SR DIRECTOR, DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA - TAMPA, FL

Compass Group•Tampa, FL

About The Position

SSC Services for Education is known for our expertise, commitment, and value; and we at SSC truly believe that our people are our greatest asset. By utilizing our associates’ knowledge and experience alongside SSC’s extensive training, providing supportive management, and offering unparalleled wage and benefit packages as well as career advancement opportunities, we have developed a workforce that differentiates us from our competitors. SSC Services for Education is a Nationwide Best in Class Facility Service Provider. As a member of Compass Group, North America, we want you to be as great as you can be. We empower our associates to direct their own future, keeping them confident that we support them every step of the way. As a result, our associates embody greatness through their actions, natural passion for quality, and a can-do attitude. The opportunity for greatness is real at SSC and throughout the Compass world. This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email [email protected]. Job SummarySSC Services is seeking a strategic Senior Director of Design & Construction to lead the planning and execution of capital projects at the University of South Florida. This executive role will oversee a diverse portfolio of projects while partnering with university leadership and operations teams to support long-term campus development. The Senior Director will lead a team of Project Managers and Assistant Directors, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with the university’s operational and financial goals while promoting innovation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field
7 to 10 or more years of progressive leadership experience in construction management or capital project delivery
Deep understanding of design-build development, facilities operations, and the architectural and engineering processProven ability to lead teams, manage large-scale budgets, and drive strategic initiatives
Proficiency in Microsoft Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Smartsheet, Outlook, and related project management systems
Exceptional executive communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skillsStrong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution
Demonstrated commitment to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement

Nice To Haves

Experience working in higher education, healthcare, or large institutional environments strongly preferred
Working knowledge of eBuilder or Trimble Unity Construct is a plus

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for all design and construction initiatives across the University of South Florida campus
Oversee the planning, design, and execution of a diverse portfolio of capital and infrastructure projects
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Project Managers and Assistant Directors, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration
Serve as the primary executive liaison with university leadership and key stakeholders
Direct the full project lifecycle from planning and design through construction and delivery, ensuring projects meet scope, schedule, budget, and quality expectations
Oversee capital planning, budgeting, and financial performance across multiple concurrent projects
Build and maintain strong partnerships with operations teams, contractors, architects, engineers, and vendor partnersOptimize procurement and vendor strategies to ensure competitive pricing and high-quality outcomes
Champion sustainable design and construction practices that support long-term campus resilience
Provide executive oversight of project governance, including contractual obligations, risk management, and performance reportingIdentify opportunities for strategic growth, service expansion, and client engagement
Drive cross-functional collaboration to align construction activities with facilities operations and long-term campus planning