Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning, Design, & Construction

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Programming, Design, & Construction manages Vanderbilt University’s Capital Plan and the Design Standards that govern construction in the built environment. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities and Development, the AVC supervises a team of 24 architects, construction managers, planners, and support staff. The role executes contracts for construction and renovation of Vanderbilt’s capital assets, synthesizes stakeholder input into a comprehensive master plan, works with Vanderbilt University Maintenance Operations to create maintainable design standards, and establishes processes to carry out the portfolio’s responsibilities efficiently and effectively. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities, and Development supports the University’s strategic initiatives, facilities, development, planning, and operations, and coordinates with university stakeholders, affiliates, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees. The division has approximately 600 employees and manages an annual operating budget exceeding $150 million, approximately $300 million in annual major capital project expenditures, and approximately $20 million in annual facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures. Programming, Design, & Construction plans, executes, and evaluates new construction and renovation projects. It coordinates project design, bidding, and management safely, on time, and in an organized manner; coordinates current and potential projects with university stakeholders; and represents the University in dealings with outside vendors, dealers, and contractors to secure adequate and competitive pricing. The AVC develops campus planning options, advances strategic planning and research, maintains stakeholder relationships, and coordinates with the Executive Director of Planning on approaches to address space needs. The role communicates project scope, budgets, schedules, and planning concepts; maintains project governance; works with government agencies; leads development and enforcement of construction and renovation standards; and promotes maintainability and lower lifecycle costs. The AVC oversees consistent processes for contract administration and construction delivery, including design and drawing reviews, user and stakeholder coordination, project pricing, shop drawing and equipment review, schedule and quality oversight, construction changes, final acceptance, and project close-out. The role also helps stakeholders identify cost-of-ownership and value solutions while supporting University goals related to flexibility, energy, sustainability, and community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Space Planning, Urban Design, Engineering, or a closely related field.
15 years of relevant experience.
At least 8 years of experience leading teams.
Ability to solve space and campus planning issues, understand urban planning context, and collaborate as part of a team.
Knowledge of campus planning.
Skill in strategic planning.
Familiarity with best practices in signage and wayfinding.
Knowledge of universal design principles and ADA compliance.
Demonstrated ability to lead conversations and initiatives related to accessibility standards.
Ability to communicate in written, verbal, and graphic form.
Ability to switch between competing tasks and priorities.
Experience working in a fast-paced environment and managing projects with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited university in a related discipline.

Responsibilities

Manage the University’s Capital Plan and Design Standards governing construction in the built environment.
Supervise the project management teams and a team of 24 architects, construction managers, planners, and support staff.
Execute contracts necessary to build and renovate Vanderbilt capital assets.
Synthesize stakeholder input to create a comprehensive master plan.
Work with Vanderbilt University Maintenance Operations to create maintainable design standards.
Create and administer processes for efficiently and effectively executing portfolio responsibilities.
Conceptualize campus program needs into practical near- and long-term planning options.
Collaborate with University stakeholders to develop creative solutions that use space more efficiently.
Serve as a key liaison to internal and external stakeholders and maintain strategic business relationships.
Develop and use strategic planning analysis and research to determine long-term institutional needs and sustainable solutions.
Develop operating policies and procedures consistent with facilities planning regulations, best practices, and institutional objectives.
Coordinate with the Executive Director of Planning to develop program options and approaches to specific space needs.
Present campus planning concepts and ideas clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats to university constituents, consultants, and stakeholders.
Communicate project scope, budget, and schedules to the University community.
Maintain project governance through Steering Committee meetings and upward communication.
Develop and foster working relationships with Metro Codes, zoning, fire marshal, and other government agencies.
Lead cross-functional experts in creating and maintaining construction and renovation standards.
Use technical knowledge and experience to improve maintainability and lower lifecycle costs.
Enforce standards and ensure deviations are approved through a deliberate waiver process.
Ensure consistent review of architect/engineer contracts and drawings for constructability and completeness during design.
Coordinate user meetings to review designs and review final documents for alignment with University expectations and quality assurance.
Coordinate program changes and design modifications during construction.
Coordinate project reviews with Metro Codes officials and consultants.
Coordinate with Maintenance & Operations, Information Technology, Sustainability, and other stakeholders to review and implement building, site, and infrastructure standards.
Help stakeholders and users identify cost-of-ownership and value solutions while maintaining University goals, including future flexibility, energy, sustainability, and community considerations.
Participate in material and product/equipment lifecycle evaluations and comparisons.
Ensure project pricing clarifies University expectations.
Coordinate shop drawings and equipment reviews.
Review project progress for schedule compliance and ensure construction quality control and contract conformance.
Review and evaluate construction-phase changes to scope and budget.
Review jobs for final completion and acceptance.
Oversee close-out, including as-built drawings, warranties, and equipment and service manuals.
Coordinate design, bidding, and management of construction and renovation projects safely, on time, and in an organized manner.
Coordinate current and potential projects with University stakeholders and represent the University to outside vendors, dealers, and contractors to obtain adequate and competitive pricing.