Director, Design & Project Development

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

NBCUniversal is looking for a Director of Design & Project Development to join our West Coast Facilities – Studio Design & Construction team. This role is accountable for leading the design and development of complex projects from early concept through construction completion.

In this role, you’ll lead front-end project development, partnering with business units, Studio Operations leadership, Finance, and Facilities stakeholders to translate operational needs into well-defined projects with clear scope, cost, schedule, and risk parameters.

What You’ll Do:

• Own front-end project development activities, including feasibility analysis, test fits, scope definition, and early cost and schedule modeling to ensure projects are positioned for successful execution.
• Select, direct, and manage consultant teams across development and delivery phases, ensuring design intent, scope clarity, and constructability support successful execution.
• Serve as the designated Project Manager for assigned projects, maintaining end-to-end accountability from early programming and development through construction, commissioning, closeout, and handover.
• Develop and manage project budgets and schedules across all phases, including critical path activities, sequencing, and recovery strategies as required.
• Lead and proactively manage regulatory approvals and permitting efforts from early planning through construction completion.
• In compliance with NBCU Sourcing and other corporate policies, lead contracting, buyout, and procurement efforts, exercising sound judgment around delivery strategies and risk management.
• This role requires flexibility in work hours and availability, including responsiveness outside of standard business hours, to support active construction, critical milestones, business needs, facility emergencies, and executive-level engagement.

Let’s Talk About You…

• Design-Minded Strategist – You step back from default or expedient solutions to consider higher-level design solutions that balance creativity with constructability, cost discipline, and operational needs.
• Leadership – You are a proven leader known to challenge the status quo, introduce new and better ways of delivering results, and make difficult decisions and lead through change. You lead teams of professionals by mentoring and developing; you help them reach their full potential.
• Executer – You get things done!  Using strong business acumen, inciteful analytical skills, and superior organizational skills you manage through competing priorities within a matrixed environment
• Communicates with ease – You have a way with words; written and verbal.

What You Must Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture.
• 10+ years of experience in master site planning, conceptual design and general space planning, project programming, technical project development, and construction management.
• 10+ years of experience coordinating with civil, structural, and MEP building engineers, managing overall project delivery, and providing onsite construction management

What Would Make You a Stand Out:

• Demonstrated ability to personally lead complex projects while providing strategic influence across a broader portfolio.
• Proven executive-level communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders and present clearly to senior leadership.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with the ability to multitask effectively while overseeing a large and complex portfolio of projects and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of existing City and County of Los Angeles Building Codes, including Fire, CalGreen, and Accessibility codes/initiatives.
• Strong contracting experience and ability to identify and negotiate complex terms and language in design, engineering, and construction contracts.
• Highly effective in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and Smartsheet.
• Capable of communicating effectively through compelling PPT presentations, design diagrams, and leading the development of photorealistic renderings.

Additional Requirements:

• Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: Salary range: $150,000-$170,000 (bonus and long-term incentive eligible).

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].