"University Architect"

Overview

The new University Architect will join Yale University as it continues a trajectory of growth, to maintain a vision of spatial and planning coherence and architectural significance consistent with the University’s history. The University Architect will draw on both technical expertise and intellectual capacity to envision, develop, and communicate the ways in which cutting edge design, thoughtful construction, and timely renovation can optimally support and help drive the implementation of the University’s strategic and campus plans. The University Architect will participate in or lead campus-wide planning teams and have knowledge in environmental issues and an appreciation for the tremendous potential of sustainability efforts on a large, complex campus.

Responsibilities include:

1. Managing Yale’s internal review process and building consensus when required.
2. Holding primary accountability for updating the University’s plans and serving as a trusted voice in Yale’s relations with New Haven on matters relating to campus buildings and the campus plan.
3. In collaboration with the VP for Facilities, Campus Development and Sustainability, identifying sites for new facilities and appropriate sites for renovation and adaptive reuse.
4. Advising the VP for Facilities, Campus Development and Sustainability on the progress of all architectural projects on campus and representing Facilities and the Provost in architectural, campus planning, and landscape design presentations.
5. Ensuring that each project’s energy performance meets or exceeds the University’s stated long-term campus sustainability and resiliency goals.
6. Helping to lead in the selection process of architects and consultants in collaboration with the VP for Facilities, Campus Development and Sustainability, which includes establishing selection criteria, RFQ and RFP processes, and interviews.
7. Serving as an ex-officio member of the Design Advisory Committee.
8. Assisting in providing design guidance for capital projects.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience with campus planning and architectural design processes from an institutional perspective. Deep understanding of project management and capital project delivery process. Proven record of accomplishment in the ability to assess and improve project delivery processes and systems and implementing innovative solutions within complex organizations.
2. Ability to communicate clearly and diplomatically, think strategically, and mediate complex situations. Skilled in collaborating with and presenting to stakeholders at all levels across the University and with external partners. Proven leadership experience with a strong track record of effectively managing a department and achieving successful outcomes.
3. Ability to express technically complex concepts in accessible terms both verbally and visually; as well as make effective presentations to influence change and acceptance with key stakeholders. A strong proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint is required. Knowledge of financial management and its practical application.
4. Knowledge of traditional and new materials, techniques, and methods in building construction.
5. Solid technical knowledge for data collection, analysis, interpretation for executive decision making (including ROI) and feasibility studies.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Significant experience managing planning, programming, design and construction organizations and projects at an urban research university or comparably complex, multi-facility setting.
2. AICP certified planner. LEED, Living Building or Equivalent certification.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Providing management, leadership and direction for the Office of the University Architect who ensure the university's physical environment and assets aligned with strategic mission.
2. Providing guidance to university leadership as it relates to the campus plan, architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, strategic space management, real estate and land use planning, development of campus design standards, implementing campus-wide sustainability and resiliency design initiatives and capital needs.
3. In collaboration with Capital Program Development and Delivery, supports the formulation, planning and design process of capital projects. Establishes the mission and priorities of the division and ensures that the actions and activities of the staff support that mission.
4. Ensuring that the physical planning needs of the academic and administrative university communities of Central, Science, Athletics, School of Medicine/School of Public Health and West Campus are being met. Participates in the formulation of university planning policies. Ensures that the physical planning activities are following university, state, and local regulations. and comply with applicable construction and life safety codes and ordinances and conform to design and building standards that facilitate future maintenance.
5. Directing the development of long-range and planning goals. Determines the future direction of physical planning for the university. Interacting with the officers and various university departments to ensure that the physical planning and space needs of the community are being met.
6. Analyzing complex technical capital projects, programs, and proposals, and recommending alternatives to ensure appropriate aesthetic, functional and cost-effective results. Seeking opportunities for potential property acquisition for academic or administrative use, evaluating viable candidates, and recommending their acquisition.
7. In collaboration with Capital Program Development and Delivery, supports the development of program budgets, ensures cost containment, and ensures that the program meet all capital projects needs ranging from modification to original requests. Responsible for establishing scope, schedule, and budget of planning and feasibility studies and capital projects. Protecting the university’s financial interests through value management, cost, and schedule control.
8. Participating in the selection of architects for planning, construction, and significant renovation projects.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor of Architecture or a Master of Architecture required. 15 years of progressive experience in complex capital program development and delivery including at least five years at a leadership level.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Registered architect