and project reporting documentation
• Coordinate with Finance on project accounting, forecasting, and reporting requirements
• Maintain comprehensive project records and reporting systems
• Serve as liaison between Facilities Management and campus stakeholders throughout project development and execution
• Facilitate stakeholder meetings, design reviews, and project communication processes
• Prepare presentations, reports, and briefing materials for senior leadership and Board committees
• Coordinate donor-related project communication and engagement as appropriate
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, ADA requirements, environmental regulations, safety standards, and institutional policies
• Coordinate permitting, inspections, testing, and occupancy approvals
• Support risk mitigation and construction safety practices
• Maintain familiarity with higher education regulatory and compliance environments
• Coordinate closely with Maintenance, Grounds, Environmental Health & Safety, and other Facilities units to minimize operational disruption during projects
• Ensure projects are designed and executed with long-term maintainability and operational efficiency in mind
• Support transition from construction to occupancy and ongoing facilities operations
• Supervise and mentor the Assistant Director of Facilities Management for Planning and Design, and the Facilities Project Manager, including hiring, training, prioritizing work assignments, supporting professional development, setting goals, and conducting performance evaluations
• Foster a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, open communication, and accountability

Benefits

• possible work-from-home opportunities
• automatic 10% retirement contribution to your retirement account upon eligibility (no match required)
• a 50% tuition benefit for dependent children upon eligibility
• 14 paid holidays (including the week before New Year’s Day)
• affordable medical plans
• Health Savings Account contribution of $700 for individuals and$1400 for families (no match required, available to employees enrolled in the High Deductible Health Plan)
• a beautiful arboretum campus with walking trail and easy public transportation access

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director