AVP for Planning, Design, and Construction

The University of Rochester is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC). In this executive role, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all large-scale capital projects across the University enterprise, ensure the built environment supports our mission of education, research, and clinical care and align physical infrastructure with institutional priorities and long-term strategic goals.

The AVP for Planning, Design and Construction will lead a multidisciplinary team overseeing campus planning, architectural/engineering design, and project execution. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a world-class institution through thoughtful planning, innovative design, and exceptional project delivery.

The following are core functions of the AVP for Planning, Design, and Construction:

Business Operations & Financial Management

• Provide executive leadership and management to PDC, providing supervision, engagement, and operational support, while creating a positive workplace that is highly proficient in the delivery of world-class facilities solutions. Oversee HR, finance, staffing, and recruitment strategies to align resources with project demand. Evaluate the performance of project managers of various specialties and experience levels, construction administrators, program analysts, and administrative staff. Manage the financial team within PDC for adequate tracking of project budgets and payments. Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with legal, code, and quality standards.

Capital Project Delivery

• Lead delivery of new construction, renovation, and infrastructure projects from concept to completion. Manage project budgets, schedules, compliance, and quality standards across a diverse portfolio. Oversee consultant/contractor selection, procurement, and governance processes.

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Guide long-range campus planning and maintain the Facilities Master Plan; establish and maintain a University Project Delivery guide that includes all University processes and procedures for capital project planning and execution. Serve as a key advisor to the Academic Center and Medical Center leadership on capital investment and campus development strategies. Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and delivery standards for capital projects.

Capital Planning

• Partner with clients to define project scope, phasing, budgets, and priorities. Lead development of multi-year capital forecasts aligned with financial planning. Oversee planning, zoning, and alignment with institutional and municipal development plans.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Build strong partnerships with academic, clinical, administrative, and community stakeholders. Represent the University in public forums, approvals, and community engagement.

Procurement Management

• Lead procurement strategies that may apply to Capital projects, including pre-qualifications, set asides, compliance requirements, and contracts and agreements.

Qualified individuals will possess the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Urban Planning (or a related field) required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the management of staff, as well as multiple complex construction projects, ideally in a highly complex education, research, or medical environment OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• LEED AP, project management, and/or construction management certifications highly desirable
• Demonstrated working knowledge of applicable building codes and regulations, building systems (mechanical/electrical/plumbing/enclosure) in laboratory and healthcare environments
• General knowledge of LEED certification process or similar environmental design standard, as well as long-range capital planning

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.