Associate Vice President Planning, Design & Construction
| Industry: | Facilities Management |
| Location: | Massachusetts - Boston |
| Sector: | Higher Education |
| Search ID: | 24-1102-41 |
Description
Boston University has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure an Associate Vice President for Planning, Design & Construction.
Position Summary
The Associate Vice President for Planning, Design, & Construction (AVP-PDC) provides strategic leadership, coordination, and administrative oversight for campus and space planning, design and engineering, and project management for a varied portfolio of infrastructure renewal, renovation, and new construction projects. A seasoned professional with proven management experience, the AVP-PDC will oversee a 30- person organization.
Reporting to the Vice President for Campus Planning & Operations, the AVP draws on technical expertise and intellectual capacity to envision, develop, and communicate ways in which physical space can support the University’s academic, research, student life, and other campus programs while also helping drive the implementation of the University’s strategic objectives. At the same time, the incumbent draws on different but equally important skills to provide effective oversight and direction for hands-on, customer service-oriented management of planning and project management operations of varying sizes and complexity involving diverse and specialized skills, detailed technical specifications, large investments, and long-term impact on the campus community.
As a member of multiple University committees including the President’s Committee on Space Planning and Capital Expenditures (SPACE Committee), the SPACE Operating Committee (sub-SPACE Committee) and other project and ad hoc committees, the AVP-PDC will work closely with senior leadership and members of the BU community to provide oversight of scope, schedule and budget considerations for all University projects involving major and annual projects, facility renewal, facility condition assessment programs and projects related to programmatic initiatives, University’s Climate Action Plan, strategic plan, and the vision of President Melissa Gilliam.
This position will be responsible for the oversight of projects at University properties located in the City of Boston, the Town of Brookline as well as at other domestic and international locations in collaboration with the University’s Real Estate group. Additionally, the AVP-PDC will oversee, promote, and responsible for the integration of sustainable design & construction standards, resiliency planning, and sustainable operations in close collaboration with University Sustainability.
Reporting to the Vice President for Campus Planning & Operations, the AVP draws on technical expertise and intellectual capacity to envision, develop, and communicate ways in which physical space can support the University’s academic, research, student life, and other campus programs while also helping drive the implementation of the University’s strategic objectives. At the same time, the incumbent draws on different but equally important skills to provide effective oversight and direction for hands-on, customer service-oriented management of planning and project management operations of varying sizes and complexity involving diverse and specialized skills, detailed technical specifications, large investments, and long-term impact on the campus community.
As a member of multiple University committees including the President’s Committee on Space Planning and Capital Expenditures (SPACE Committee), the SPACE Operating Committee (sub-SPACE Committee) and other project and ad hoc committees, the AVP-PDC will work closely with senior leadership and members of the BU community to provide oversight of scope, schedule and budget considerations for all University projects involving major and annual projects, facility renewal, facility condition assessment programs and projects related to programmatic initiatives, University’s Climate Action Plan, strategic plan, and the vision of President Melissa Gilliam.
This position will be responsible for the oversight of projects at University properties located in the City of Boston, the Town of Brookline as well as at other domestic and international locations in collaboration with the University’s Real Estate group. Additionally, the AVP-PDC will oversee, promote, and responsible for the integration of sustainable design & construction standards, resiliency planning, and sustainable operations in close collaboration with University Sustainability.
For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below.
Position Description
Organizational Leadership & Oversight:- Provide day-to-day management and leadership in the development, implementation, and direction of projects and initiatives including, but not limited to, the oversight of scope, schedule and budget considerations for major and annual projects, facility renewal, facility condition assessment programs, and projects related to the University’s Climate Action Plan. Meet regularly with direct reports and staff to review current and future projects to ensure resource are properly aligned;
- Evaluate initiatives for strategic impact and/or expected outcomes using key performance indicators (KPI), metrics, and continuous quality improvement. Responsible for setting goals and expectations for direct reports and holding staff accountable for successful performance while also providing development and coaching opportunities. Regularly align the evolving needs and goals of the organization with the evolving abilities and goals of staff. Plan and support the development of individuals’ skills and abilities;
- Review projects upon completion in order to determine if project management goals were met;
- Assess the effectiveness of current practices, processes, and systems; identify areas for optimization and/or improvement, and recommend, develop, and implement improvement projects to standardize professional practices, streamline processes and facilitates effective management and responsive service delivery. Coordinate management and ongoing development of standards and processes related to the University’s Building Design and Construction Guidelines and Project Planning and Delivery Process.
- Lead project teams in the pursuit of innovative and creative planning, design, and construction solutions as the field of PDC evolves. Ensure that the University’s project delivery process is communicated, understood, and followed by all reports as well as client stakeholders, vendors, and consultants;
- Propose and implement design standards and strategies for potential cost efficiencies and savings, design improvements, and work process changes relative to specific projects.
- Champion the use of technology and collaboration to facilitate campus planning, project delivery efficiency, and communications.
- Responsible for the development, execution, and administration of all project contracts in consultation with Office of the Provost, Financial Affairs, Capital Planning, Operations Fiscal Analysis & Analytics, Sourcing and Procurement, General Counsel, Environment Health & Safety, Facilities Management & Operations, and other client stakeholders as needed;
- Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and close out of all projects, ensuring project scope, schedule, and budget are aligned with internal and external resources;
- Develop and regularly update an integrated, University-wide campus plan, working to ensure that every corner of campus is situated within a cohesive planning strategy in support of the University’s student life, employee, academic and research mission, as well as ongoing partnerships with surrounding neighborhoods and cities;
- Initiate regular communications within PDC, across CPO, and with University community pertaining to project status and risk management
- Promote the integration of sustainable design and construction standards in furtherance of the University’s Climate Action Plan;
- Ensure all University legal, budgetary, and departmental processes and standards are met. Work with Government and Community Affairs to maintain relationships to support local and state regulatory agencies involved in the planning, design, and construction approval process of University facilities.
About Boston University
Boston University (BU) is one of the largest private research universities in the United States, offering a vibrant and bustling environment right in the heart of Boston. Founded in 1839, BU boasts a student population of over 37,000, which includes approximately 17,000 undergraduates and 20,000 graduate students, and employs more than 4,200 faculty and 6,200 staff across 17 schools and colleges, the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences, and the administrative departments. BU’s Charles River, Fenway & Medical campuses span 142 acres in the City of Boston & Town of Brookline, providing campus planning & operations staff with a dynamic and constantly evolving space to support.
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Requirements
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in either Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, or a related field. Master’s Degree strongly preferred in any of the above subject areas;
- 15 to 20 years of progressively responsible senior-level management experience in PDC preferably at a higher education research university involving all facets of PDC including, but not limited to the architecture/exterior design, engineering, interior design, budgeting, contract negotiation, bid/contract administration and construction management;
- Has in-depth knowledge of all aspects of successful project management and a demonstrated ability to take a leadership role in the development and execution of a project from ideation to completion;
- Possesses expertise and an affinity for solving organizational issues involving staff recruitment, retention, and development and the effective use of information technology. Has strong collaboration skills with the ability to work in a collegial/team-oriented organization;
- Has a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities involving a wide range of projects while managing senior-level stakeholder expectations with tight schedules/deadlines. Knowledge of applicable building and zoning, regulations. Experience with City of Boston project and development approvals preferred;
- Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills along with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences in a concise manner who may have differing interests and levels of understanding.
Community and Inclusion
Boston University’s founders opened its doors to all students without regard to religion, race, or gender. Building and sustaining a vibrant community of scholars, students, and staff remains essential to the mission of contributing to, and preparing students to thrive in, an increasingly interconnected world.
The University strives to create environments for learning, working, and living that are enriched by racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. It seeks to cultivate an atmosphere of respect for individual differences in life experience, sexual orientation, and religious belief, and aspires to be free of intellectual parochialism, barriers to access, and ethnocentrism.
Success in a competitive, global milieu depends upon our ongoing commitment to welcome and engage the wisdom, creativity, and aspirations of all peoples. The excellence the University seeks emerges from the contributions and talents of every member of the Boston University community.
Boston University has special, long-standing relationships with its local communities. The University is committed to being a good neighbor and a trustworthy partner and to giving back through a wide range of educational, cultural, social, legal, and medical services.
Please submit Resume, Cover Letter, and Project List (if applicable) to Brian Roddy at broddy@zrgpartners.com.