Vice President, Design & Construction

This retained search is led by ALJ Group. To express interest or nominate a candidate, please contact Todd M. com The Vice President of Design Construction is a full‑time, salaried leadership role based out of Mather Headquarters in Evanston, IL—an extraordinary opportunity for a creative, forward‑thinking design and construction leader eager to shape the next era of luxury senior living.

At Mather—an award‑winning pioneer in redefining wellness and recognized as a premier wellness destination—you will help bring to life innovative, human‑centered environments that elevate how older adults live, connect, and thrive. In this role, the Vice President, Design Construction manages the full lifecycle of new Life Plan Community development projects with budgets exceeding $400 million—from early conceptual visioning to construction documents, pre‑construction, construction, pre-opening, and the first day residents walk through the doors through close-out. This leader thoughtfully coordinates project scope, design direction, budget strategy, and schedule alignment with the Headquarters team to ensure resident and team member needs are prioritized and that Mather’s elevated design standards reflect its bold market vision.

You will collaborate deeply with architects, engineers, interior designers, landscape designers, specialty consultants, and construction partners to translate creative ideas into extraordinary built environments that support wellness, belonging, and exceptional living. As a collaborative and imaginative partner, you will guide complex architectural and engineering processes, steward FF E and soft‑cost planning, support contract negotiations, and ensure project execution that advances Mather’s mission and strengthens its leadership in the sector. This role requires meaningful, ongoing travel to project sites and partner locations to support successful collaboration, onsite leadership, and seamless execution throughout every phase of the development process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Co-lead entitlements process for new communities. Support the establishment of project budgets and timelines. Manages the design of the community in accordance with the project program and outline specifications.

Manages project work to ensure budgets for design, construction, FF E, and related soft costs meet or exceed expectations. Leads procurement and contract negotiation with owner’s consultants and construction related contracts, including fee negotiation, contract review, and recommendations for content and execution. Confirms and manages budgets and contracts for project scope and design including architects, engineers, interior designers, and specialty consultants.

Administers project processes including notifications, scheduling, construction payments, additional services and change orders, punch lists, and closeout. Coordinates project planning and scheduling with team members at the community through close-out. Establishes and maintains positive relations with authorities having jurisdiction, contractors, vendors, residents, families, team member, and neighbors, as appropriate.

Serves as a resource to the community on warranty/emergency repairs and projects. Assists with research/development in support of special assignments as needed. Establishes, operationalizes, engages team members in, and sustains a Quality Assurance Process Improvement process.

QUALIFICATIONS

AND SKILLS Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience. 15+ years’ experience in building design and construction including multiple projects with budgets of $200 million or more. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in architecture or relevant engineering disciplines.

Master’s degree in architecture, relevant engineering discipline, business, finance or real estate.