Director, Planning

Job Location: 271 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623

Full-time, regular position with a scheduled 40-hour work week during day shifts.

Compensation Range: $162,200.00 - $243,400.00

About the Role

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of the Planning Design and Construction group, the Director of Facilities Planning contributes to visionary leadership and strategic direction for all aspects of campus planning and capital project development across the University’s campuses. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the University’s physical environment to advance its integrated mission of education, research, clinical care, and community engagement.

The Director guides the development and implementation of the University’s comprehensive master plan, guiding short and long-term planning initiatives that promote a cohesive, functional, and sustainable campus. Working collaboratively with senior leadership, deans, department chairs, and hospital administration, the Director ensures that facilities planning aligns with institutional goals, research priorities, enrollment, and workforce projections, and evolving programmatic needs.

The Director also manages relationships with architects, engineers, planners, and other external partners to develop capital project programs that embody the University’s values of sustainability, accessibility, safety, and fiscal stewardship. In partnership with Facilities, Finance, and Sustainability offices, the Director integrates environmental responsibility, resiliency, and long-term lifecycle planning into all projects.

Serving as a key advisor to University leadership, the Director provides expert guidance on campus design standards, regulatory and environmental compliance, and strategic land use. Through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and innovation, this position ensures that planning and development fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking campus that supports the University of Rochester’s mission and strategic plan.

Responsibilities

• Guides the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of the Campus Master Plan to ensure alignment with institutional priorities and academic goals.
• Translates strategic and academic objectives into comprehensive physical planning and infrastructure frameworks.
• Directs long-term facilities and land-use planning initiatives that address projected enrollment, research development, patient care, and community engagement needs.
• Evaluates present and proposed land use.
• Incorporates sustainability, resilience, and climate action principles into campus planning and design processes.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders on project programming, site selection, and design review activities.
• Oversees the management of cost estimating services, both internally and with 3rd party consultants.
• Collaborates with local construction management firms for forecasting market escalations and updates internal PMIS software.
• Provides support to all University project delivery groups.
• Participates in the procurement, selection, and oversight of architects and planning consultants.
• Ensures all planning efforts align with campus design standards, sustainability benchmarks (e.g., LEED, WELL), and accessibility regulations.
• Provides direction for the organization of facilities capital project planning activities, including prioritization, cost analysis, and alignment with institutional funding strategies.
• Prepares detailed project executive summaries, feasibility assessments, and program statements to support new construction, renovation, and maintenance efforts.
• Collaborates with Finance and PDC Business Operations and other Facilities finance teams to develop and manage capital budgets, monitor expenditures, and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Communicates complex design concepts to diverse audiences effectively. Develops and delivers presentations and planning proposals to University leadership, Board of Trustees, donors, and community stakeholders to support informed decision-making.
• Leads campus and community engagement efforts, communicating planning initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represents the University in coordination with city and regional planning agencies on matters related to land use, infrastructure, and development.
• Supervises and provides direction to facilities planning staff and direct reports, establishing goals, priorities, and performance standards to support departmental objectives. Staff consists of the University Architect, Lead and Sr. Project Managers, and Construction Estimator(s).
• Oversees the effective and responsible allocation of resources to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal accountability.
• Manages relationships with external partners, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to help ensure projects are completed on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
• Oversees feasibility studies, programming, and site selection for academic center capital projects.
• Works collaboratively with Real Estate to navigate through entitlement and due diligence requirements.
• Contributes to space management as an advisor to the space planning teams across the institution.
• Contributes to the management and maintenance of the Geographic Information System and facilities data systems by working closely with the Space Planning groups to support planning, analysis, cost estimating, and reporting.
• Ensures adherence to all applicable regulatory, environmental, and accessibility standards in space and facilities planning activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture (B. Arch), Urban Planning, Facilities Planning, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in a related discipline preferred.
• 10 years of progressive experience in campus, facilities, or urban planning required, including at least 5 years in a leadership role preferred.
• Proven record of success in strategic planning, capital project development, and stakeholder engagement in a higher education or large institutional environment preferred.
• Experience with space management systems, GIS, and data analytics preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience required.

Skills

• Demonstrated abilities in risk management, staff supervision, mentoring, organizational development, and strategic thinking preferred.
• Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical, communication, and leadership skills preferred.
• Strong ability to build collaboration across diverse stakeholders preferred.
• Deep knowledge of sustainability frameworks, accessibility standards, and trends in higher education facilities planning preferred.
• Proficiency with planning and project management software (AutoCAD, Revit, GIS, etc.) preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• Professional licensure or certification: AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners), PE; preferred.