Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Planning, Design, Construction & Facilities Management, the Director of Planning and Design is responsible for the in-house planning and design of physical improvements undertaken by the Institute, ensuring that they meet state and federal regulations and procedures and are effectively managed from concept through planning, design, bidding, construction, and up to occupancy. This position assists with the selection and hiring of consultants engaged by the Institute for capital projects and physical improvements and oversees the work of consulting firms and in-house design staff throughout these projects. This position helps manage the efficient use of space on campus by all departments and entities, assists with the development of long-range detailed plans to meet the needs of the Institute, develops and oversees budgets for construction projects, and assists the Executive Director with staff management.

Position Duties

• Maintain the campus master plan - the master plan supports the mission of the Institute with detailed short / mid / long-term plans for campus facilities and infrastructure.
• Assist in the efficient allocation, use, and management of Institute space by actively participating in space management activities.
• Coordinate in-house capital projects and physical improvements with the Executive Director, from installation and commissioning of engineered systems, to occupancy preparation throughout the life-cycle of the facilities.
• Advise senior administration concerning aesthetics, planning, design, and construction issues, code compliance, life safety requirements, and physical condition and makes recommendations for actions to correct deficient or unsafe conditions in facilities.
• Ensure that construction projects are in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations by developing and enforcing Institute policies and procedures for all facets of the planning, design, and construction process, including but not limited to, consultant selection and award of contracts for consultant services, advertising, bidding, and award of construction contracts, consideration of minority and women-owned businesses, wage and hour requirements, bonding and insurance requirements, and project close-out.
• Assist with capital projects and physical improvements to ensure they 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, construction administrations, site observation of construction, management of the project budget, and project close-out.
• Facilitate building code compliance by acting as the building / fire code authority for the Institute.
• Facilitate compliance of accessibility requirements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by understanding the requirements of ADA, reviewing the physical accessibility of Institute 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.
• Promote and support the Institute's statement on sustainability by planning, designing, and constructing capital projects and physical improvements using sustainable principles such as those established by the US 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.
• Develop and maintain departmental policies, guidelines, and standards applicable to the entire Institute and assists with dissemination of this information by various means, including face-to-face interactions, published guidelines, and web pages.
• Develop and maintain design standards and aesthetic quality expectations for campus construction projects and communicate them to consultants, contractors, and others performing construction on campus.
• Establish project budgets, approves the expenditure of project funds, and manages assigned capital budgets for construction projects. Assists the Executive Director in the development of capital and operating budget
• Manage the office of Planning and Design by recommending the most effective and efficient structure and staffing for the office, hiring qualified applicants, supervising staff, training personnel to departmental and Institute standards and procedures, assigning projects appropriate to the capabilities of the employee, setting goals and objectives, and evaluating performance.
• Remain professionally 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.
• Contribute to the overall success of Administrative and Information Services by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Experience and Qualifications

Education / Licenses:

Bachelor's degree in Architecture and New York State architectural registration is required. Accreditation through the United States Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or a related professionally recognized organization is preferred.

Experience:

At least seven years of progressively responsible experience as a registered architect in similar positions at institutions of higher education or with similar large organizations is required. This experience must include discerning program needs from user input to develop programming and planning documents, guiding and managing the design process, developing and managing project budgets, overseeing multi-million dollar construction projects involving a diversity of construction systems, and field observation of construction. Construction industry experience with institutions of higher education is preferred. Demonstrated experience working effectively in a diverse environment is preferred.

Skills:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present information effectively and appropriately to all levels within the Pratt constituency and peripheral community.
• Knowledge and understanding of the life-cycle approach to architectural design and planning.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Strong strategic planning and management skills.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of architectural design and planning concepts, principles, and procedures as they apply to major public institutions.
• Knowledge of all federal, state, and local codes and ordinances pertinent to facilities planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Working knowledge and understanding of computerized graphic architectural, interior, and landscape design software.
• Skill in financial planning and fiscal management.

To Apply:

In order to be considered please submit a resume, a cover letter that includes salary history and expectations, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

PRATT INSTITUTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND RECOGNIZES AND VALUES THE BENEFITS OF A DIVERSE WORKFORCE.

Pratt Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. will be required upon employment.

© Copyright 2015 Internet Employment Linkage, Inc.