Director, Planning

University of Rochester; United States; On-site; USD 162,000 - 243,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Rochester is seeking a Director of Facilities Planning to lead campus-wide master planning and capital project development across its campuses. This role shapes the physical environment to advance education, research, clinical care, and community engagement, guiding development, land-use, and infrastructure decisions.

You will collaborate with senior leadership, deans, chairs, and hospital administration to ensure alignment with institutional goals, research priorities, enrollment,

Responsibilities

• Guides development, implementation, and refinement of the Campus Master Plan to align with priorities and academic goals.
• Translate strategic objectives into comprehensive physical planning and infrastructure frameworks.
• Direct long-term facilities and land-use planning to address enrollment, research, patient care, and community needs.
• Incorporate sustainability, resilience, and climate action into planning and design processes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on project programming, site selection, and design reviews.
• Oversee cost estimating with internal teams and external consultants; forecast market escalations and update PMIS.
• Participate in procurement and oversight of architects and planning consultants.
• Ensure planning aligns with design standards, LEED/WELL benchmarks, and accessibility regulations.
• Provide direction for prioritization, cost analysis, and alignment with funding strategies.
• Prepare executive summaries, feasibility studies, and program statements for new construction, renovation, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop capital budgets and monitor expenditures; ensure accurate reporting.
• Communicate complex design concepts to leadership and stakeholders; develop planning proposals for informed decisions.
• Lead campus and community engagement efforts to communicate plans and gather input.

Job description

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):
271 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
100016 Planning, Design & Constructio
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 119
Compensation Range:
$162,200.00 - $243,400.00

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of the Planning Design and Construction group, the Director of Facilities Planning contributes to visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of campus planning and capital project development across the University's campuses. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the University's physical environment to advance its integrated mission of education, research, clinical care, and community engagement.

The Director guides the development and implementation of the University's comprehensive master plan, guiding short and long-term planning initiatives that promote a cohesive, functional, and sustainable campus. Working collaboratively with senior leadership, deans, department chairs, and hospital administration, the Director ensures that facilities planning aligns with institutional goals, research priorities, enrollment, and workforce projections, and evolving programmatic needs.

The Director also manages relationships with architects, engineers, planners, and other external partners to develop capital project programs that embody the University's values of sustainability, accessibility, safety, and fiscal stewardship. In partnership with Facilities, Finance, and Sustainability offices, the Director integrates environmental responsibility, resiliency, and long-term lifecycle planning into all projects.

Serving as a key advisor to University leadership, the Director provides expert guidance on campus design standards, regulatory and environmental compliance, and strategic land use. Through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and innovation, this position ensures that planning and development fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking campus that supports the University of Rochester's mission and strategic plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Guides the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the Campus Master Plan to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and academic goals.
• Translate strategic and academic objectives into comprehensive physical planning and infrastructure frameworks.
• Direct long-term facilities and land-use planning initiatives that address projected enrollment, research development, patient care and community engagement needs. Evaluates present and proposed land use.
• Incorporate sustainability, resilience, and climate action principles into campus planning and design processes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on project programming, site selection, and design review activities.
• Oversee the management of cost estimating services, both internally and with 3rd party consultants. Collaborates with local construction management firms for forecasting market escalations and updates internal PMIS software. Provides support to all University project delivery groups.
• Participate in the procurement, selection, and oversight of architects and planning consultants.
• Ensure all planning efforts align with campus design standards, sustainability benchmarks (e.g., LEED, WELL), and accessibility regulations.
• Provide direction for the organization of facilities capital project planning activities, including prioritization, cost analysis, and alignment with institutional funding strategies.
• Prepare detailed project executive summaries, feasibility assessments, and program statements to support new construction, renovation, and maintenance efforts.
• Collaborate with Finance and PDC Business Operations and other Facilities finance teams to develop and manage capital budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Communicate complex design concepts to diverse audiences effectively. Develop and deliver presentations, planning proposals to University leadership, Board of Trustees, donors and community stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Lead campus and community engagement efforts, communicating pla