Scheduled Hours

37.5

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning & Management, the Assistant Vice Chancellor and University Architect supervises three Project Managers, two Urban Designers, and a Sustainable Design & Construction Project Manager and works closely with the senior academic and administrative leadership. The role carries responsibility for the management of current and new initiatives in long-term campus planning and for the design and development of the Danforth Campus and its surroundings, including important interaction and collaboration with the Medical Center Campus. Responsible for developing capabilities across the spectrum of activities associated with long-term campus planning, space management for the Danforth Campus, project planning, and capital project design and construction. Provides collaboration, communication, innovation, and leadership in support of Washington University’s construction planning function, including capital and non-capital planning, interior design and functionality, landscape architecture and graphic design. Leads project planning programming and design efforts for construction projects as well as hardscape/landscape studies and designs. Key leader involved in achieving the University’s sustainability goals related to the built environment. The Assistant Vice Chancellor and University Architect will play an important role in the following ongoing and upcoming projects, as well as many others: Arts & Sciences building, Student Housing comprehensive planning, General planning for the potential future development of the University’s North Campus, Student Affairs Study, Athletics Needs Assessment, Central Campus green space improvements, Mobility Study, Signage standards and wayfinding and Historic renovations. This includes past projects in support of off campus residential needs, such as The Lewis Collaborative, and commercialization of university research, such as the framework planning for the Cortex Innovation Community, as well as engagement to varying degrees in planning other off-campus projects to advance the University’s mission.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support for the development of strategic approaches to the long-term planning and growth of the University, particularly but not only in terms of aesthetics, design standards, program needs, and sustainability.
• Provide leadership in the creation of a robust space-planning capability for the Danforth Campus to synthesize short-term needs and long-term programmatic objectives in a flexible process that will guide the development of the campus and of the University’s presence in surrounding neighborhoods.
• Participate in the capital projects core team with responsibility for general architectural aesthetics, character, landscape and site design, and integration with campus systems and connective elements.
• Develop and manage proactive communication protocols for multi-tiered constituencies, the Capital Projects Committee, the Office of the Provost, and Treasury along with clients, community, and others.
• Create project-specific site and architectural guidelines for capital projects and develop and implement facilities design guidelines to raise the quality and consistency of project outcomes.
• Maintain positive relationships with the external design and construction community to best facilitate the process of consultant and contractor selection. Provide direction, leadership, and oversight for architect selection processes that maximize quality, control cost of consultants and contractors, and achieve project objectives while encouraging participation of minority and women-owned businesses.
• Incorporate life-cycle perspectives in capital program budgeting and decisions through incorporation of a sustainability program and an effective internal review and approvals process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a normal office environment as well as work sites that include maintenance, construction and grounds-keeping work locations.
• There is frequent travel among the University campuses and in buildings where stairs are the only connection to various levels.
• Position requires use of standard office equipment, including personal computers.
• The position requires a working knowledge of Microsoft word, excel, and power point programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to manage the programming and design of large, complex facilities projects.
• Demonstrated experience in using physical design to successfully promote collaboration and collegiality.
• Knowledge of facility operations problems, as well as engineering and architectural systems and applicable codes, standards, and regulations, preferably in a university, hospital, or research laboratory environment.
• Ability to effectively interact with departmental staff as well as campus and university-wide administrators.
• Advanced knowledge of GIS and CAD system, principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices, including high-performance building design, decarbonization, embodied carbon, and healthy materials. Relevant accreditations, including LEED, WELL AP, Living Future Accreditation, and Passive House.
• Understanding and championing of not only universal design but also equitable design.
• Excellent client service skills and ability to provide effective communication within and outside of the department.
• Energy, diplomacy, and excellent communication skills.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Ability to present innovative concepts and ideas and respectfully foster creative debate and brainstorming.
• Successful and proactive group and interpersonal interaction with internal customers, trustees, committees, and stakeholders.
• Ability to process and translate diverse feedback and perspectives from a variety of constituents and coalesce into a coherent message for design professionals.
• Ability to communicate complex design concepts clearly and accessibly to non-design professionals.
• Ability to thoughtfully analyze a multitude of information, data points, and perspectives, incorporate into big picture, long-term visioning, while maintaining the flexibility to pivot and adapt as circumstances change and evolve.
• Adept at bringing together the right teams tailored to specific initiatives, challenges, and goals.
• Strong organization & time management skills, and ability to delegate effectively when appropriate.
• Practical experience in development, revision and execution of contract forms and agreements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in architecture, planning, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Professional license from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
• Twelve years of experience including planning and design management and capital-improvement programming; experience with a university and/or academic medical center.

Grade

G00

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/ to view a summary of benefits.

EEO/AA Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement

Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.

Applicant Instructions

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