Director of Planning - Higher Education Job Listing at HOK in Boston, MA (Job ID 5468)

Description

HOK is looking for a Director of Planning for Higher Education. This role involves uniting stakeholders into a cohesive team to help clients focus on what is possible. This collaborative approach is reflected in the many HOK-designed educational campuses, parks, neighborhoods, districts, and landscapes that meet the economic, social, environmental, and connectivity needs of their communities.

Successful candidates will have experience in designing and implementing planning activities for higher education clients, including campus master plans, space programming, utilization analyses, engagement and outreach strategies, and participatory planning tools. Key responsibilities for this role include leading the higher education practice in business development, project design and delivery, client relations, financial management and staff development. The Director will also assist business units in developing and executing the annual business plan.

Outlined below are the required skills, responsibilities, essential qualifications, and competencies critical for success in this position. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Leadership 

• Is an extended member of the Planning firm-wide leadership team and participates in defining the vision, strategy, and business plans for the higher education planning practice by fulfilling the following criteria: 

o   Maintains satisfied clients 

o   Advocates design excellence and innovation 

o   Fosters teamwork and collaboration 

o   Supports expert project delivery  

o   Champions a profitable practice 

• Occasionally serves as principal-in-charge (PIC) or Project Manager for Planning projects 
• Understands the industry, client sensitivities, and market drivers
• Participates with other Planning Regional Leaders and Directors of Planning in HOK firm-wide activities
• Has strong communication skills (verbal and written) and is an effective collaborator and a good partner
• Fosters a culture of external and internal client service

Design 

• Responsible for promoting and maintaining HOK's design and planning reputation  
• Leads design teams by providing overall design direction to ensure high-quality design
• Responsible for conceptual design excellence and initiates project design and idea discussions 

Management 

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other HOK SME's and RBU's
• Responsible for the successful execution of the defined practice goals and business plans 
• Monitors the status of Planning Higher Education projects 
• Regularly reports higher education project status to the Planning firm-wide leadership team 
• Assists in preparing project fee and workload projections
• With the appointed PM, is responsible for higher education sector planning project performance
• Monitors and maintains an appropriate level of chargeability 

Business Development  

• Responsible for the development and execution of the Planning practice's higher education marketing strategy
• Identifies new business opportunities
• Maintains and grows current client relationships and proactively seeks out new opportunities and prospects
• Participates in higher education planning marketing and business development opportunities, proposals, interviews and presentations
• Develops and maintains positive industry relationships (i.e., with consultants, contractors and jurisdictional/approval agencies) to support HOK's standing in the marketplace
• Assists in preparation of other related marketing, promotional, and press-related materials
• Regularly participates in the higher education Planning industry activities by way of speaking, presenting, and/or writing to enhance the Planning practice's thought leadership 

Staff Development 

• Serves as mentor/advisor to Planning related staff
• Leads Planning input on relevant staff performance evaluations, including recommendations for bonus and promotion
• Supports diversity initiatives to expose staff to influences which will stimulate creativity and innovation
• Participates in recruiting of Planning related staff 

• Advanced knowledge in campus planning, design development and project leadership
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines
• Knowledge of buildingSMART, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
• Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets
• Ability to think strategically, implement change, enforces policy, and resolve conflict
• Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients and internal staff
• Proficiency in the basic technical skills of planning/architecture including the following computer skills: 

o   MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook

o   Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, GIS, Ecotect, and InDesign graphic software

o   Data Analytics (preferred)

o   AutoCAD, BIM, Revit (preferred)

o   NewForma (preferred) 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, urban design, or planning, Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years' experience, with at least 5 years within a management/leadership role 
• Registration/Certification required if offered in your region
• Membership in SCUP preferred
• LEED AP or GA required within 12 months of employment 

 OTHER: 

• Some travel and overtime may be required
• The job duties and requirements listed in this description may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOK
• HOK is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits plan to meet their current and future needs. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(K) savings plans; disability, life, and accident insurance; paid time off (PTO); and parental leave. In addition, HOK employees enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.

HOK is a drug-free workplace. HOK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.