Director of Planning & Design – Associate Campus Architect

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP); Merced (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California Merced is seeking a licensed California Architect to lead capital projects from initiation through construction. You will oversee planning, design review, and sustainability efforts while coordinating with regulatory bodies and campus stakeholders in a complex university setting.

The role requires at least six years of relevant experience, a strong track record in large-scale projects, and the ability to manage multiple consultants and teams to deliver high-quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field (required)
• Advanced degree (preferred) in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field
• Six years of directly related progressively responsible experience in planning and design of capital projects
• Must be a licensed California Architect issued by the California Architects Board (CAB) or able to obtain license within 6 months
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale design and construction projects and complex stakeholder coordination
• Familiarity with UC Facilities Manual, California Building Code (CBC), and State Fire Marshal (SFM) processes

Responsibilities

• Lead initiation and planning of capital projects, defining scope and selecting consultants
• Oversee land use and planning documents (LRDP), CEQA-related work, and regulatory coordination
• Chair campus design review process for architectural proposals and ensure adherence to guidelines
• Provide campus-side support during construction by reviewing submittals, RFIs, and attending meetings
• Lead architect/engineer consultant selection, contracting, and performance oversight
• Provide strategic leadership for campus aesthetics, design excellence, and sustainability
• Represent UC Merced in design engagements with colleges, departments, committees, and external partners
• Prepare executive-level reports on design quality, plan implementation, and project performance
• Supervise Project Directors and design staff, fostering design excellence
• Manage furniture program (FF&E) focus on Major Capital projects and stakeholder prioritization

Skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder coordination

Construction management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture / Engineering / Construction Management / Urban Planning

Advanced degree in Architecture / Engineering / Construction Management / Urban Planning

Job description

Merced, CA

Posted: 8/10/26

Deadline: 11/8/26

Salary: The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $155,000 - $200,000.

About This Organization

University of California Merced

Job Duties

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Initiation & Planning: Lead management and initiation of capital projects, including defining scope, selecting and onboarding consultants, and conducting visioning/programming to validate user requirements and align with institutional goals and fiscal constraints.
• Land Use & Planning Oversight: Oversee campus development permits and long-range planning documents (LRDP), including EIR and other CEQA-related documents, coordinating with regulatory bodies and ensuring compliance. Represent the university in discussions with various regional governmental agencies relating to development projects both on and around the university.
• Design Review Leadership: Chair and coordinate the campus design review process for architectural proposals, elevations, materials, site plans, and wayfinding, ensuring adherence to campus standards, sustainability goals, and program needs. Serve as Associate Campus Architect, collaborating with the Campus Architect on design intent, aesthetic stewardship, and technical compliance. Maintain and enforce Architectural Design Guidelines, Campus Construction Standards, and Landscape Guidelines.
• Construction Phase Support: Provide campus-side support during construction by reviewing Submittals and RFIs as needed, participating in construction meetings, and tracking the resolution of field issues and punch lists.
• Consultant & Contract Stewardship: Lead and manage architect/engineer consultant selection, contracting, and performance oversight, enforcing compliance with campus standards and applicable codes.
• Campus Architectural Stewardship & Sustainability: Provide strategic leadership for campus aesthetics, design excellence, and institutional identity across all locations. Champion integration of sustainable and resilient design, coordinating with sustainability leadership and ensuring compliance with best practices.
• Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Represent UC Merced in design-related engagements with colleges, departments, committees, auxiliary units, and external partners; facilitate consensus and clear decision timelines.
• Governance, Reporting & Standards: Prepare executive-level reports and briefings for senior leadership and planning committees on design quality, campus plan implementation, and project performance. Maintain campus design, construction, and master planning standards; ensure projects comply with applicable codes and policies.
• Team Leadership & Supervision: Supervise Project Directors and mentor planning/design staff, building professional capability and a culture of design excellence. Responsible for supervising, directing, and evaluating the work of subordinate employees, and exercising independent judgment in the administration of department policies and procedures.
• Furniture Program (FF&E) Management: Provide managerial support for the university’s furniture program with a primary focus on Major Capital projects; support the team in stakeholder management, advocacy, and prioritization needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field (required); and/or
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, or related field (preferred); and
• Six years of directly related progressively responsible experience in the planning and design of capital projects, preferably in higher education or public sector, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (required); and nowledge, Skills and Abilities – Position
• Must be a licensed California Architect issued by the California Architects Board (CAB), or be capable of acquiring the license within 6 months of hire (required).
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale design and construction projects and complex stakeholder coordination.
• Demonstrated skill in aligning stakeholder expectations with project realities, ensuring disciplined scope management throughout planning and design.
• Demonstrated skill in coordinating with architects, engineers, and consultants to align design outcomes with programmatic, functional, and operational needs identified by campus stakeholders,
• including the ability to continuously validate design progress against stakeholder expectations,
• identify gaps and drive corrective alignment with the design team.
• Strong understanding of construction documents, design phases, building codes, and sustainability practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Experience in public university capital programs – preferred
• Familiarity with UC Facilities Manual, California Building Code (CBC), and State Fire Marshal (SFM) processes.
• Experience with campus design guidelines, master planning, and design review boards.
• Experience with campus planning processes and the development, implementation, or management of Long-Range Development Plans (LRDPs).