Executive Director of Planning

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks a Director of Planning to lead the development and implementation of the Campus Master Plan. You will supervise a team of planners, coordinate with city and campus stakeholders, and ensure space planning aligns with university goals.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Architecture/Urban Planning or related field, 8+ years leading teams, and strong communication. You will oversee policies, data, and budgeting to support sustainable growth and ADA

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Space Planning, Urban Design, Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience leading teams in planning or campus development.
• Ability to solve space and campus planning issues with urban context awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of Campus Master Plan and related master planning efforts.
• Supervise planning team and drive performance with clear expectations and timelines.
• Liaise with City of Nashville, campus stakeholders, and external partners.
• Develop space management programs and collaborate with Finance on budgets.
• Improve accessibility and ADA compliance across campus design.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Space Planning, Urban Design, Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Space planning concepts

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION Position Summary:

Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities and Development (REFD), the Director of Planning is a leader within the division and primarily focuses on the development and implementation of various campus master plans. Supervising a team of planners, the Director is responsible for interpreting, updating and recommending strategies that are aligned with the Campus Master Plan. The Director of Planning also serves as a liaison between the City of Nashville, adjacent neighborhoods, and the campus community to ensure expectations are managed and site development is viewed within the campus context.

About the Work Unit:

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross‑institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt's evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world's best‑run university. The team supports the Vice Chancellor and Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellor(s) in managing the university's real estate, facilities, development, planning and operations, liaising with affiliates, and collaborating with the other Vice Chancellors, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees on multidimensional, university‑wide concerns. The combined REFD annual budget exceeds $150million in operating expenses, and the division has approximately 600 employees. REFD manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$300million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20million annually.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Programmatic Design and Planning & Process:

• Partners with the Chief Facilities Officer (CFO) and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Real Estate (AVC) to lead in the development and implementation of the Campus Master Plan, and all other master planning efforts including accessibility, mobility and transportation; landscape; and sub‑unit school, college, and division facility master plans.
• Assists the CFO and AVC with utilities, infrastructure, capital, and third‑party developer planning efforts.
• Conceptualize campus program needs into practical near and long‑term planning options, including expansion campuses outside of Tennessee.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive space management program and plan to meet University needs; lead collaboration efforts with members of the Facilities, Real Estate, and Vice Chancellor teams (deans, department leads, etc.) who are solving similar space needs to devise creative solutions to utilize space more efficiently.
• Serves as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders to maintain strategic business relationships that foster development objectives.
• Working closely with local government officials, VU Community and Government relations, General Counsel, Facilities and Real Estate, lead the process for obtaining approvals for and documenting easements, rights of way and road abandonments as needs arise.
• Develops, executes, and utilizes strategic planning analysis and research to determine long‑term institutional needs and develop sustainable solutions.
• Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with facilities planning regulations, best practices, and institutional objectives.
• Supports and communicate the roll‑out of new systems and tools for planning, in collaboration with other departments as needed.
• Coordinates closely with Finance to develop plans within budget, ranging from renewal and renovation projects through new construction.
• Oversee tracking and maintenance of portfolio data, metrics, and outcomes to assess program impact and ensure achievement of goals.[MS1]
• Serves as the custodian of the University's institutional knowledge concerning campus planning and the historical evolution of campus development.
• Assists the AVC and CFO in facilitating and directing the development and implementation of the Five‑Year Capital Plan planning and delivery process.
• Responsible for leading efforts to increase accessibility and promoting ADA standards for accessible design.
• Internal and External Communications: Assemble graphically clear and compelling presentations and other communication materials that distill the planning process, scenarios, and recommendations.
• Create and deliver information to University leadership and external partners.
• Develop and present scenarios to help inform decisions regarding campus space use.
• Supervision and Leadership: Support the development of individual team members to ensure continuous improvement and development. Ability to lead and motivate diverse teams directly or indirectly in the reporting structure. Demonstrated ability to develop clear expectations and timelines to drive performance.
• Supervisory Relationships: This position has supervisory responsibility of the planning team; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Vice Chancellor of Real Estate, Facilities and Development.

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree and professional experience in Architecture, Urban Planning, Space Planning, Urban Design, Engineering, or a closely related field is required. Master's degree from an accredited University in a related discipline is preferred. 8+ years of experience leading teams is required. Private sector experience is preferred. Ability to solve space and campus planning issues, understand urban planning context and collaborate as a team. Knowledge of campus planning. Skill in strategic planning. Familiar with best practices in signage and wayfinding. Knowledge of universal design principles, sustainability, and ADA compliance. Demonstrated ability to lead conversations and initiatives related to accessibility standards. Ability to communicate in written, verbal, and graphic form, with faculty, staff, and student community, as well as internal technical staff, external consultants, and senior administration. Comfort and ability to switch between competing tasks and priorities. Experience and comfort in working in a fast‑paced environment and managing projects with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.

ABOUT US

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice. We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.