Director, Office of the University Architect

Arizona State University; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 135,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work schedules

22 days of vacation leave and 12 daysS

Tuition Reduction Program for staff

Paid holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement program

Paid parental leave

Wellness program

Disability and leave program

Employee Assistance program

ASU Discounts

Job summary

Arizona State University is seeking a Construction and Planning Manager 3 to oversee capital program planning and project execution from the University Architect’s Office. The role involves directing a Launch Team and coordinating architecture and engineering initiatives across ASU campuses.

The Director will guide staff, supervise in-house and consultant teams, and ensure adherence to ASU design guidelines while managing budgets and staff development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience in the area, including two (2) years managerial experience; OR twelve (12) years of related experience including five (5) years supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the University Architect to advance the University’s capital program, providing leadership in planning, programming, design quality, constructability, sustainability, cost awareness, and project performance.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to University leadership, project teams, consultants, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle; establish clear objectives, scope, and performance expectations.
• Lead development and continuous improvement of project design guidelines, institutional standards, programming processes, and executive-level communications; ensure design intent and budget considerations are documented and communicated.
• Direct and manage A/E consultants to meet university standards, contractual requirements, and policies; negotiate fees and support agreements.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to OUA staff, promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, aligning campus environments with design excellence and fiscal responsibility.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job Profile:

Construction and Planning Manager 3

Job Family:

Construction and Planning

Time Type:

Full time

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including two (2) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:

Develops and manages unit and project budgets, as well as strategically oversees project scopes for architecture and engineering initiatives. Works closely with internal stakeholders to make staffing decisions and actively contributes to the planning and execution of construction and planning projects.

Job Description:

Facilities Development and Management, Office of the University Architect (OUA), seeks a Director to implement strategic institutional initiatives under the direction of the University Architect. This role oversees OUA team members and directly supervises the Launch Team, which initiates University capital improvement projects through architectural programming, budget development, and conceptual design. The Director guides staff and subject matter experts, including landscape architects, environmental graphic designers, interior designers, and move coordinators, in maintaining University standards for the built environment. The Director coordinates in‑house and consultant‑led programming, manages staff and consultants through schematic design and design development, supports design consultant selection and contract negotiations, oversees A/E services for smaller in‑house projects, maintains the University’s Project Design Guidelines, and leads special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND eight (8) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Twelve (12) years of related administrative experience, which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Essential Duties

• Partner with the University Architect to advance the University’s capital program by providing leadership in planning, programming, design quality, constructability, sustainability, cost awareness, and project performance.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to University leadership, project teams, consultants, and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Establish clear project objectives, scope, design intent, performance expectations, early cost intelligence, and risk awareness before projects advance into design and construction.
• Lead the development and continuous improvement of project design guidelines, institutional standards, programming processes, and executive‑level project communications. Ensure design intent, project risks, budget considerations, stakeholder needs, and key decisions are clearly documented and communicated. Execute Construction Document oversight and ensure ASU Design Guideline compliance.
• Direct and manage A/E consultants to ensure work meets University standards, contractual requirements, ABOR and University policies, and expectations for quality, maintainability, sustainability, and long‑term performance. Negotiate professional service fees and support agreement development to protect University interests and maintain project value.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to OUA staff, strengthen internal processes, improve customer service, and promote collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Help advance a consistent vision for campus environments that align design excellence, practical delivery, fiscal responsibility, and the University’s long‑term mission.

DAYS AND SCHEDULE

Monday – Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

This position is based at ASU’s Tempe campus but will require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.

Salary Range

$135,000 - $142,000 annually commensurate of experience and education. ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.

Desired Qualifications

• Evidence of a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture or related field
• Fifteen (15) years of architectural experience
• Registered as an Architect in the State of Arizona OR, Professional registration in another state with NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) Certification and become a registered Architect in the State of Arizona within six (6) months after date of hire.

Experience in:

• Managing project teams/design professionals through all phases of a project.
• Managing multiple projects and coordinating the work of design professionals to ensure compliance with the architectural program statement.
• Production of Construction Documents and Specifications.
• Organizing and coordinating the work of others.
• Improvement of staff technical skills and project responsibilities.
• Schematic Design and Programming.
• Architectural Technical Detailing.
• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FFE).
• Design Professional Contract Negotiation.
• Sustainability/ LEED.
• Building Codes.
• Zoning and Municipality Coordination.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint software applications.
• Sketch‑Up electronic sketching software application.
• PhotoShop software application.
• Autocad or Revit software.
• Architectural programming processes/protocols.
• Architecture and architectural design principles, practices and techniques.
• Building systems, materials and construction methods.
• Federal and state facility Life Safety and International Building Code requirements.
• Use of Means Cost Estimating, Uni‑Format/other industry construction cost guides.
• Requirements for acquiring professional design services and construction services in accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes and Arizona Board of Regents policy.
• Structural, mechanical and electrical engineering systems as they pertain to overall building construction costs.

Working Environment

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse; required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities, which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Drive University vehicle and/or cart to campus site.

Department Statement

What’s in it for you?

• Flexible work schedules
• 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.
• Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one. For more information visit https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
• Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at https://cfo.asu.edu/benefits
• Retirement program designed to promote long‑term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
• Paid time for volunteer and professional development
• Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings
• Disability and leave program for income protection
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges
• ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships

ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM)maintains and services all university‑owned property and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDM’s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university’s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.

Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.

This position is located at the University Services Building, 1551 S. Rural Road, Tempe, AZ (on Rural Road south of Apache Blvd) but will require working from other campuses depending on operational needs.

This position requires that you must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post‑offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39‑month period from date of hire.

Fingerprint (Safety and Security)

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of all background, including fingerprint checks.

Driving Requirement

This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.

Location

Campus: Tempe

Funding

No Federal Funding

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part‑time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation’s fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco‑free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator

Employment Verification Statement

ASU conducts pre‑employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement

ASU conducts pre‑employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.