Senior Campus Design Architect & Planning Leader

Society for College and University Planning; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California Merced is seeking a Director of Planning & Design - Associate Campus Architect in Merced, CA. The role leads planning, design, and campus design standards for major capital projects, including coordination with regulators and stakeholders.

The position requires a CA architectural license (or ability to obtain within 6 months), 6+ years in capital project planning/design, and proven leadership in design excellence and sustainability across campus Master Plans.)

Qualifications

• Licensed California Architect (CAB) or ability to obtain license within 6 months
• Six+ years of progressive experience in planning and design of capital projects
• Experience in public university capital programs is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead management and initiation of capital projects, including scope definition and consultant onboarding
• Oversee LRDP, CEQA-related processes, and coordination with regulatory agencies
• Chair campus design review and enforce standards, guidelines, and sustainability practices
• Provide campus-side construction support, review submittals, and attend construction meetings
• Manage architect/engineer consultants, contracts, and performance oversight
• Provide strategic leadership for campus aesthetics, design excellence, and institutional identity
• Engage stakeholders and communities to facilitate consensus and timely decisions
• Prepare executive-level reports on design quality, plan implementation, and project performance
• Supervise planning/design staff and mentor team members
• Oversee Major Capital projects' FF&E program support

Skills

Licensed California Architect

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Facilitation

Design leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field

Advanced degree in Architecture/Engineering/Urban Planning (preferred)

Job description

University of California Merced is seeking a Director of Planning & Design - Associate Campus Architect in Merced, CA. The role leads planning, design, and campus design standards for major capital projects, including coordination with regulators and stakeholders.

The position requires a CA architectural license (or ability to obtain within 6 months), 6+ years in capital project planning/design, and proven leadership in design excellence and sustainability across campus Master Plans.)