Pay Grade: 35E

Conext of the Job:

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Facilities, Real Estate, & Auxiliary Services, this position contributes to the University-wide strategic facilities and campus planning, architectural design, and stewardship of the main campus located in Newark, DE including the recently acquired 272 acre 1743 Holdings, LLC site, as well as satellite campuses in Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown and Lewes comprising nearly 8 million square feet in over 440 buildings and 2,040 acres of land. Leadership responsibility for a departmental budget of approximately $1.5 million in operating expenses and multi-million dollar capital projects. This position is responsible for establishing and implementing policies, procedures and design standards in support of the Strategic Plan.

In addition, this position is responsible for managing the efficient and optimal use of the Universitys facility space resources, implementing a comprehensive space utilization strategy, maintaining a computerized facility space inventory, and the universitys sustainability measures.The incumbent directs the planning, organization, and coordination of major projects that includes capital construction. The incumbent contributes to campus planning and interfaces with all levels of the U/D Community - Officers, Senior Administrators, Board of Trustees, donors, governmental bodies, community members, vendors, and contractors. The incumbent makes recommendations and participates in design team and consultant selection, the design review process, zoning and accessibility requirements and develop and manage design standards as it relates to campus space planning standards and building requirements.

Responsibilities:

• As steward for the campus as a whole, this position is responsible for making and implementing planning and design recommendations to ensure preservation and enhancement to the physical attributes of the campus in support of the University of Delaware brand, mission and vision.
• This includes developing and maintaining guidelines for exterior and interior architectural materials and design, and developing and maintaining standards for all interior way-finding and exterior signage, streetscapes, landscaping and other initiatives that will preserve and enhance the pedestrian experience, function, character and beauty of the Universitys various campuses. Serves as advisor and consultant to the Vice President for Facilities & Auxiliary Services and to the University administration on matters relating to architectural and engineering design, and major construction.
• Directs and oversees architectural, engineering and major construction projects.
• Enforces University design and engineering standards. Ensures compliance with specifications and contractual agreements, fiscal controls, and legal obligations.
• Oversees and manages all major construction budgets. Confirms availability of funds, maintains expenditures within approved budgets, certifies satisfactory and timely completion of work performed under contract.
• Determines that expenditures are within the approved design parameters and scope of each project.
• Oversees the planning, design, inspection, and commissioning of major new construction and renovation activities.
• Collaborates with Facilities Maintenance & Operations on capital projects and space change planning, advising on the application of guidelines in the distribution of space.
• Identifies and recommends high payback space renewal and reallocation opportunities.
• Recommends and participates in the development of University policies and procedures; serves on University planning and policy-making committees.
• Researches and provides advisement to Senior Administration and the University Space Planning Committee on current and emerging campus space needs; collaborates in the establishment of space demand forecasts in support of the development of University capital plans and provides analysis and interpretation of constituent requests for new or additional space within the context of existing guidelines, strategies, and constraints.
• Develops and establishes strategies and operating objectives consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and effective implementation of major cross-University projects. Oversees an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish established goals and objectives; recruits and manages designated staff, including work allocation, problem resolution; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Oversees programming and preliminary design activities with architects and design consultants involved in the development of new building construction and/or renovations; reviews the performance of architects, engineers and other consultants performing work at the University.

Qualifications:

Bachelors degree, Masters degree preferred, in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Design, Urban Planning, or other directly related field, with a minimum of eight years experience, five of which relates to urban planning and coordination in a University campus context and with at least five years experience leading and supervising staff. Registration as an Architect licensed in the State of Delaware is preferred. Performance management skills and ability to foster cooperative work environment. Familiarity with life safety and applicable federal, state, county and municipal building codes, construction, building and maintenance codes, and well versed in standard best business practice and accounting principles. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures, and proficiency with AutoCAD, Work, MS Office applications and database management. Familiarity with design, estimating, and construction disciplines and be skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Knowledge and understanding of institutional space allocation principles and best practices. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Ability to develop, plan, and implement short and long-range goals. Knowledge of facilities space coding, safety regulations, protocols, building code interpretation, public bidding, cost control, estimating, and scheduling. Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. Must be assertive, tactful, and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups; possess the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Ability to understand the relationship, culture and interactions of an academic community. Ability to build and establish trust and credibility with all constituencies faculty, staff, administration, and the community through excellent listening and communication skills. Experience managing space and budgets, making business decisions, negotiating mutually acceptable deals, and bridging diverse academic needs that depend upon the allocation of critical resources. Experience dealing with public private partnerships and public funding projects is valuable.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Valid drivers license and regular access to private, reliable means of transportation in order to maneuver throughout the Newark campus and other U/D locations when operationally necessary.