Executive Director Planning & Design and University Architect

Society for College and University Planning; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an Executive Director for Planning & Design and University Architect to lead Facilities Planning and Design, integrating architecture, landscape, engineering, and sustainability with fiscal stewardship.

The role provides strategic guidance to campus master planning, capital projects and design policy, directing a multidisciplinary team to preserve and develop the UNC campus while supporting academic excellence and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience at a senior management level in facilities operations/services within a highly complex environment that includes a wide range of facilities types, sizes, and ages.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice to executive leadership and communicate complex planning and design matters effectively.
• Must be a Registered Architect (RA) or able to obtain NC certification within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead Facilities Planning and Design with responsibility for planning, design, and management of capital projects, including buildings, renovations, and infrastructure.
• Provide strategic, technical, and aesthetic guidance focused on campus preservation and development.
• Direct and supervise multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with university leadership, governance bodies, and stakeholders.

Skills

Senior management

Facilities planning

Strategic leadership

Communication

Education

Advanced degree in Architecture or related field

Job description

Executive Director Planning & Design and University Architect

Posted: 10/22/26
Deadline: 11/2/26
Reference Number: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/327223

About This Organization

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Job Duties

Facilities Planning and Design is comprised of design professionals who are responsible for the planning, design and management of all capital improvement projects. The projects include new buildings, repairs and renovation of existing buildings, major campus infrastructure, interior design, open space improvements and preservation of historic properties. Facilities Planning and Design ensures that the projects adhere to the principles of adapted land use plan and campus development guidelines.

Position Summary
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.

Required Qualifications

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent) with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and five years or greater of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience at a senior management level in facilities operations/services within a highly complex environment that includes a wide range of facilities types, sizes, and ages.
• Substantial knowledge of professional theory, techniques, practices, procedures, building codes and laws and skills in applying these for problem solving, system design and identification for conservation opportunities. Thorough knowledge of state and federal rules and regulations governing the program; thorough knowledge of agency/University practices, procedures and principles. Must be familiar with design and construction practices and have the ability to review designs, read and interpret related plans and specifications, estimate costs, and technically direct others and review and evaluate the work of professional staff and consultants. Must have a working knowledge of federal, state and local government regulations governing design and construction of buildings and land development. Must have the ability to manage multiple complex projects with established completion dates and budget limitations.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice to executive leadership, academic and administrative leaders, and other senior stakeholders and to communicate complex planning and, design and space management matters effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and advance institutional priorities.
• To fulfill the responsibilities of University Architect, the selected candidate must be a Registered Architect (RA) or have the ability to obtain certification in the State of North Carolina within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Advanced degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Design, Landscape Architecture, or a related field.
• Candidates with prior experience in a research university setting with large-scale public event venues as well as wet-lab facilities are strongly preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated experience leading campus master planning and major institutional capital planning initiatives.
• Experience advising executive leadership or governing bodies on campus planning, design, and capital priorities.

Other Info

Howard S. Wertheimer, FAIA Emeritus, LEED AP
[e-mail]