Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect

UNC Finance and Operations; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Finance and Operations seeks an Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect to lead campus planning and design stewardship at UNC. This senior leader collaborates with Facilities Services and the broader university to integrate architecture, landscape, engineering, sustainability, and fiscal stewardship across capital projects and policy processes.

The role shapes the campus master plan, advises on site selection, project formation, and designer selection, and

Qualifications

• Broad and deep expertise in campus planning, architecture, and design stewardship.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills for cross-functional leadership.
• Commitment to transparency, service, and strategic vision for the campus.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of architecture, landscape, engineering, technology, sustainability, and fiscal stewardship.
• Provide strategic and aesthetic guidance for campus development and capital projects.
• Oversee planning processes, space management, and climate/action plan governance.

Job description

The Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect position is a campus stewardship role carried out through leadership and collaboration within Facilities Services and throughout the University.

This position is a key leadership position uniquely responsible for full integration of architecture, landscape, engineering, technology, sustainability, energy services and fiscal stewardship. The successful candidate will provide strategic, technical and aesthetic advice and guidance focused on the preservation and development of the best qualities of the UNC campus. The Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect is an important and influential voice in the University's planning, capital budget, site selection, project formation, designer selection, project execution and design, and policy processes and in any discussions and processes that shape the evolution of the campus setting. The Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect leads a team of facilities professionals responsible for the planning, design, project execution, and stewardship of the campus master plan.

Today, the campus functions as an integrated environment that supports academic excellence, research innovation, residential life, athletics, cultural engagement, and community connection. Academic buildings, cutting-edge research facilities, cultural venues, public spaces, utility infrastructure, mobility systems, and ecological landscapes work together to create a vibrant and supportive university experience. The campus also plays a critical role in student recruitment, faculty attraction and retention, philanthropy, partnerships, and UNC-CH's national and international reputation.

Stewardship of this exceptional physical environment is essential to advancing the university's academic mission and strategic vision for generations to come. Position functions as the University Architect.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a collaborative professional who brings confidence and humility to the task of leading a service organization in support of the University's mission. This candidate will have broad and deep expertise, strong communication and relationship skills, a commitment to transparency and service, and the vision and leadership capacity to enable success.

This position also has programmatic responsibilities, with oversight for the maintenance and review of university policies that have direct bearing on design, on the stewardship and management of overall campus character, and on the university's Climate Action Plan. This position plays a vital role in the campus planning process, space management initiatives and associated long-term physical planning strategies, directing and providing design guidance to major capital projects.