Senior Director of Planning and Design/Assistant University Architect

Summary/Position Description:

The Division of Facilities, Planning and Operations at 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 profession