University Architect & Director of Design

This position serves as a member of the Capital Project Management (CPM) senior leadership team. Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of CPM and with assistance from CPM's project managers, this position directs, supports, and manages architectural development of each University campus; working with and through the Manager of Design and Construction, this position provides leadership to the Design Project Manager team within the Design division of CPM. The University Architect works in concert with others to advance the overall design of our campuses, including features beyond buildings that comprise each campus' identity. The University Architect/Director of Design ensures design alignment with all University requirements (including schedule/budget, and design and building standards) and coordinates with the Capital Project Management group for a seamless transition of projects from predesign through all design phases and construction.

Capital Project Management is guided by the policy and capital budget established by the University Board of Regents and driven by the strategic plan of the University. The University Architect provides design expertise to CPM and the VP of University Services as well as academic leadership in developing the University's capital investment strategy to support the teaching, research and outreach enterprise/programs and ensure its implementation within scope, schedule, and budget.

Responsibilities

Project design management and participation (40%)
Leads the development and continuity of architectural and interior design guidelines that establish the framework for future projects. Working with and through CPM project managers, leads and participates in all aspects of capital project delivery at the University, including the following:
* Feasibility studies/project definition
* Programming
* Project plan reviews for constructability, architectural, phasing, and sequencing
* Ensure design teams maintain established budget parameters
* Chair building advisory committees
* Staff (and lead) Project Executive Committees
* Facilitate administrative approvals

Liaison with Internal/External Agencies (35%)
Evaluates the vendor marketplace and industry to stay informed of trends, value-added options, and industry best practice. Recommends revisions to guidelines, A/E contracts and other industry changes to senior leadership. Serves as a design point of contact with internal partners and external groups, specifically including but not limited to the following:
* Board of Regents
* State Designer Selection Board
* State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
* Disability Services
* Building Code Department
* Public Art Program
* University Signage Committee
* Professional organizations (e.g., Association of University Architects, SCUP, AIA MN)

Other (25%)
* Works with the Director of Planning in Planning Space and Real Estate (PSRE) group to manage the refinement of the Campus Plan and its related district plans. Ensures these documents continue as the guiding foundation to all campus development and design activity as appropriate.
* Strengthens collaboration with University units that are essential to capital project development, such as PSRE, University Relations, Finance and Budget, the Building Code Department, Office of Disability Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities Management, Sustainability, and Parking and Transportation Services.
* Understands and advances the needs of the system campuses and colleges; develops expertise in the capital facilities process for the various academic programs; builds trusting relationships with chancellors, deans and faculty.
* Working with and through the AVP CPM and VP University Services, provides accurate and trusted information to the Board of Regents to assist in their decision making and review/approval of capital projects.
* Ensures a positive business relationship with the design, engineering and construction industries who serve the University.
* Advances the University Board of Regents Sustainability policy and state mandate for energy efficiency both in renovation and new structures.
* Directs the preparation of reports, and provide verbal and written correspondence to the University leadership and Board of Regents
* Refines Architectural Design Guidelines

Working Conditions

Primarily an office environment but will include frequent visits to construction sites. Hybrid work encouraged; current in-office expectation is 2-3 days or as needed for interaction with staff or for specific project requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

* BA/BS degree in Architecture or closely related field, and at least twelve (12) years of related experience in architectural design and/or urban/campus planning, including four (4) years of direct supervisory experience of professional staff with demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and direct the activities of others toward the accomplishment of goals. Advanced degree preferred.
* Higher Education experience preferred
* Architectural licensure in the State of Minnesota

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Knowledge of architectural principles and practices.
* Broad knowledge of design, engineering, and construction industry with a clear understanding of construction costs, code issues and construction process
* Knowledge of principles and practices of strategic planning, project planning, and programming; project design, site planning, building and construction codes
* Knowledge of capital budgeting, capital improvements (programming and financing)
* Knowledge of strategic management concepts and financial management principles.
* Knowledge of contract administration, bonds, insurance, and delivery methods
* Excellent written, graphic and oral communication skills, including the ability to be persuasive and to effectively represent the University
* Skill in leading project teams and managing employees
* Skill in organizing fragmented, complex information into unified concepts/solutions
* Skill in compiling information into concise reports
* Ability to mediate compromise solutions to conflicting needs of user groups
* Ability to make effective decisions (administrative and political) within the University

Pay Range: $150,000-$175,000 depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).