Campus Planning & Design Director: Architecture Leader

University of California - Merced; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Merced invites applications for a Director of Planning and Design to lead capital project planning, design review, and campus-wide sustainability initiatives on the Merced campus. The role requires licensure by the California Architects Board or the ability to obtain within six months of hire, plus extensive experience in higher education capital programs.

The position oversees project initiation, land-use planning, design reviews, construction phase support, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Licensed California Architect or ability to obtain license within 6 months of hire.
• Six years of directly related experience in planning and design of capital projects.
• Experience with campus design guidelines, LRDPs, CEQA, and regulatory coordination.
• Strong stakeholder management and alignment of design with programmatic goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead initiation and planning of capital projects, defining scope and selecting consultants.
• Oversee land use planning, LRDP, CEQA documents, and regulatory coordination.
• Chair campus design review process for architectural proposals and site plans.
• Provide construction phase support with submittal reviews and RFIs.
• Lead consultant selection, contracting, and performance oversight.
• Strategic leadership for campus aesthetics and sustainability.
• Engage stakeholders and community partners to facilitate consensus.
• Prepare executive reports on design quality and project performance.
• Supervise Project Directors and mentor staff.
• Manage FF&E for major capital projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Facilitation

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field

Advanced degree in same or related field

Job description

University of California - Merced invites applications for a Director of Planning and Design to lead capital project planning, design review, and campus-wide sustainability initiatives on the Merced campus. The role requires licensure by the California Architects Board or the ability to obtain within six months of hire, plus extensive experience in higher education capital programs.

The position oversees project initiation, land-use planning, design reviews, construction phase support, and