Sr Director, Design & Construction (Space Planning & Operations)

The University of Pennsylvania, a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation, is the largest private employer in Philadelphia. Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities, Penn offers a unique working environment with 12 highly-regarded schools and a distinctive interdisciplinary approach. The university is situated on a beautiful urban campus in Philadelphia, providing access to educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

About the Role

The Sr Director of Design and Construction works closely with the Executive Director of Planning, Design & Construction, PSOM administrative management, department chairs, and University Facilities and Real Estate Services to oversee all capital project implementation for the Perelman School of Medicine (“PSOM”). This position directs and leads PSOM staff engaged in design and construction oversight, ensuring the success of all related activities. The Sr Director serves as the key administrative point of contact with external parties and PSOM constituents for facilities renovations and new construction, tracking project status, budgets, schedules, and resolving conflicts.

This role is the senior administrative leader and functional subject matter expert for PSOM campus design and construction initiatives, overseeing a team of project managers supporting the PSOM Dean’s Office, department chairs, faculty, and staff. The Space Planning and Operations organization partners with University and Health System facilities service providers to manage capital planning, design, construction, and operations for on-campus, leased properties, and PSOM space within health system buildings.

The Sr Director collaborates with internal and external parties to provide strategic direction and tactical oversight for PSOM facilities initiatives, executing projects on the annual capital plan and ensuring alignment with long-term institutional goals. This position requires a hands-on leader who balances strategic vision with operational involvement, tackling challenges directly to ensure project success.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and supervise the design & construction team in delivering PSOM’s capital projects across its ~2.9M NSF built environment campus.
• Direct all phases of capital projects from concept development and programming through design, construction, commissioning, occupancy, and project closeout.
• Establish and implement project management standards, construction quality controls, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project performance, budgets, schedules, and construction activities, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Coordinate construction activities to minimize disruption to ongoing research, teaching, and clinical operations.
• Champion sustainable design, energy efficiency, resilience, and campus master planning initiatives.
• Oversee the design of specialized environments including wet labs, vivaria, clean rooms, imaging suites, and other advanced research facilities.
• Work with University Facilities and Health System partners (FRES and REDC) to manage external architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and vendors for high-quality project delivery.
• Collaborate with university leadership, faculty, researchers, and operational stakeholders to align facility projects with institutional research, education, and strategic objectives.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and resource plans while ensuring adherence to financial and operational goals.
• Lead by example with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach, actively engaging in project challenges and supporting team members.
• Build strong relationships across the institution by being accessible, responsive, and willing to assist at both strategic and tactical levels.
• Leverage and develop the talent of the design & construction team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent work experience required. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 7-10 years of relevant work experience (10+ preferred), ideally in a medical school or academic environment.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (MS Project, PowerPoint, & Excel).

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong managerial and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage concurrent projects and navigate a political landscape.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to follow procedures while managing conflict and ambiguity.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-development skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, build relationships, and interact effectively with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities and manage time, deliverables, and workload effectively.
• Commitment to client service and a desire to work in a diverse, professional environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Special Requirements

The Perelman School of Medicine is a multi-building research and teaching complex with an emphasis on biomedical research. The Space Planning & Operations department coordinates and ensures uninterrupted delivery of utility and support services critical to research and education. All employees in this department are considered “essential” and may be required to respond to emergency situations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, life, and flexible spending accounts.
• Excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work and family benefits.
• Health and wellness programs and resources.

Pay

$135,327.00 - $175,000.00 Annual Rate. Salary offers are based on candidate qualifications, experience, skills, education, and alignment with external market and internal peer data.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania