University Architect/Director, Planning and Development

About the Position

Directly responsible for the overall leadership, administration, management, and coordination of the Capital Planning and Development programs which include capital planning, space management, and oversight of all design and construction activities for university projects. This position also serves as the University Architect.

The University Architect/Director (UA/D) works collaboratively with external and university constituents to lead, direct, and oversee activities associated with physical facility planning and development. The UA/D leads, directs, and manages a professional team of architects, engineers, planners, project managers, and public works construction project coordinators who are responsible for the design of all university projects and the design and construction oversight of all public works projects. The Director also serves as the University Architect.

The UA/D is responsible for all activities associated with physical planning including comprehensive plans for the campus’ built environment, land use plans, public works project budgets, space management plans, campus character, design and material standards, campus aesthetics, and environmental compliance. The UA/D must understand and actively support key sustainability issues including carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, zero waste, green building practices, alternative transportation, and associated initiatives, objectives, and goals.

This is an important leadership role in Facilities and Development & Operations (FDO). They are responsible for assuming department responsibilities and leading with a high level of ethics and integrity. The UA/D will support the university strategic plan, focus on team-building, and inspire team members to reach their potential, while also supporting and furthering efforts of inclusion and equity in all aspects of managing the university's design and construction program.

The UA/D must be able to work in concert with other FDO managers and directors in all aspects of the department and university goals. This may require regular collaboration and communication with managers and directors in reviewing work plans, regular reporting to department leadership, executives, and/or the Board of Trustees, and making educated recommendations to any plans, budgets, or project scope. The UA/D will be expected to seek out solutions, be competent in problem solving, and be capable of facilitating consensus efforts.

Job Duties 45% - University Architect – Design and Construction Management Responsible for all university proposed physical development (including sculpture) to ensure conformance with the University’s l Comprehensive Plan, university character, planning policies, siting, design guidelines, and program design criteria. Oversees a broad portfolio of capital improvements including new construction, renovation, deferred maintenance, and capital renewal. Determines labor resource assignments based on staff skill/expertise requirements, project priorities, schedule requirements, and resource availability. Oversees the negotiation of multi-million-dollar consultant agreements. Monitors progress of projects, ensuring compliance with plans, specifications, schedule, tracking and controlling cost against the approved budget. Ensures efficient management of project budgets. Analyzes detailed cost estimates and progress reports. Manages the project portfolio with project stakeholders, university representatives, architects, engineers, general contractors, special consultants, and local, state, and federal agencies having jurisdiction. Ensures a robust inspection program. Ensures required inspections and testing for all projects are fully implemented. Resolves deficiencies as needed. Conducts post project assessments for all projects to determine overall project performance in relationship to objectives, budget, schedule, and compliance with applicable requirements. Works with legal counsel to analyze contractor’s claims; develops university response, negotiates settlements, and recommends action for resolution. 20% - Project Planning and Public Works Oversight Acts as a key university representative for the assigned area of work and initiates and maintains relationships with the City of Bellingham, WWU departments, and project stakeholders across the university to establish trust and transparency in the implementation of our project portfolio. In consultation with the Director of Capital Budget and Public Works Procurement, determines the most appropriate deliver method for all public works projects and develops and recommends alternative solutions to ensure prioritized projects are resourced appropriately. Establishes priorities for project resource assignments and ensures delivery of services. Re-assigns resources as necessary to achieve priorities. Oversees project management and delivery of all planning and public works projects and design for smaller work performed by in-house trades. Oversees the implementation and monitoring of all public works projects. Monitors federal, state, and local requirements associated with public works projects. Provides leadership and negotiates public works contract conflicts. Responsible for implementation of assigned project feasibility and conceptual studies.

15% - Budget

Administers Planning and Development operating and self-sustaining budgets and resources including forecasting, developing, and monitoring budgets. Advises regarding the university’s capital budget and institutional capital program priorities for the development and implementation of major and minor capital projects. Assists with decision making of the university’s Capital Budget Request and Ten-Year Capital Plan. 20% - Organizational Leadership Creates a workplace environment that motivates, inspires, and engages staff, and promotes diversity and environmental sustainability. Strategically plans for, sets, and monitors accomplishment of goals, objectives, and priorities. Provides reports on performance, including performance metrics, for transparency, accountability, and decision-making. Oversees personnel management and administration including hiring, onboarding, training, retention, corrective and/or disciplinary action, and resolution of issues while working closely with Human Resources. In partnership with others, develops and implements employee engagement initiatives to improve job satisfaction, inspire performance, and enable individual and team success and excellence. Instills strong management practices and customer approach among direct reports while creating and maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment. Establishes performance requirements and personal development goals for direct reports including monitoring performance and coaching for improvement and development. Demonstrates a high level of delegation ability and models a high standard of ethics and trust throughout the workforce. Required Qualifications Must be a State of Washington licensed architect or a licensed architect with the ability to become licensed in the State of Washington within six months of start of employment. Must have at least six years of architectural experience in a project architect or design architect role. Must have at least three years of experience in a team supervisor role. Demonstrated financial and management experience leading and overseeing project management teams responsible for the design and construction of large-scale, complex projects. Working knowledge of space planning and management, university planning, transportation planning, graphic design, landscape architecture, project value engineering, and construction. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to form and deliver a persuasive line of reasoning. Knowledge and experience with public works procurement, including alternate project delivery methods. Preferred Qualifications Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) or equivalent from other countries. Experience as a campus/university architect. Experience with supervision of internal teams (not external contractors/consultants). Experience working as a project architect/manager in a higher education institution. Understanding of the local and national construction market with alternate project delivery methods Conditions of EmploymentAll employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations. Salary $, - $,. Through longevity this position tops out at $,. Benefits Information

Application Instructions

Application materials should include:

Letter of interest that addresses how the candidate’s experiences match the position requirements. Resume or curriculum vitae. Diversity statement. Western’s strategic plan places Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) as a core value and a core goal of the institution. Please address what role the University Architect/Director has in advancing ADEI. In addition, please share an example of how your work has advanced ADEI at a previous institution or workplace. Five professional references (references will not be contacted without prior permission from the applicant). Closing Date NotesThis search is being assisted by Another Source. Please apply via their website: University Architect Director in Bellingham, Washington | Careers at Bellingham, WA )

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