Director Campus Planning, Design & University Architect

Rochester-Institute-of-Technology; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 131,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Sick and vacation time

12 paid holidays per year

Retirement resources

Educational benefits

Wellness program

On-site fitness facilities

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) seeks a Director of Planning & Design to lead the FMS Planning & Design Services. You will shape the campus through strategic planning, space management, and renovation programs, working with campus stakeholders and external partners.

This role requires a senior leadership presence, a background in design and construction, and the ability to manage $20 million in annual capital projects, while mentoring staff and advancing institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and NYS Architect License.
• 15 years of relevant experience or equivalent mix of experience and education.
• Experience leading planning and design for university-level capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Manages planning and design activities including staff supervision, customer service, quality performance
• Collaborates with senior leadership to evaluate campus space needs, provide expertise, and plan for new and renovated space
• Oversees design and development of campus capital projects, including budgets and schedules
• Coordinates with Project Managers and customers to meet programmatic needs and design criteria
• Develops and revises processes to support collaboration and excellent customer service
• Contributes to departmental strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Design & construction

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

NY State Architect License

Job description

Position Highlights

Lead a talented and engaged team in a department that values innovation, collaboration, and service excellence. As a member of the Facilities Management Services (FMS) leadership team, you will help shape the future of RIT's campus through strategic planning and design, employee development, and organizational leadership. The Director of Planning & Design leads the planning and design activities associated with university-wide space planning, renovation and capital programs, serving as the University's architectural representative by providing design leadership and oversight for more than $20 million in annual capital construction and renovation projects. In partnership with campus stakeholders, this role develops long-range programmatic and facility plans that support RIT's strategic vision.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Sick and vacation time
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Retirement and financial planning resources
• Educational benefits for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program
• Free use of on-site fitness facilities

FMS Planning & Design Services

FMS supports the RIT community by designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a high-quality, cost-effective campus environment. The FMS Planning & Design team shapes the future of RIT's campus through the space management, planning, design, and execution of renovation, capital, and infrastructure projects that support academic, research, residential, and administrative spaces. Working collaboratively with colleges and departments across the university, the team develops innovative solutions that align with RIT's strategic priorities and enhance the campus experience for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages planning and design activities including staff supervision, customer service, quality performance
• Collaborates with senior leadership to evaluate campus space needs, provide expertise, and plan for new and renovated space
• Oversees the design and development of campus capital projects using internal resources and external consultants, including the development of programmatic needs, basic aesthetic characteristics, and establishing project budgets and schedules
• Coordinates with Project Managers and customer contacts to ensure programmatic needs, design criteria, and schedules and budgets are met throughout the development of design
• Develops and revises processes and procedures to support collaboration across the university and provide excellent customer service
• Contributes to departmental strategic planning and continuous improvement
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of design and construction industries
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state rules and regulations
• Skill in project management
• Skill in effective communication, both written and oral
• Ability to plan and delegate the work of others and train and/or supervise the work of others
• Ability to establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan and plan, implement, and evaluate programs

Minimum Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in related field 15 years of relevant experience Equivalent combination of experience & education may be considered NYS Architect License

Job Level Overview

Management and People Leadership Level 3 - Heads a department, multiple smaller functions with a department, or a specialized function with institution-wide span. Integrates strategic thinking to drive cross functional initiatives to optimize efficiency, performance, and innovation.

Work Location

On Campus

Salary

Compensation $130,800-$155,000

RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.

RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT's strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.