Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning, Design, & Construction

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC) for Programming, Design, & Construction (PDC) reports directly and administratively and functionally to the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate, Facilities and Development. The AVC manages Vanderbilt’s Capital Plan and the Design Standards governing construction in the built environment, and supervises a team of 24 architects, construction managers, planners, and support staff. The role executes contracts to build and renovate Vanderbilt’s capital assets, synthesizes stakeholder input for a comprehensive master plan, and works with Vanderbilt University Maintenance Operations (VUMO) to develop maintainable design standards. The AVC also creates and administers processes for the effective execution of the portfolio’s responsibilities. PDC plans, executes, and evaluates new construction and renovation projects for Vanderbilt, coordinating project design, bidding, and management safely, on time, and in an organized manner. The team coordinates current and potential projects with university stakeholders and represents the University in dealings with outside vendors, dealers, and contractors to obtain adequate and competitive pricing. The role develops practical near- and long-term campus planning options, supports efficient use of space, builds strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and develops analysis and research to identify institutional needs and sustainable solutions. It communicates project scope, budgets, schedules, and planning concepts to the University community; maintains project governance; and works with government agencies and university stakeholders. The AVC leads cross-functional work to create, maintain, and enforce construction and renovation standards, with attention to maintainability and lifecycle costs. The role oversees consistent processes for design and contract review, user and stakeholder coordination, pricing, construction quality and schedule, change management, project acceptance, and closeout documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and professional experience in Architecture, Urban Planning, Space Planning, Urban Design, Engineering, or a closely related field.
15 years of relevant experience.
8 or more years of experience leading teams.
Ability to solve space and campus planning issues, understand urban planning context, and collaborate as 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 the Design Standards governing construction within the built environment.
Supervise the project management teams and a staff of 24 architects, construction managers, planners, and support staff.
Execute contracts necessary to build and renovate Vanderbilt’s 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 to efficiently and effectively execute the responsibilities within the PDC portfolio.
Translate campus program needs into practical near- and long-term planning options and collaborate on creative solutions to use space efficiently.
Develop and use strategic planning analysis and research to identify 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 on program options and approaches to address University space needs and strategic initiatives.
Present campus planning concepts clearly to university constituents, professional consultants, and stakeholders in written, verbal, and graphic formats.
Communicate project scope, budget, and schedules to the University community and maintain project governance through steering committee meetings and upward reporting.
Foster positive working relationships with Metro Codes, zoning officials, the Fire Marshall, and other government agencies.
Lead cross-functional experts in creating, maintaining, and enforcing construction and renovation standards, including a deliberate process for approving deviations.
Ensure consistent review of architect/engineer contracts, design drawings for constructability and completeness, user meeting coordination, and final documents for quality and alignment with University expectations.
Coordinate program changes and design modifications during construction and review projects 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.
Assist stakeholders and users with cost-of-ownership and value solutions while addressing University goals such as future flexibility, energy, sustainability, and community.
Perform or participate in lifecycle evaluations and comparisons of materials, products, and equipment.
Ensure consistent construction-phase processes for clarifying University expectations during pricing, coordinating shop drawings and equipment reviews, and monitoring schedule compliance.
Ensure construction quality control and contract conformance; review construction changes to scope and budget.
Review projects for final completion and acceptance and ensure closeout includes as-built drawings, warranties, and equipment and service manuals.