Associate Director of Campus Planning

Job no: 508780
Work type: Staff
Location: Amherst
Categories: Hybrid, Facilities Maintenance & Trades, Full Time, Non-Unit Exempt

Title: Associate Director of Campus Planning

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services

Department: Campus Planning

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director for Campus Development, the Associate Director of Campus Planning (ADCP) specializes in master, campus, and facility planning for the University's capital project management plan. The ADCP develops and organizes processes, policies and procedures in direct support of the overarching Master Plan, ensuring long term strategic alignment and resource allocation for the University. This position leads a team of staff that analyze and evaluate current and future campus infrastructure. Determines policies and procedures that inform, guide and sustain the development of safety and mobility for the campus community.

Essential Functions

Responsible for goals and a portfolio of projects on behalf of the Campus Master Plan and capital plan.

Oversees campus planning strategy for Parking, Automobile and Pedestrian Planning.

Maintains strict confidentiality of project plan details including but not limited to budgets, projections, organizational changes and utilization of internal and external resources.

Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.

Leads a team of direct reports with the support of other staff with subject matter expertise to perform integrated planning services including grounds, site and civil, utility/carbon zero, sustainability and LEED building planning.

Develops and maintains the University's Design Guidelines and Standards in consultation with leadership and internal stakeholders.

Maintains strategic partnership with stakeholders from internal departments including Design and Construction Management, Physical Plant, AFIT, and Environmental Health and Safety.

Implements campus planning strategy for a broad set of projects and initiatives that range in scale and cost.

Coordinates planning and design phases for multiple, technically complex capital project activities with both in-house and outside consultants, including preparation and administration of consultant contracts.

Ensures adherence to state regulations and in compliance with the Massachusetts Taxpayer Protection Act. Manages the regulatory, permitting and compliance programming for Campus Planning and determines project management standards.

Plans for impact mitigation to operational disruptions. Proactively informs MBU stakeholders of building or road closures and timelines and recommends and coordinates solutions including temporary placement of occupants.

Problem-solves issues related to real estate, building assets, and campus physical systems.

Performs cost analysis and implementation for budgets allocated to capital projects, including internal funding sources and investments. Advises, informs and determines plans for requested budgets, including collaboration of funding sources and mechanisms as well as the long-range campus capital planning budget.

Responsible for Test Fits and Scoping Studies. Manages campus feasibility studies to incorporate a broad set of resources, information, and stakeholder groups across the University.

Supports senior university representatives to the State Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA), along with other state, federal, and local agencies and community organizations during physical planning and design.

Maintains effective communication with leadership and the Campus community on complex topics.

Manages performance and productivity of direct reports. Trains and supervises staff to ensure consistent and effective design reviews and quality control. Conducts annual performance evaluations, hires new employees, and provides progressive discipline where appropriate. Represents the Campus Planning department in second step grievances.

Promotes and assures continuous improvement; establishes and maintains productive relationships with a full range of personnel that reflects a strong commitment to customer service. Maintains current knowledge of all applicable regulations and codes regarding state design and construction projects and keeps abreast of industry trends.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor or first professional degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field.

Professional Registration as an architect or professional engineer (civil, structural, or mechanical) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the ability to obtain Massachusetts registration within one (1) year.

Minimum of ten (10) years combined experience managing complex design and construction projects and in campus and facilities planning, including master planning, facility programming, and capital project planning, as well as campus development and large capital project programming, scoping, estimating, permitting and project management experience at a leadership level.

Minimum five (5) years' experience supervising technical professional staff.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with and working knowledge of the State Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and/or the University of Massachusetts Building Authority (UMBA) design and construction statutes, processes, and procedures.

Experience with and working knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) as they pertain to procurement, design, and construction.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position is non-unit, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees Non-Unit (Professional/or Classified) Employee Personnel Policy.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 34

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Advertised: 24 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 04 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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