Director, Design & Construction (Healthcare)

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago seeks a Director, Design & Construction to provide executive leadership for healthcare capital projects, facilities planning, and construction management initiatives that impact patient care, clinical innovation, and operational excellence.

You will oversee a diverse portfolio from small renovations to large developments, lead a team of project managers, collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders, and ensure projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare facilities planning & design, project management, construction administration.
• Professional licensure (Architect, Engineer) or related industry certifications (i.e. CHFM, PMP, LEED AP).
• Proven management experience, managing project teams, external consultants, and contractors.
• Experience in healthcare organization at manager level or above, preferably academic medical center.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare construction regulations (NFPA, FGI, ADA, Joint Commission).
• Ability to develop budgets, manage schedules, and oversee multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, and other design/construction tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and execution of capital projects, ensuring budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Allocate project resources aligning with institutional priorities.
• Lead team of project managers and consultants in design and construction of new projects and renovations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulators to adhere to policies and codes.
• Provide leadership in space planning, budgeting, and project delivery strategies.
• Ensure integration of patient and staff experience and regulatory requirements into facility design and construction.
• Develop and maintain project management policies, procedures, and reporting systems.
• Act as liaison with internal stakeholders to align projects with operational needs.
• Participate in capital planning and space committee meetings for feasibility insights.
• Oversee construction safety, quality control, and risk management across projects.
• Support change management initiatives related to facility upgrades.
• Develop and mentor project management staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelors in A/E/CM

Tools

MS Office Suite

MS Project

Job description

Job Description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Capital Projects

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $69.41 - $103.42 per hour

Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary

Shape the future of healthcare environments at RUSH University System for Health. As the Director of Design & Construction, you will provide executive leadership for healthcare capital projects , facilities planning, and construction management initiatives that directly impact patient care, clinical innovation, and operational excellence. You will oversee a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from small-scale renovations to large, complex developments ($5,000 to $500M), ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and in compliance with healthcare regulations and industry standards.

In this highly visible leadership role, you will serve as the bridge between strategic planning and project execution. You’ll lead and mentor a team of project managers while collaborating with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders across facilities, real estate, finance, and clinical departments. Your expertise in healthcare construction, capital planning, space planning, and project management will ensure alignment with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements (e.g., Joint Commission, NFPA, FGI, ADA), and best practices in design and construction.

This role requires a strong background in construction administration, budget management, scheduling, and risk mitigation, along with experience managing multiple concurrent projects in a complex healthcare or academic medical center environment. You will drive process improvement , support capital budgeting efforts, and ensure high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency across all projects.

Your work will directly influence the environments where care is delivered —ensuring they are safe, compliant, and optimized for both patient and staff experience. This is an opportunity to lead impactful healthcare construction and facilities projects, collaborate with top professionals, and shape the future of a leading academic health system.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and execution of capital projects ranging in scope and complexity, ensuring compliance with budget, schedule, and quality expectations.

• Oversee the allocation of project resources, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

• Oversee team of project managers and consultants in the design and construction of new projects, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure projects adhere to RUSH’s policies, industry standards, and building codes.

• Provide leadership in space planning, capital budgeting, and project delivery strategies to optimize facility performance.

• Ensure the integration of patient and staff experience, operational efficiencies, and regulatory requirements into facility design and construction.

• Develop and maintain project management policies, procedures, and reporting systems to track project performance, risks, and outcomes.

• Act as a key liaison with internal stakeholders, including Facilities Management, Real Estate, Finance, and clinical departments, to align projects with operational needs.

• Participate in capital planning and space committee meetings, providing expertise on facility needs and project feasibility.

• Oversee construction safety, quality control, and risk management practices across all projects.

• Support change management initiatives related to facility upgrades and operational transitions.

• Develop and mentor project management staff, ensuring professional development and high performance.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

• 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience in healthcare facilities planning & design, project management, construction administration.

• Professional licensure (Architect, Engineer) or related industry certifications (i.e. CHFM, PMP, LEED AP).

• Proven management / leadership experience, managing project teams, external consultants, and contractors.

• Past experience working for a healthcare organization at the manager level or above, preferably academic medical center.

• Strong knowledge of healthcare construction regulations, including NFPA, FGI, ADA, and Joint Commission standards.

• Ability to develop budgets, manage schedules, and oversee multiple concurrent projects with competing priorities.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership.

• Proficiency in project management software, MS Office Suite, and other relevant design and construction tools.

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.

• Experience in real estate planning, capital budgeting, or alternative project delivery methods.

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Position: Director, Design & Construction (Healthcare)

Location: US:IL:Chicago

Req ID: 23602