Director, Planning Design and Construction

University of Rochester • City of Rochester, NY

10d • $162,200 - $243,400 • Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

This role leads, supervises, directs, and assesses the activities and performance of a multi-disciplined team of professional and support personnel engaged in Facilities planning, design, and construction management for new construction and renovation projects from planning through occupancy. Serves as the University’s primary representative in all phases of capital improvement projects for the Academic, Medical Center, or Ambulatory Campus(es). Oversees and manages strategic planning, lease administration, resource allocation, practice acquisitions, and project management to support the goals and objectives of stakeholders and senior administration. Ensures sound stewardship of the University's strategic plan, resources, and compliance with University and regulatory requirements to deliver fully operational buildings and space to required performance specifications. Collaborates with University Leadership Capital Committee, Real Estate Services, Facilities, and Space Planning on capital development process for major, complex projects. Provides direct oversight of an annual project portfolio of $100M - $250M. Assesses project risks, mentors staff, and provides portfolio oversight to leadership. Assigns staff resources, assembles project teams on special assignment, manages design consultant(s), planning, assessment, programming, estimating, design, bid, construction administration, budget, and schedule maintenance, commissioning, safety, and quality control. Plays a key role in determining and communicating objectives, as well as long-range programs and planning. Actively participates in the capital budgeting process.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline required
• 10 years of progressive experience required or equivalent combination of education and experience required

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated abilities in risk management, staff supervision, mentoring, organizational development, and strategic thinking preferred

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and mentorship to a professional project management (PM) team.
• Serves as a role model for the PM’s and project team through making timely and supportive decisions.
• Develops PM's as leaders within the organization and expands their capabilities to assume more and greater responsibility for project success, through a variety of means such as training, mentoring, and process management.
• Monitors team performance, progress, and ability to achieve milestones and ensure successful completion of all projects, tasks, and duties within the Facilities/Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC) Project Management department.
• Hires or makes the principal recommendation on the hiring of departmental staff, completes performance reviews and recommendations on promotions, salary, and other personnel matters.
• Consults and collaborates on recommendations for staff requirements/performance measures, training, and staff development.
• Leads and monitors the progress of multiple construction projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to budget, schedule, quality standards, and compliance with regulations.
• Collaborates with senior administration to align projects with the University's mission, strategic goals, and long-term capital plans.
• Develops the owner’s project requirements for programming with end-user and stakeholder participation.
• Serves as PDC’s liaison with University senior administrators, Real Estate and Space Management, Facilities Operations and Maintenance groups, UF&S Construction Group, Facilities Infrastructure team, Environmental Health and Safety, IT, Transportation and Parking, Public Safety, and other University agencies to ensure integration of effort to provide needed support to all projects.
• Manages the selection process for design teams (project managers, architects, engineers, etc.) and oversees the development and review of design documents, ensuring they align with project scope and budget.
• Monitors construction progress, quality control, and adherence to safety protocols and ensures smooth transitions between project phases.
• Conducts quality assurance/quality control reviews with Commissioning, Facilities Operations, Environmental Health & Safety, and the University Fire Marshall.
• Maintains continuous communication with stakeholders, users, and University administration, providing regular updates on project status and addressing issues as they arise.
• Oversees the completion of projects, including schedule adherence, final inspections, securing necessary approvals, facilitating handover to facilities operations, and ensuring comprehensive documentation throughout the life of the project, including closeout.
• In collaboration with leadership, is responsible for the University’s annual project portfolio of approximately $500 million; directly oversees a project portfolio of $100 million to $250 million annually.
• In conjunction with departmental finance, provides fiduciary oversight of approved capital project budgets from design through construction and occupancy phases.
• Participates in capital project budget reconciliations and internal audits.
• Directs the development of and monitors performance against project budgets, adhering to all financial guidelines; assesses, strategizes, and manages potential risks to the budget.
• Escalates risks accordingly.
• Provides oversight and participates in the solicitation and procurement of architectural and engineering services, construction management services, and general contracting third-party inspections.
• Oversees procurement of materials, equipment, and furniture, ensuring cost effectiveness and compliance with University purchasing and financial policies.
• Approves purchase order requisitions up to $250K.
• Leads regular financial updates to University leadership, department chairs, and end-user stakeholders for capital development projects.
• Analyzes financial data to identify trends and assess project performance; reviews financial statements and forecasts.
• Navigates within a complex web of regulations and protocols by working closely with the NYS Department of Health, City of Rochester, and respective town and state governments to ensure all projects comply with applicable local, county, and state building codes, federal regulations, and construction safety practices (e.g., OSHA standards).
• Develops, enforces, and ensures adherence to the University's internal policies and procedures governing all aspects of construction projects, including consultant selection, design/construction contract awards, bidding processes, and project closeout.
• Ensures all contracts with architects, engineers, contractors, and other vendors are compliant with University policies, legal requirements, and authority approval processes.
• Oversees the preparation and presentation of necessary materials for construction grants, loans, and donations, and completes required reports for regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Together with the AVP PDC, establishes clear policies that foster transparency and ensure the disclosure and management of potential conflicts of interest among all stakeholders involved in projects, including employees, consultants, and contractors.
• Integrate sustainability and energy efficiency principles into project delivery, ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements mandated by regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Ensures project teams are in compliance with environmental laws, including hazardous waste disposal, erosion control, stormwater management, and management of regulated building materials (i.e. asbestos).
• Keeps current on and ensures adherence to other relevant statutes and regulations impacting construction in higher education and health care settings, such as those related to historic preservation, zoning.
• Plays a key role on University committees participating in master planning, strategic planning, program planning, and suitability analysis of existing space, facilities, and sites for capital project development.
• Strictly adheres to professional codes of conduct and ethical principles that guide the construction management profession.
• Works jointly with leadership to develop and implement policy and procedures that promote a more coherent and professional portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.

What This Job Offers

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