Director, Project Design and Construction

Director, Project Design and Construction Job Summary DATE POSTED May 01, 2026 Schedule Full-time Job Code 4403 Employee Status Regular Grade M Requisition ID 109027 DESCRIPTION The Stanford Real Estate office, under the university’s Department of Land, Buildings & Real Estate ("LBRE"), is seeking to hire a Director of Project Design and Construction. The Director will be a critical member of the Real Estate Development Group within the Stanford Real Estate division of LBRE. The primary purpose of this position is to contribute to the Stanford Real Estate Development group’s efforts to create and optimize investment land or property value through the active project management, planning, entitlement, development, and redevelopment of Stanford’s non‑academic lands. Other important focus areas of this position include overseeing various capital improvement projects associated with existing assets and managing projects that address Stanford’s strategic faculty and staff housing needs. The portfolio includes a variety of properties, including commercial office, research and development, housing, hotel, and retail properties. This position will report to and assist the Senior Managing Director, Development with all aspects of project management, design, and construction, in addition to planning, entitlement, and general real estate development responsibilities. The Director will also work closely with Senior Directors of Design and Construction through shadowing and cross‑training on projects, in order to enhance group communication and team experience. The Director will also work closely with asset management and finance professionals within the Stanford Real Estate group on new project assessment, strategic planning, development, redevelopment, and capital improvement projects related to existing assets in Stanford’s investment portfolio. Given the sensitive nature of land use entitlements, it is imperative that the position be filled by a candidate who exhibits diplomacy and sensitivity to multiple interested parties. The Director will be a university representative before local jurisdictions, including city managers, staff, and councils, as well as someone who will manage relations with community members and residents directly impacted by projects. Interacting with members of the real estate business community and monitoring market trends will also be important, as well as working collaboratively with other Stanford departments. STANFORD REAL ESTATE BACKGROUND The Stanford Real Estate office manages the off‑campus real estate assets for Stanford University, including Stanford Research Park. Additionally, SRE also frequently lends its real estate expertise to development projects intended for university use, such as faculty/staff housing, the Stanford Redwood City campus, and other university initiatives. All employees in the Stanford Real Estate office benefit from being part of this world‑class University. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee and lead new commercial and residential construction projects for both Stanford’s investment portfolio and Stanford’s faculty staff housing group. Work closely with other Stanford Real Estate team members on planning and entitlement, community outreach, finance/accounting, environmental management, asset management, and property management. Assist in all levels of project management including budgeting, scheduling, design review, construction monitoring, document closeout, transition to long‑term asset managers, and other aspects of development projects and major capital improvement projects. Set and implement a project schedule and budget as agreed upon by internal Stanford entities. Work with government agencies (city, county and other agencies), community members, business partners, and tenants, as well as representatives of Stanford’s Faculty Staff Housing department, and other university representatives to plan and implement projects. Oversee all project teams, including Architects, Engineers, technical consultants, contractors, vendors, and other members of the development or construction team. Successfully negotiate contracts and purchase orders. Review specifications and submittals, billings, invoices, and change orders. Other duties as assigned. In addition to the above, the Director will assist in other various projects of the Real Estate group, including long‑term strategic planning initiatives and other university initiatives. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in a related field and ten years of relevant construction and real estate development experience or a combination of education and technical experience. Solid grounding in the full project life cycle of planning, design, and construction, with significant experience in commercial investment development. Experience with varied product types, including housing, is preferred due to Stanford’s numerous and diverse land uses and real estate product types. Experience interacting with local government staff, community members, and business partners. Exhibit effective interpersonal skills and the ability to interpret and relate university policies and regulatory controls to project objectives. Possess strong leadership, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution skills. The candidate must be a self‑starter, learn new concepts quickly, work independently with minimal supervision under tight deadlines and in high‑pressure situations. Accuracy, attention to detail, and high work standards are required. Setting, maintaining, and adhering to project budgets and schedules are critical required skills. Certifications and Licenses Must possess and maintain a valid California non‑commercial Class C Driver’s License. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Frequently stand/walk, sit, perform desk‑based computer tasks and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds. Occasionally use a telephone, write by hand, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation and lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 20 pounds. Rarely kneel, crawl, climb ladders, reach/work above shoulder, grasp forcefully, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 40 pounds or more. Ability to drive day or night. Auditory acuity with ability to hear horns and bells. Visual acuity with ability to determine colors for finishes. Ability to climb scaffolding, ladders, stairs, etc. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job. WORKING CONDITIONS May work in active laboratories or outdoor environments. May be exposed to extreme hot and cold temperatures, high‑voltage electricity, radiation, electromagnetic fields, lasers, noise >80 dB TWA, allergens/biohazards/chemicals/asbestos, or heavy metals or work on roofs at heights greater than 10 ft. Must wear personal protective equipment as defined/required by job assignments, and dress for clean rooms. May work extended hours, evenings and weekends. WORK STANDARDS When conducting university business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements. Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations. Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide ( Pay Range The expected pay range for this position is $199,580 to $245,563 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website ( provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process. The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned. Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form. Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr