Job Description:

The University at Albany is seeking a Campus Planner to support strategic planning and program development. The campus planner will develop and implement long-range facility master plans that align with institutional goals and engage in strategic planning efforts to ensure the campus's growth and facilities adapt to changing academic and operational needs. Housed within the Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC) team in Facility Management, this position will work closely with the Data Analysis and Space Management (DASM) team to bridge the gap between data analysis and project management by translating data and space needs into project scope and programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Space & Facilities Planning
  • Lead and manage planning studies and projects that support university-wide physical development and long-term campus vision.
  • Working closely with DASM, utilize data on space utilization, student demographics, enrollment trends, and other metrics to inform planning decisions. Translate institutional needs into clear, data-driven space and functional programs.
  • Develop scope, procure consultative services, and lead various studies including Facility Master Plan, Historic Preservation Plan, and other long-range plans. Ensure alignment of such plans with campus vision and strategic goals.
  • Conduct space utilization studies to assess current use of facilities and recommend ways to optimize space. Work with UAlbany Facilities DASM to implement University space standards and optimize space usage for maximum efficiency and functionality.
  • Plan for new construction, renovations, and expansions, ensuring they support academic and research goals and are financially feasible.
  • Act as a resource and subject matter expert for university leadership on facilities and campus development issues.
  • Integrate sustainable design principles in planning projects to meet institutional sustainability goals.
  • Prepare and present reports to senior leadership and stakeholders, demonstrating how planning initiatives align with institutional objectives.
• Program Development and Verification
  • Serve as the link between DASM and PDC during early project development phases.
  • Lead and facilitate program development processes with stakeholders to define project scope, goals, and requirements.
  • Provide University management support for capital projects administered by the SUNY Construction Fund and/or the Dormitory Authority during program development and verification phase.
  • Coordinate with faculty and administrative units and other end users/occupants to understand their needs and translate their needs into programmatic requirements.
  • Conduct validation and benchmarking of space requirements against institutional standards and peer data.
  • Conduct site assessments to compile necessary measurements and data.
  • Verify program accuracy through stakeholder interviews, workshops, and utilization analysis.
  • Identify risks, gaps, and scope inconsistencies during program verification.
  • Provide detailed program documentation to support design and budgeting phases.
  • Develop project scopes and justifications, and prepare cost estimates for capital, alteration, and rehabilitation projects.
  • Ensure all program elements align with master plans, capital plans, and funding constraints.
  • Work with the UAlbany Codes Administration to ensure compliance with building codes, accessibility standards, and safety regulations and with Campus Energy Officer to ensure compliance with energy and sustainability mandates and standards.
• Design Phase Support
  • Integrate planning principles and knowledge into project scope and implementation strategies to ensure alignment from concept through execution.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, and project managers during early project phases.
  • Develop adjacency diagrams, blocking plans, and conceptual layouts.
  • Develop detailed space plans and layouts.
  • Prepare and present program and layout proposals to stakeholders.
  • Facilitate approvals and maintain documentation through design development.
  • Review early phase design documents, provide written professional comments to the Project Manager, and address any discrepancy or issues to ensure design meets the needs established during the program phase.
• Campus-Community Engagement
  • Foster partnerships with local governments, businesses, and community organizations to promote mutually beneficial development.
  • Work with community stakeholders to ensure campus planning aligns with the needs and values of the surrounding community.
• Other reasonable duties as assigned.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships:

• Reports to the Interim Director of Facilities Project Management (Planning, Design, Construction, and Energy).
• Collaborates with and assists staff in DASM and Project Managers in PDC.

Job Requirements:

• To be successful in this position, the Campus Planner should be a strategic thinker, skilled and analytical problem solver, and a collaborator with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong interpersonal skills and a proactive, self-motivated approach are essential for success in managing intricate planning initiatives within a complex organizational structure. Other essential skills include:
  • Fundamental understanding of planning, design, and construction at an institutional level
  • Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills
  • Proficiency in design and planning software such as AutoCAD, Bluebeam, ArcGIS
  • Strong technology skills including proficiency in MS office suite
  • Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment
  • Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging relative to their role.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or higher degree in architecture, urban planning, or fields related to planning and design from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience in planning

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's or higher degree in architecture, urban planning, or fields related to planning and design from a college or University accredited by the US Department of Education or internationally recognized accrediting organization with 3 years or relevant experience in planning OR Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7 years relevant experience in planning
• Relevant experience in higher education setting
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or equivalent
• Proficiency in MS Excel or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience working with applicable codes, laws, rules and standards regulating design and construction, including Building Codes of New York State
• Demonstrated experience with institutional and/or commercial space planning
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles
• Experience working with the NY State agencies, including SUNY, DASNY, etc

Working Environment:

• Office environment and field / project on-site review.

Additional Information:

This is a promotional opportunity for current UAlbany employees.

Eligibility for Consideration:

• You must be employed at the University at Albany campus.
• You must be in a State-funded UUP professional position (MC employees are not eligible).
• You must have a permanent, term, or probationary appointment. Only temporary employees employed by UAlbany for three or more consecutive years can be considered eligible.

For details concerning the University's Promotion Policy for Professional Employees, please see HR Memorandum 88-4.

Professional Rank and Salary Grade: Associate Facilities Program Coordinator, SL4, $90,000-100,000.

Special Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements.

Please apply online via http://albany.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=202593

Application Instructions:

Applicants MUST submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating all the required minimum qualifications and any of the applicable preferred qualifications
• List of 3 professional references with e-mail addresses and telephone numbers

Note: After submitting your resume, the subsequent pages give you instructions for uploading additional documents (i.e. cover letter etc.).

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Closing date for receipt of applications: July 27.