Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect

Rowan University; Glassboro (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Director of Planning and Design to lead innovative projects that shape the future of their campus. This role offers an exciting opportunity to oversee a variety of building types, ensuring compliance with regulations while fostering collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in project management, a strong architectural background, and a commitment to sustainability. Join a vibrant community dedicated to high-quality education and impactful research, where your expertise will play a vital role in enhancing the university's environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in design, construction, and management.
• Strong knowledge of building codes and accessibility requirements.
• Ability to manage teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and design of construction projects from inception to completion.
• Ensure compliance with building codes and sustainability standards.
• Manage and mentor key personnel within the planning and design team.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Building Codes Knowledge

Communication Skills

Sustainability Practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Advanced degree in Architecture

Tools

CAD

Job description

Welcome to Rowan University’s Career Site

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 22,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, and five others. The University has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality, affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the third fastest-growing public research university, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. For more information on Rowan University, click here

All positions are contingent upon budget appropriations.

Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect

Apply now Job no: 500582
Work type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Glassboro, New Jersey
Categories: Managerial

Summary/Position Description:

TheDivision of Facilities, Planning and Operationsat Rowan University is a growing enterprise. The Division’s mission is to create and sustain a vibrant, safe, supportive environment at Rowan’s campuses. The Division provides leadership in facilities, campus planning, development and maintenance. Organizationally, the Division is led by the Vice President for Real Estate Development and Capital Projects/Executive Director SJTP who is a member of the President’s executive cabinet.

The Department of Planning is a part of the Division of Facilities, Planning and Operations. Through collaboration and partnership with the rest of the Division of Facilities, Planning and Operations and campus community, this Department leads the overall planning and design for the University including but not limited to the Glassboro Campus, the Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan-VirtuaSOM), the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), the Joint Health Science Building, and Camden Academic Bank Building in Camden, the West Campus including the South Jersey Tech Park (SJTP), School of Veterinary Medicine, and the Nursing School.

Under the supervision of the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Projects and University Architect, the Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect will manage the planning and design of projects for a wide range of building types from pre-construction to construction contract award. Working closely with the Assistant Vice President, Strategic Projects and University Architect, Director of Capital Projects, Capital Projects Project Managers, Construction Project Managers, Facilities & Operations and support staff within the department, the Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect will contribute to the overall operation and service-oriented activities of the department, providing leadership in planning and design, advancing the capability and professionalism of the department and the role of Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect.

Position Overview:

• Primary Responsibilities: Overseeing the planning and design of projects, managing teams, ensuring space allocation aligns with University needs, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations.
• Leadership: The Senior Director will manage key personnel (Director of Planning & Design Services and Director of Landscape Architectural Services) and will work closely with multiple teams and University stakeholders.
• Project Oversight: The position ensures that projects, from inception to completion, are executed successfully while meeting the University's objectives and maintaining sustainability standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Collaboration

• Oversees the Director of Planning & Design Services.
• Oversees the Director of Landscape Architectural Services.
• Advises senior administration regarding planning, design, and construction issues.
• Represents the University with on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations related to planning, design, and construction issues as needed.
• Serves on committees as requested to provide input and guidance regarding University operations and campus initiatives.
• Promotes a positive and cooperative image of the University with the construction industry by assisting in coordination between the University and various agencies.
• Ensures the success of capital projects and physical improvements by coordinating with Facilities & Operations.
• Works with Facilities & Operations to develop solutions to facility-related problems.
• Advises senior administration of the condition of existing University buildings and facilities regarding code compliance, life safety requirements, and physical condition and makes recommendations for actions to correct deficient or unsafe conditions in facilities.
• Manages the Planning & Design group by recommending the most effective and efficient structure and staffing for the office, hiring qualified applicants, supervising staff, training personnel to departmental and University standards and procedures, assigning projects appropriate to the capabilities of the employee, setting goals and objectives, and evaluating performance.
• Advises the Board of Trustees regarding the status of on-going and planned capital projects and physical improvements by preparing reports and resolutions requested or required for submission to the Board of Trustees in accordance with University policies and procedures.
• Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, maintaining required and appropriate professional designations, and attending training and/or courses as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist the Facilities & Operations team as needed in identifying equipment and facility needs as they relate to the functional use and aesthetic character of campus facilities. Assist with the design/bid documents for the replacement or upgrade of major component parts and systems within the University’s physical plant.

Compliance and Standards:

• Ensures that all projects follow applicable state and federal regulations.
• Facilitates building code compliance by acting as the building code authority for the University.
• Facilitates compliance of the University with accessibility requirements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by understanding the requirements of ADA, reviewing the physical accessibility of university structures, facilities, and property, advising senior administration of deficiencies in meeting ADA requirements, and making recommendations for compliance which include the costs and scope of compliance modifications.
• Develops and maintains departmental policies, guidelines, and standards applicable to the entire University and assists with dissemination of this information by various means, including face-to-face interactions, published guidelines, and web pages.
• Develops and maintains design standards and quality expectations for physical improvements and communicates them to consultants, contractors, and others performing construction on campus.

Strategic Planning:

• Works with all components of the University academic and administrative staff, to develop a thorough and effective process for maintaining the campus master plan as planned capital projects and physical improvements occur.
• Facilitates the process to ensure that a valid campus master plan is maintained and that completed projects meet the needs of the various campus constituencies who will use the facilities.
• Oversees the efficient allocation, use, and management of university space by actively participating in space management activities such as reviewing the allocation of existing as well as any new space proposed for university departments, colleges, and programs, including analyzing existing available space to determine appropriateness for the proposed purpose, and developing alternatives and making recommendations the University administration regarding the appropriate space for a particular use.

Project Management:

• Assists with ensuring that all capital projects and physical improvements are effectively managed by overseeing all activity on these projects, including feasibility analysis, programming, preliminary studies and development of alternative solutions, code review, project design, development of contract documents, preparation of project estimates and budgets, solicitation, receipt, and evaluation of project bids for award to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.
• Assists with selection of consultants engaged by the University for capital projects and physical improvements by using processes and procedures in accordance with state law, negotiating fees and developing contracts for professional services related to all projects, and evaluating and documenting the performance of consultants.
• Provides review of claims made by design consultants and facilitates the administration of information to provide resolution to contractual disputes or disagreements.
• Protects the University from engaging unqualified consultants and contractors by maintaining records of the performance of all contractors and consultants, rendering an evaluation, and using the documentation to support selection of the best qualified firm to provide work for the project.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual state appropriations request by developing capital renewal projects which support the campus master plan.
• Assists with and prepares required and requested reports to federal and state agencies regarding physical improvements.
• Assists in fund-raising efforts for physical improvements by assisting in the preparation of applications and other necessary supporting materials for construction grants, loans, and donations.
• Oversees the establishment of budgets, approves the expenditure of funds, and manages assigned capital budgets for physical improvements.

Sustainability:

• Promotes and supports the University’s statement on sustainability by planning, designing, and constructing capital projects and physical improvements using sustainable principles such as those established by the U. S. Green Building Council, following guidelines such as those set forth by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, and other similar organizations.

Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture required; advanced degree preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

• Registered Architect (RA) required. Accreditation through the United States Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in design, construction, and management including demonstrated team management and assignments with documented budget responsibility.
• Extensive experience in planning and design, project cost estimating, bidding and coordination of architectural design documents through all phases of projects.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, industry standards, building accessibility requirements, and applicable statutes of the State of New Jersey.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
• The ability to communicate with the University community regarding planning, design, and construction issues is required.
• Management skills, particularly decision-making and problem-solving skills are required.
• Organized and detail oriented with the ability to change directions quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with CAD and other graphic programs preferred.

Advertised: May 5 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: May 26 2025 11:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

A top 100 national public research institution, Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 22,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, and five others. Rowan University is home to eight colleges and nine schools. For more information on these colleges, please click here .

Now celebrating its Centennial, Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of engineering, medicine, science, and business while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality and affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing public research university, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

More Information

Residency Requirements

Rowan University is subject to the residency requirements of the NJ First Act (N.J.S.A. 52:14-7, P.L. 2011, Chapter 70). Any person hired to a non-exempt position shall either have their principal residence in New Jersey or have one (1) year from the date of employment to establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person hired to an exempt position shall either have their principal residence in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New York or have ninety (90) days from the date of employment to establish, then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or New York.

Non-Discrimation at Rowan University

Rowan University is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ethnicity, race, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, (dis)ability status, military status, and other NJ protected classes. Rowan University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment as required by Title IX. Rowan is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with (dis)abilities.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact Christy Mroz,Administrative Assistant,[e-mail], 856-256-5494. Rowan strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented groups to apply.

Pursuant toTitle IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and supporting regulations, Rowan does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education programs or activities that it operates; this extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its supporting regulations may be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, or to the University’s Title IX Coordinator, Office of Student Equity & Compliance, Rowan University, Hawthorne Hall, Suite 312, 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, [e-mail] , 856-256-5440.

For information on the Title IX Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault policy and grievance procedures, please click here .

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Rowan is committed in assisting all members of our University community in providing for their safety and security.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available on the Rowan University Police Department (RUPD), Clery Act webpage here .

The report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as crime prevention, RUPD authority/jurisdiction, crime reporting policies, fire safety, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to securityon all our campuses. The report also contains information about fire statistics in Rowan University on-campus student housing facilities and crime statistics for the three previous calendar years, including reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certainoff-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This information is required by federal law, Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act or the "Clery Act" and is provided by the Rowan University Police Department.

If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains this information, you can stop by the RUPD Office, located at Bole Hall Annex,201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling [phone] or email: [e-mail] .