Director of Planning and Design

Loyola Marymount University; Westchester (IL); On-site; USD 100,100 - 135,100; Full time

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University is seeking a Director of Planning and Design based in Westchester, Illinois. The role involves overseeing project management, client relations, and the physical development of the campus. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in architecture or related fields and five years of experience managing planning projects, preferably in higher education.

Responsibilities include leading planning activities, technical reviews, and ensuring compliance with safety and building standards. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, proficiency in design software, and knowledge of regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in managing planning and major capital projects.
• Strong supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of local building codes and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate tasks and project management for assigned projects.
• Provide oversight for campus space and planning activities.
• Prepare and maintain architectural standards and specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication Skills

Sustainability Knowledge

Technical Review

Space Planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, physical planning or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Revit

Job description

Director of Planning and Design – Responsibilities

1. Responsible for planning and coordinating all tasks, critical dates, campus client relations, performance quality and customer satisfaction, budget and project management, and administration for each assigned project; coordinate completion of work by internal teams and third‑party service providers such as design firms and consultants.
2. Provide oversight for a wide range of planning activities that guide the physical development of the campus and the utilization of campus space in support of the University’s mission and strategic plan; serve as technical planning expert on campus‑wide planning, space, building and site programming, strategic capital project planning, and project development for academic and residential environments.
3. Meet with campus clients and collaborate closely with other administrative departments involved in campus planning and space planning.
4. Lead project initiation, including review of alignment with university strategic planning, space programming, project feasibility, budget, and schedule development; lead the discretionary project approvals process in the pre‑design phase and may carry a select set of projects through all phases to occupancy.
5. Prepare and maintain architectural standards and specifications to assure conformance to applicable building codes and safety requirements.
6. Provide technical review of proposed plans and specifications submitted by commissioned architects, engineers and other public and private agencies.
7. Prepare and provide technical direction to the University in the preparation of sketches, conceptual renderings, architectural designs, data specifications and presentations.
8. Oversee all aspects of architectural and interior design services, including space planning, specifying and ordering all FF&E; oversee and manage campus moves, scheduling, and interfacing with consultants and vendors.
9. Participate in the efficient and equitable development and arrangement of land use for purposes of space planning and campus Master Plan compliance utilizing knowledge of zoning, development regulations and capital improvement programs.
10. Supervise and direct work activities of FM Planning and Design unit, including day‑to‑day supervision of LMU staff and external architectural/engineering consultants.
11. Review bulletins, RFIs, change orders, proposals and project budget reports; ensure plans are updated, as‑built drawings are obtained and archived, and design plans and specifications for LMU‑designed projects are prepared for the bid process; conduct job walks with design teams/vendors on projects.
12. Represent LMU within the architectural and physical/campus planning community and at professional organizations or associations, and serve on committees as required.
13. Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

• Typically a Bachelor’s Degree in architecture, physical planning, or a closely related field or equivalent professional experience; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in managing planning and/or major capital projects, including facilities planning, programming, pre‑design, comprehensive campus planning, and/or space planning, preferably in higher‑ed institutions or large‑scale projects.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Experience in project budgeting is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of sustainability, physical design, and land use is a plus.
• One or more of the following certifications or licenses is preferred: Architect License, NCARB registration, LEED AP, completion of SCUP Planning Institute Workshops, AICP, and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Knowledge of local (LADBS) building codes, ADA Accessibility Guidelines, zoning and entitlements, and related regulations.
• Understanding of municipality institutional master planning is preferred.
• Experience and ability to develop and apply space planning guidelines and standards.
• Proficiency in a variety of computer‑aided design software tools including AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Revit, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge in the areas of construction, facilities, maintenance and engineering.
• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills with experience in preparing comprehensive reports and executive summaries involving complex, highly technical information.
• Possess instructional, training, and team‑building skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships.
• Demonstrated computer competency and familiarity with computer‑aided software systems.

Salary and Benefits

Staff Regular Salary range: $100,100.00 – $135,100.00. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

EEO Statement

Loyola Marymount University is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, legally protected medical condition, denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age 40 or over, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal, state or local law. The University does not discriminate on these bases, or any other basis protected by law, in the administration of its education or admission policies, scholarship or loan programs, athletics, and other school‑administered policies and programs, or in its employment policies and practices.