Director of Design & Construction

Situation Overview:
ZRG has been engaged to recruit a Director of Design & Construction for William & Mary.

About William & Mary:
William & Mary, founded in 1693 in Williamsburg, Virginia, is the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Named after King William III and Queen Mary II of England, the university has played a crucial role in American history, serving as a center for Enlightenment thinking and shaping the nation’s early leadership. Notable alumni include Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler, three U.S. presidents who contributed significantly to the country's founding and governance.

William & Mary is known for its rigorous academics, strong research programs, and commitment to sustainability. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across disciplines such as law, business, and public policy. It also prides itself on its honor code, fostering a culture of trust and integrity among students, and is home to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. The university has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and incorporates sustainability into its campus operations, academics, and infrastructure. The Office of the University Architect within Business Affairs plays a crucial role in maintaining its 1,200-acre campus, ensuring that new and renovated buildings adhere to green design principles. Notable projects include LEED-certified buildings like the Integrated Science Center and the revitalization of historic structures to enhance functionality and energy efficiency.

Beyond academics, William & Mary fosters leadership, service, and civic engagement, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to their communities. The university’s approach to planning and design balances its rich historical roots with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Its master plan emphasizes walkability, green spaces, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, ensuring that campus developments align with long-term environmental goals. This combination of tradition and forward-thinking initiatives allows William & Mary to maintain its reputation as a distinguished institution that not only honors its past but also actively shapes a sustainable future.

Unit Mission Statement:
The mission of Business Affairs is to support W&M as a leader among liberal arts and science universities by providing excellent service that is efficient, inclusive, transparent, and accountable. In delivering service, we maintain a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, best-in-class technology, and the strategic and sustainable use of university resources while maintaining compliance with attention to corporate social responsibility both within the institution and among its suppliers.

We plan, design and construct high quality facilities that support the work of our faculty, students and staff, using the most integrated, efficient, cost effective, and sustainable means available; and to maintain a highly trained staff of professionals dedicated to achieving routine excellence in support of the university community.

Senior Management:

Dan Pisaniello
Assistant Vice President, University Architect

Dan provides strategic planning and oversight for three university-wide areas of focus: Campus Planning, Design & Construction, and W&M Sustainability. His role includes collaboration with university leadership and stakeholders to plan and prioritize architectural and engineering projects, develop and implement the master plan, provide interior design services, oversee construction management and capital improvements, and coordinate sustainability initiatives in support of the university's strategic goals.

The work of OUA spans over sixty projects that are part of the largest capital program in the university’s history - a $620 million portfolio featuring the restoration and preservation of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the creation of the first new school at William & Mary in more than half a century, and a significant public-private-partnership that will deliver new student housing for more than one thousand students. This work is being completed while implementing strategies that contribute to the university’s 2030 carbon neutrality goal. In addition to the management and implementation of this work, Dan reviews and guide projects, ensuring compliance with the university's master plan, architectural design guidelines, and technical standards.

Dan received his Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh and his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. He has over two decades of experience in the field and is a registered architect in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia. Dan is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Association of University Architects (AUA), and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA). He is also a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), a LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction Specialty (LEED AP BD+C) and holds a certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Sean Hughes
Chief Business Officer

As Chief Business Officer at the nation’s second oldest university, Sean oversees a wide range of university-wide functions, including facilities management, real estate and strategic space planning, auxiliary services, environmental health & safety, procurement, accounts payable, and the university architect. With 19+ years of experience in operations leadership, administration, and real estate & construction, he brings a unique combination of skills and abilities to this role.

Currently, Sean is leading the creation of William & Mary’s Comprehensive Campus Plan which plans for the next 10-100 years. He serves on several boards of directors, chair multiple university wide committees, and am active in the greater Williamsburg community.

Prior to joining William & Mary, Sean served as the Director of Operational Planning and Real Estate at Charleston County School District, where he led all real estate actions and leasing activities, developed long-term real estate portfolio strategies, and managed a $1.8 billion portfolio of property assets. He also implemented facility operations and real estate management improvements that resulted in annual savings of $4.3 million.

EEO Statement:
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching, and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Location:
Williamsburg, Virginia, is a historic city known for its rich colonial heritage and vibrant community. As part of the Historic Triangle, along with Jamestown and Yorktown, Williamsburg offers a unique blend of history and modern amenities. Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, attracts visitors from around the world, immersing them in 18th-century life with costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and engaging reenactments. The city is also home to the William & Mary, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious universities, contributing to a dynamic and educated population.

Beyond its historical significance, Williamsburg boasts a thriving economy supported by tourism, education, and healthcare industries. The city offers a high quality of life, with well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and ample recreational opportunities. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, a world-class theme park, and numerous golf courses, parks, and waterways provide entertainment for residents and visitors alike. The area’s commitment to sustainability and preservation ensures that its natural beauty and historic charm are maintained for future generations.

Williamsburg is an ideal location for those seeking a welcoming community with a strong sense of history and culture. The city's combination of small-town charm and modern conveniences makes it an attractive place to live and work. With its deep-rooted traditions, thriving local businesses, and strong civic engagement, Williamsburg continues to be a place where history meets opportunity.

Position Summary:
The Director of Design and Construction will lead the day-to-day development and management of William & Mary’s physical environment. This leadership role plays a critical role in shaping the future of our campus by overseeing the design and construction process for new buildings, renovations, interior design, and infrastructure projects. The Director is responsible for the design and construction of all capital projects

and physical improvements undertaken by the university. Working for and with the university’s architect, this person will ensure projects meet university design guidelines, conform to the university’s comprehensive campus plan, adhere to Commonwealth and federal regulations and procedures, and are effectively managed from concept through design, bidding, construction, substantial completion, and through the one-year post occupancy period. Positive staff supervision and departmental leadership are integral components of this role, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with a proven track record in higher education capital projects. They will possess a deep understanding of sustainable design principles, construction best practices, building code and accessibility standards, and a commitment to creating a vibrant and functional learning environment for our students, faculty, and staff. The Director may be required to respond to emergencies or unforeseen situations and work in the evenings and on weekends to fulfill job functions.

The role reports to the Assistant Vice President/University Architect in the division of Business Affairs.

Requirements

Position:
Performance Management (25%)

Expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals and objectives of the department or unit.
Staff receive frequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations as appropriate.
Staff have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to accomplish goals.
The requirements of the performance planning and evaluation system are met, and evaluations are completed by established deadlines with proper documentation.
Performance issues are addressed and documented as they occur.
Safety issues are reviewed and communicated to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
Provides effective leadership and direction for the Design and Construction staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional excellence.
Supports and collaborates with the other functions of the Office of the University Architect, which includes Campus Planning and Sustainability.
Supervises multiple full-time staff, including project managers and construction manager-inspectors, providing guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective execution of projects.

Program Management (30%)
Provides leadership and oversight for the entire life cycle of capital projects, from initial concept development through budgeting, programming, design, construction, substantial completion, the initial post-occupancy period, and closeout.
Oversees the establishment of department and capital budgets, approves the expenditure of funds, and manages assigned capital budgets for physical improvements.
Assists the University Architect in the selection and management of a team of consultants, including architects, engineers, construction managers, and other specialists, ensuring effective project delivery.
Ensures compliance with applicable state and federal regulations by developing and enforcing University policies and procedures for all facets of the planning, design, and construction process.
Reviews and resolves claims made by contractors, facilitating resolution of any contractual disputes, involving Supply Chain Services and University Counsel as appropriate.
Manages project risks and develops mitigation strategies to address potential challenges. Advise staff on how to manage risk as requested.
Develops and maintains appropriate project documentation, including schedules, budgets, and risk assessments.
Oversees project quality control and conducts regular site inspections to ensure adherence to project plans and university policies.
Coordinates with Operations and Maintenance to install new systems, manage ongoing maintenance, and identify emergent facilities issues.
Ensures that project documents, plans, and CAD, BIM, and GIS files used for university record keeping are provided to the appropriate stakeholders.

Project Management (25%)
Oversees design and construction projects to ensure adherence to technical design standards, project objectives, and University sustainability targets.
Leads the management of architectural projects, overseeing the creation of construction drawings and specifications.
Identifies user requirements and scopes out necessary professional services for projects.
Drives the achievement of Small, Women, and Minority (SWaM) goals within construction projects.
Takes charge of additional projects and special initiatives as directed, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.
Reviews design deliverables to ensure compliance with campus standards collaborating closely with Facilities Operations & Maintenance staff for seamless integration.

Project Planning (15%)
Executes projects related to the campus comprehensive plan and six-year capital plan, aligning capital projects with the university’s strategic vision and academic priorities.
Assists in the preparation of annual state appropriations request documentation by reviewing capital project requests.
Advises executive and senior administration on the status of ongoing and planned capital projects, preparing reports and resolutions in accordance with university policies.
Conducts feasibility studies and space analyses to inform space allocation decisions and optimize building utilization; uses findings to identify alternative outcomes for campus projects.
Develops opinions of probable cost studies and program of record documentation for capital and non-capital projects.
Cultivates relationships with university departments to gather information for the campus comprehensive plan and capital projects.

Other Duties (5%)
Represents the department at university-wide events and serves on committees to provide guidance regarding campus operations.
Assists the University Architect in the management and maintenance of university design standards and quality expectations, including developing and implementing sustainable design guidelines (e.g., LEED).
Promotes a positive and collaborative working relationship with internal and external partners, including faculty, staff, contractors, architects, and consultants.
Assists with and prepares reports to federal and state agencies regarding physical improvements as requested.

Required Qualifications:
Must possess a degree from an accredited college or university with major studies in architecture, engineering, or a related field.
Registration as an architect or professional engineer.
Extensive, progressively responsible experience in project and program management is required. This experience must include the development of programming and planning documents, guiding, and managing design processes, developing, and managing project budgets, overseeing large construction projects, and field observation of construction.
Working knowledge of applicable building codes, standards, and accessibility guidelines
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in capital planning, project management, resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources.

Preferred Qualifications:
An advanced degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Construction industry experience with institutions of higher education is preferred.
Accreditation through the United States Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or a related professionally recognized organization is preferred.
Familiarity with CAD, GIS, and other graphic programs is preferred.
At least 2 years of supervision experience, preferably in a higher education or public sector setting.
Experience with e-Builder or other project management information systems.