Director, Planning, Design & Construction

Cambridge Health Alliance; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) seeks a Director of Planning, Design, and Construction to lead the full lifecycle of capital projects and facility initiatives across the CHA system. You will oversee planning, architectural design, construction, relocations, and major equipment replacements while ensuring compliance with building, health, and life safety codes.

You will manage budgets, vendor negotiations, and contracting processes and collaborate with senior leadership to set standards for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years in facilities planning, design, and construction management, including 4+ years healthcare experience.
• Proficiency in reading/interpreting architectural and MEP plans; hands-on with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, ProCore, and Google Workspace.
• Deep knowledge of Joint Commission, NFPA, Life Safety Codes, MA Building Code, and DPH guidelines; familiarity with collective bargaining environments.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Project Management for healthcare facilities, master space planning, and feasibility studies.
• Directs design and construction projects across the CHA system, manages schedules and cost estimates.
• Oversees annual capital and operating budgets, vendor selection, contract negotiations, bidding, POs and invoicing.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards, safety protocols, and maintains liaison with leadership and committees.

Skills

Facilities planning

Construction management

Budgeting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management/Business)

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Bluebeam

ProCore

Google Workspace

Job description

Location: 1035 Cambridge Street

Category: Professional and Management

Department: Design Construction RE

Job Type: Full Time

Union Name: Non Union

Work Schedule: Day

Length Of Shift(s) In Hours: 8

Shift Details: 8-4:30 M-F

Hours/Week: 40

Weekend Requirements: No

Holiday Requirements: No

On Call Requirements: No

Job Summary

The Director of Planning, Design, and Construction manages the full lifecycle of capital projects and strategic facility initiatives across the CHA System. From concept to completion, this role oversees facility planning, architectural design, construction, department relocations, and major equipment replacements. The Director ensures strict compliance with city, state, and federal building, health, and life safety codes while maintaining fiscal control over capital and operational budgets.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Project Management: Serves as the primary resource for healthcare architectural planning, master space planning, and feasibility studies. Directs design and construction projects (refreshes to ground-up builds), leads project meetings, and oversees drawing management, project schedules, and cost estimates while minimizing disruption to patient care.
• Financial & Operational Oversight: Develops, manages, and reconciles annual capital and operating budgets. Oversees vendor selection, contract negotiations, bidding processes, purchase orders, and invoice approvals per organizational policy.
• Regulatory Compliance & Safety: Ensures compliance with Joint Commission, DPH, DMH, OPSI, DLS, NFPA, and OSHA regulations. Maintains Life Safety Drawings, manages permits, establishes safe job site protocols, and leads contractor orientation programs.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Communicates plans to Senior Leadership and the Board of Trustees. Serves as a liaison across departments and committees (e.g., Space Committee) and establishes standards for finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years in facilities planning, design, and construction management, including at least 4 years focused on healthcare/hospital facilities.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in reading/interpreting architectural and MEP plans. Hands-on experience with industry tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, ProCore, and Google Workspace.
• Regulatory & Labor Knowledge: Deep understanding of Joint Commission, NFPA, Life Safety Codes, MA State Building Code, and DPH guidelines, as well as experience managing workforces under collective bargaining agreements.
• Core Competencies: Advanced budgeting and financial acumen, strong analytical problem‑solving skills, and exceptional leadership and communication abilities.

Please note that the final offer may vary within the listed Pay Range, based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development. Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks, jokes or conduct, that in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment.

Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA.

Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.

At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.