Senior Campus Planner

Tufts University; Medford Hillside (MA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University is seeking a Senior Campus Planner to provide technical planning leadership across multiple capital projects. You will meet with campus constituents to understand needs and advocate for functional, achievable solutions, reporting to the Senior Director of Planning & Design.

You will collaborate with Operations, Finance, Tufts Technology Services, and School leadership to develop planning strategies, master plans, and data-driven recommendations that support Tufts' academic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Planning.
• 10+ years of experience in architecture or campus planning; knowledge of planning principles.
• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills; ability to discuss academic programs with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop planning solutions demonstrating knowledge in campus planning, space programming, master planning, and building/site programming.
• Provide professional support for campus planning activities and project development for the academic mission.
• Lead pre-project planning including program development, space allocation metrics, and initial code requirements.
• Lead advanced space utilization analysis, forecasting space needs, and producing data-driven reports.
• Summarize data and prepare reports to aid leadership decision making.
• Lead strategic planning initiatives with stakeholders for planning solutions at multiple scales.
• Support design development, equipment planning, move planning, and finish selection for capital projects.
• Collaborate to maintain campus design standards, guidelines, and policies.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Graphic communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Planning

Tools

Autodesk products

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Overview

The Operations Division at Tufts includes facilities, planning, design and construction, campus renewal, real estate, campus safety, dining, auxiliary services, and other related services on multiple campuses across 5.8 million square feet in 250 buildings. Operations services four campuses in Massachusetts: the main campus in Medford/Somerville, the health sciences and SMFA campuses in Boston and the veterinary school campus in Grafton. The Operations Division supports Tufts University's mission in teaching, research, and clinics by providing stewardship, recommendations, services and advice in its primary areas of obligation: optimizing use of space and real estate, strategic and responsible management of the built environment, creating a secure campus environment and infrastructure, promoting best-in-class sustainability practices and policies, and creating exceptional community experiences that enhance Tufts' reputation and brand.

Campus Planning and Design aligns Tufts' physical campus upgrades and expansion with academic, research, clinical, and community priorities, collaborating across the University to develop integrated, feasible near- and long-term planning solutions. By maintaining reliable space data and advising stakeholders on programming, design, and analysis, the department helps steward the campus for future generations while enabling sound, well-informed decision-making.

What You'll Do

As part of a small, passionate team, the Senior Campus Planner role provides technical planning expertise and leadership for a wide range of capital projects across the University. As a steward of University assets, this position will meet with campus constituents to understand needs and advocate for functional and achievable solutions. Creative problem solving, strategic thinking, and a strong \"client\" service focus are essential qualities for success in this position. Reporting to the Senior Director of Planning & Design, this position will work in close collaboration with colleagues in the Operations Division, Finance, Tufts Technology Services, and School leadership.

• Develop planning solutions that demonstrate knowledge in the principles and practices of planning, design and construction, particularly in regard to university space typology (learning environments, student spaces, athletic facilities, office spaces, etc).


• Provide professional support for University and School planning activities in matters related to the physical development of the campus, including campus master planning, space, building and site programming, strategic facilities planning, and project development and management in support of the academic mission.


• Responsible for pre-project planning including program development, test fits, application of space allocation metrics, preliminary cost estimates, and identifying initial code and zoning requirements, schedule, enabling constraints, and campus impact.


• Leads advanced space utilization analysis, including forecasting future space needs, developing optimization scenarios, and producing data-driven reports and recommendations.


• Summarize spatial and budget data, draw conclusions and inferences, and prepare reports and/or presentations in graphic and tabular formats to aid the decision making of School and University leadership. Translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.


• Lead strategic planning initiatives with various stakeholders to develop innovative and flexible planning solutions at multiple scales (campus, building, space). Develop project scopes; prepare RFQs/RFPs; participate in selection of planning, architectural, & engineering firms.


• Provide support with design development, equipment/furniture planning, move planning, finish selection and other services that may be needed for the implementation of Capital projects.


• Collaborate with colleagues in Operations to create and maintain University's design standards, guidelines, and policies. Provides technical direction and guidance to colleagues, campus stakeholders, and consultants.


• Assist in the development of the University's' ten-year capital plan.


• Coordinate with Tufts Government and Community Relations and Schools on outreach to the municipalities

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or Planning


• 10 plus years of experience in the field of architecture or campus planning; knowledge of the principles and practices of campus planning in specific areas such as space programming, master planning, land use suitability, site analysis, sustainability and urban design


• Strong verbal, written, and graphic communication skills with the ability to understand and discuss specific learning, research, and clinical programs with members of the University community.


• Proven ability to negotiate and balance expectations and priorities of demanding constituencies while being mindful of the University's priorities.


• Ability to work independently, manage multiple relationships, and to work effectively as a member of a project team.


• Highly professional and able to collaborate diplomatically with colleagues across the University


• Proficiency with Autodesk products, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative Suite.


• Knowledge of local building codes, MAAB & ADA Accessibility Guidelines, zoning ordinances, and related regulations. Technical knowledge of campus infrastructure and building systems.


• An ability and commitment to work effectively in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data analytic tools (PowerBI, Tableau, Arcibus, GIS) preferred.

Pay Range

Minimum $108,200.00, Midpoint $135,300.00, Maximum $162,400.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.