Director for Planning, Design and Construction

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!

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Job Posting Title

Director for Planning, Design and Construction

Job Description Summary

Administrative Exempt

Job Description

The Director of Planning, Design and Construction (Director) provides leadership and direction for facilities planning, design and construction on campus, and the timely, successful and on-budget delivery of all construction and renovation projects. The Director draws on both technical expertise and exemplary communication skills to execute projects that support the College’s mission of educating women who will make a difference in the world.

The Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management and Planning (AVP) and together with the AVP works closely with college leadership, other constituencies within Wellesley College, and key partners in the town of Wellesley. The Director works closely with the Facilities Director of Operations and Director for Energy, Infrastructure & Chief Sustainability Officer to ensure project planning and delivery integrates the team’s deep knowledge of campus infrastructure and building functionality. The Director is responsible for maximizing the impact of Wellesley’s on-going investment in campus renewal, infrastructure improvement, and sustainability.  

Primary Position Responsibilities:

Strengthening Wellesley’s Capability to Deliver Exceptional Projects

• Lead campus planning program and project feasibility studies in collaboration with the AVP and College leaders, and manage a program that enhances the physical spaces and supports the College’s mission.

• Deliver exceptional projects by upholding the unique character and quality of Wellesley’s historic campus, by considering buildings and landscapes as integrated parts of the whole, and by using design strategies that contribute to Wellesley’s distinctive sense of place.

• Deliver all projects under budget and on schedule.

• Promote sustainability in the built habitat, and integrate facilities operational requirements to enhance life-cycle of buildings and systems. 

• Work effectively with other members of the Facilities leadership team to ensure integration of project planning with existing conditions and planned operational improvements.

• Support the leadership of the fundraising team in their efforts to raise gifts to fund the campus renewal priorities that are part of the College’s capital campaign.

Financial Management

• Develop realistic project budgets and effectively communicate regarding short term and long term budget priorities developed in conjunction with the AVP. 

• Develop creative ideas to optimize project costs, find synergies within various sources of funding, and enhance value.  Clearly communicate program and operational trade-offs to support decision-making.

• Work closely with the AVP and the Facilities and College Finance and Budget Offices to strengthen coordination of financial planning for the capital program.

Communications Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between architects and campus constituencies throughout the process of architect selection, design and construction.  

• Communicate the priorities and core values of Wellesley campus renewal plans to external and internal audiences.

Administrative Responsibilities