Director of Construction and Capital Programs

Job Description

The Director of Construction and Capital Programs is responsible for the integrated leadership and successful delivery of Harvard Graduate School of Education’s multi-million-dollar, multi-year capital building and renewal program. The role supports the HGSE mission by ensuring that capital investments are strategically prioritized, effectively executed, and delivered in a manner that supports optimal teaching and learning, education research advancement, and community experiences.

This position requires strong capital program leadership, technical expertise, financial oversight, and the interpersonal skills necessary to engage faculty, administrators, University partners, public agencies, and external consultants. The Director leads the development and execution of the School’s capital plan, oversees project delivery from planning through construction and occupancy, ensures alignment with campus framework and space strategy, and maintains accountability for scope, quality, budget, schedule, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

A key annual deliverable is a comprehensive multi-year capital plan (typically five years), developed in collaboration with HGSE and Harvard University leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy, and Governance

• Report to the Chief of Operations and participate with peer senior leaders in the oversight and management of the Operations department.
• Work closely with the Chief of Operations on capital investment strategy, campus framework alignment, space and growth planning, and long-term asset stewardship.
• Lead and foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, accountability, and shared standards across Operations, Project Management teams, and University partners.
• Represent HGSE on Harvard University capital construction committees.

Capital Programs and Project Delivery

• Develop and execute the School’s multi-year capital building and renewal program.
• Ensure all projects are appropriately scoped, budgeted, scheduled, permitted, constructed, commissioned, and occupied.
• Oversee all phases of project delivery, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, construction oversight, commissioning, and occupancy.
• Monitor and manage project budgets, schedules, contingencies, and reporting; lead value engineering and risk mitigation efforts as appropriate.
• Establish and implement project-specific communication plans to ensure effective stakeholder coordination.
• Ensure construction impacts on campus operations are minimized or appropriately mitigated.

Planning and Space Coordination

• Ensure capital projects align with the HGSE Campus Framework and institutional space strategy.
• Analyze institutional and departmental space needs and translate operational requirements into clear project programs and planning alternatives.
• Prepare periodic reports on the status and evolution of the Campus Framework Plan.
• Provide strategic oversight of HGSE’s campus space data systems (e.g., Revit), ensuring accurate, integrated information for all owned and leased facilities.
• Author and steward space policies, interior guidelines, and furniture standards in support of long-term asset performance and consistency.

Design Oversight and Quality

• Serve as steward of design quality to ensure projects meet institutional standards and long-term operational needs.
• Oversee design development to ensure constructability, cost discipline, and alignment with approved project scope.
• Collaborate with architects and project teams on design direction, materials, finishes, and interiors.
• Conduct post-occupancy evaluations and incorporate lessons learned into future capital planning and project execution.

Vendor, Consultant, and Regulatory Management

• Lead or oversee RFPs, consultant and contractor selection, negotiations, contract awards, and procurement processes for planning, design, and construction services.
• Direct and manage external consultants, designers, engineers, construction managers, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, permitting, accessibility, and inspection requirements; maintain appropriate records and documentation.
• Collaborate with Harvard University Planning and Design (HUPAD) and external agencies (e.g., City of Cambridge ISD, Cambridge/MA historical, and MA accessibility boards, etc.).

Financial Planning and Asset Stewardship

• Contribute to the annual capital budgeting process, including development of project scopes, cost estimates, and preliminary timelines.
• Work with Operations leadership on capital budget requirements, forecasting, and reporting.
• Participate in annual Facility Condition Index (FCI) assessments and renewal planning to align with University investment and deferred maintenance goals.

People Management

• Directly supervise capital program staff, including the Space Planning and Operations Manager and Planning and Design Project Coordinator.
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop internal staff and contracted project management resources.
• Ensure staff are trained in relevant capital planning and project management systems and practices.

External Relations and Stewardship

• Serve as an ambassador for HGSE with University partners, public agencies, community stakeholders, alumni, and the media as appropriate.
• Represent HGSE interests in the Cambridge community and broader planning initiatives as related to capital projects and construction activities.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in capital project delivery, construction management, campus planning, and/or capital program leadership;
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, planning, engineering, construction management, or a related field required.
• Extensive knowledge of construction processes, project controls, budgeting, cost estimating, value engineering, and building systems.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complex capital projects on time and within budget.
• Working knowledge of sustainable design and development principles.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.  Additional qualifications
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with senior faculty, administrators, public officials, consultants, and the public.
• Previous experience in consensus building and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong technical skills, including MS Office, project management systems, scheduling tools, and space management databases; familiarity with BIM systems (Revit) preferred.
• Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.  Please upload as one document.

Additional Qualifications

• Higher education experience strongly preferred.
• Masters degree preferred

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.