Planning, Design and Construction Project Director-30155

Rush University Medical Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 170,519,000 - 254,076,000; Full time

Job summary

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL is seeking a Project Executive to lead end-to-end delivery of large capital programs and real estate initiatives across the Rush system. You will act as the accountable owner’s representative with authority to make major project decisions within financial and governance parameters.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in architecture/engineering/construction management and 12–15+ years in healthcare capital delivery, with real estate transactions and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field.
• 12–15+ years of progressive experience in healthcare PDC, real estate development, or capital program delivery.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale healthcare projects or programs ($100M+)
• Experience with real estate transactions, lease structures, or development partnerships
• Strong financial acumen including capital planning, pro formas, and cost modeling
• Proven ability to operate independently in complex, matrixed environments

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and construction for major capital programs and multi-project portfolios
• Typically assigned to programs or portfolios exceeding $100M in total capital value or of equivalent strategic importance
• Lead integration of real estate strategy, site selection, development structuring, and capital delivery, including evaluation of funding approaches and negotiation of key commercial terms
• Serve as primary executive interface, presenting project strategy, risks, and recommendations, and establishing clear decision rights and alignment across stakeholders
• Lead developer, landlord, broker, and external partner relationships
• Develop and validate project business cases, including capital cost, operating impact, and financial return
• Establish project governance, reporting, and risk management frameworks; exercise independent judgment within defined parameters, escalating only material deviations
• Drive schedule, budget, and overall program performance from concept through activation
• Ensure alignment with Master Facilities Plan priorities and sequencing
• Lead entitlement, zoning, and municipal approval processes where applicable
• Lead large, cross-functional teams without direct reporting relationships
• Shape project scope and delivery approach in alignment with system strategy, clinical operations, and financial constraints

Skills

Capital projects

Healthcare real estate

Financial modeling

Program management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in architecture/engineering/construction management

Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Capital Projects

Work Type: Full Time

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

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

Pay Range: $59.51 - $88.67 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. This role has a corresponding incentive plan based on multiple factors. incentive compensation and additional benefits can be found on our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits)

Summary

The Project Executive is responsible for end-to-end delivery of large, complex capital programs and real estate development initiatives across the Rush University System for Health. Serves as the accountable owner’s representative with delegated authority for major capital projects and programs, including decision‑making within defined financial and governance parameters. This position requires discretion, a high degree of autonomy and superior judgment in dealing with RUSH leadership, departments and outside consultants and contractors. Exemplifies the RUSH mission, vision, and values, and upholds the RUSH policies and procedures.

Other Information

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or related field
• 12–15+ years of progressive experience in healthcare PDC, real estate development, or capital program delivery
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale healthcare projects or programs ($100M+)
• Experience with real estate transactions, lease structures, or development partnerships
• Strong financial acumen including capital planning, pro formas, and cost modeling
• Proven ability to operate independently in complex, matrixed environments

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Licensed Architect, Engineer, or equivalent experience in lieu of
• MBA or similar advanced degree
• Experience with academic medical centers or large integrated health systems

Competencies

Physical Demands:

Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities,

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and construction for major capital programs and multi-project portfolios
• Typically assigned to programs or portfolios exceeding $100M in total capital value or of equivalent strategic importance
• Lead integration of real estate strategy, site selection, development structuring, and capital delivery, including evaluation of funding approaches and negotiation of key commercial terms
• Serve as primary executive interface, presenting project strategy, risks, and recommendations, and establishing clear decision rights and alignment across stakeholders
• Lead developer, landlord, broker, and external partner relationships
• Develop and validate project business cases, including capital cost, operating impact, and financial return
• Establish project governance, reporting, and risk management frameworks; exercise independent judgment within defined parameters, escalating only material deviations
• Drive schedule, budget, and overall program performance from concept through activation
• Ensure alignment with Master Facilities Plan priorities and sequencing
• Lead entitlement, zoning, and municipal approval processes where applicable
• Lead large, cross-functional teams without direct reporting relationships
• Shape project scope and delivery approach in alignment with system strategy, clinical operations, and financial constraints

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.