POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE University Architect and Director of Planning, Design and Construction
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1370
GRADE 48
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Administrative Services
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR President
GENERAL FUNCTION
The University Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of all capital projects and physical improvements undertaken by the University, 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. The University Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction oversees and leads the integration of sustainable design, a respect for the environment, and conservation of resources into every project the University undertakes. The University Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction leads the selection and hiring of consultants engaged by the University 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. The University Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction develops long-range and detailed plans to meet the needs of the University, develops and oversees budgets for construction projects, and provides management for the office of Planning, Design & Construction.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Architecture is required.
Experience: At least six years of progressively responsible experience as a registered architect 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.
License/Accreditation: Architectural registration is required; Missouri registration is required or must be obtained within twelve months of the date of hire. Accreditation through the United States Green Building Council in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) or a related professionally recognized organization is preferred.
Skills: Strong knowledge of building codes, industry standards, building accessibility requirements, contract language applicable to the construction industry, and applicable statutes of the State of Missouri is required. Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheet, and similar applications is required. Strong verbal and written communications skills are required. The ability to communicate with the University community, the public, and the media regarding planning, design, and construction issues is required. Management skills, particularly in decision-making, are required. The ability to gather and thoroughly analyze information in order to make well-founded recommendations to the University’s senior administration is required. The ability to work collegially with a wide variety of constituencies possessing various levels of planning and design knowledge is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Familiarity with CAD and other graphic programs is preferred.
Effort: Requires the ability to move throughout the campus on foot, including climbing stairs in all University buildings, and stairs and/or ladders on construction sites.
Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by University policy. The scope of the job frequently requires responding to emergency or unforeseen situations around-the-clock and may require working in the evenings and on weekends to fulfill job functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Develops and maintains the campus master plan through consideration of the program and growth needs of the University; the master plan supports the mission of the University with detailed short-, mid-, and long-term plans for campus facilities and infrastructure to meet the needs of the University and is a tool to guide development of the campus.
2. Assists in the efficient allocation, use, and management of University space by actively participating in space management activities such as reviewing the allocation of existing as well as any new space proposed for University departments, colleges, and programs, analyzing existing available space to determine appropriateness for the proposed purpose, and developing alternatives and making recommendations the University administration regarding the appropriate space for a particular use, including any modifications or improvements that might be required.
3. Works with all components of Administrative Services, as well as other University academic and administrative staff, to develop a thorough and effective process for gathering information for the campus master plan as well as planned capital projects and physical improvements and facilitates the process to ensure that a valid campus master plan is developed and maintained and that completed construction projects meet the needs of the various campus constituencies who will use the facilities.
4. Ensures the success of capital projects and physical improvements by coordinating with Facilities Management from the installation and commissioning of engineered systems and preparation for occupancy continuing throughout the life of the facilities; on an ongoing basis, works with Facilities Management to develop solutions to facility-related problems.
5. Advises senior administration regarding planning, design, and construction issues.
6. Ensures that construction projects are in compliance with applicable state and federal regulations by developing and enforcing University 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.
7. Leads the selection of consultants engaged by the University for capital projects and physical improvements by using processes and procedures in accordance with state law, negotiating fees and developing contracts for professional services related to construction projects, and evaluating and documenting the performance of consultants.
8. Ensures that all capital projects and physical improvements 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.
9. Provides review of claims made by contractors and facilitates the administration of information in order to provide resolution to contractual disputes or disagreements.
10. Protects the University from engaging unqualified consultants and contractors by maintaining records of the performance of all contractors and consultants, rendering an evaluation, and using the documentation to support selection of the best qualified firm to provide work for the project.
11. Facilitates building code compliance by acting as the building code authority for the University.
12. Facilitates compliance of the University with accessibility requirements mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by understanding the requirements of ADA, reviewing the physical accessibility of University 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.
13. Promotes and supports the University’s statement on sustainability by planning, designing, and constructing capital projects and physical improvements using sustainable principles such as those established by the U. S. 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.
14. 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.
15. Assists in the preparation of the annual state appropriations request by developing capital renewal projects which support the campus master plan.
16. Represents the University with on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations related to planning, design, and construction issues.
17. Serves on committees as requested to provide input and guidance regarding University operations and campus initiatives.
18. Promotes a positive and cooperative image of the University with the construction industry by assisting in coordination between the University and various agencies.
19. Develops and maintains departmental policies, guidelines, and standards applicable to the entire University and assists with dissemination of this information by various means, including face-to-face interactions, published guidelines, and web pages.
20. Develops and maintains design standards and quality expectations for physical improvements and communicates them to consultants, contractors, and others performing construction on campus.
21. Assists with and prepares required and requested reports to federal and state agencies regarding physical improvements.
22. Assists in fund-raising efforts for physical improvements by assisting in the preparation of applications and other necessary supporting materials for construction grants, loans, and donations.
23. Oversees the establishment of budgets, approves the expenditure of funds, and manages assigned capital budgets for physical improvements.
24. Manages the office of Planning, Design, & Construction 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.
25. Advises the Board of Governors 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 Governors in accordance with University policies and procedures.
26. Facilitates a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
27. Remains 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.
28. Contributes to the overall success of Administrative Services by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The University Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction is supervised by the Vice President of Administrative Services and supervises full- and part-time employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED MARCH 2018
