Associate Director - Facilities Planning, Architecture and Design

Western Connecticut State University•Danbury, CT

20h•$102,542 - $102,542•Onsite

About The Position

Western Connecticut State University is hiring an Associate Director of Facilities Planning, Architecture & Design. The university’s Facilities Planning, Architecture & Design department manages the planning, financing, design, and construction of capital projects in support of the university’s academic mission and campus master plan. Reporting directly to and working under the supervision of the director, the Associate Director works as a team with the Assistant Director of Projects, Space Allocations and Standards. The position assists with facilities project planning and capital project oversight, represents the university at facilities and capital project meetings, and provides furnishing, programming, planning, architectural design, and technical assistance for current and future capital projects. The position may supervise the Assistant Director, University Assistants, and student employees. The role includes work across planning, design, bidding, and construction; cost estimating and monitoring; oversight of minor capital construction and renovation work; maintenance of CAD/CAM systems and facility inventory data; and coordination of ADA projects. Additional duties may include project management, FF&E planning and procurement, budget monitoring, furniture inventory, and move management. WCSU emphasizes diversity and inclusion and values the ability to work effectively with people from varied backgrounds and cultures. Employment is contingent on proof of citizenship or employability under IRCA and successful completion of a background check. Applicants must submit a cover letter with contact information for three current professional references and a resume by November 23, 2026.

Requirements

Licensed architect in the State of Connecticut.
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or construction technology.
Five years of experience in the design and construction industry.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and AutoCAD.
Experience using project management software and creating automated spreadsheets.
Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse academic and administrative units.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience in facilities design, renovation, planning, and/or construction preferred.
Revit proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with all phases of facilities planning, including preparing plans, specifications, and drawings for projects through bidding and construction.
Work with university faculty and staff to recommend design alternatives and space-utilization solutions that comply with building, fire safety, and health codes.
Provide professional assistance to academic, administrative, and service departments in analyzing equipment, furnishings, and space needs.
Prepare order-of-magnitude cost estimates for assigned projects and monitor project costs.
Track in-house capital projects from initiation and support timely expenditure of authorized and allocated funds.
Oversee outside contractors on minor capital construction and renovation projects; prepare cost estimates and preliminary designs for minor capital projects.
Manage and maintain the CAD/CAM system and building data spreadsheets containing university facilities inventory.
Coordinate and track ADA projects, including estimates, specifications, and execution oversight; advise on campus-wide ADA inquiries.
Perform comprehensive planning activities, such as measuring buildings, computing areas and inventory data, attending planning meetings, and preparing planning documents.
Coordinate with the Department of Administrative Services and private A-E technical personnel on campus projects.
Design or prepare drawings for renovation, remodeling, or new in-house projects, as permitted by state regulation, through design and construction.
Assist with project management of agency-administered projects, including pre-construction conferences, bid analysis, daily oversight, progress reports, contract enforcement, change orders, punch lists, and final inspections.
Specify and coordinate furniture, fixtures, and equipment from planning through procurement and installation, including selection, documentation, ergonomics, and ADA compliance; track costs and coordinate delivery and installation.
Assist the director in monitoring and managing department operating expense project budgets and state bond fund budgets for agency-administered projects.
Manage and assist with maintaining the university furniture and equipment stock catalogue.
Manage and assist with move management projects requested as part of projects or through Space Allocations Committee approvals.
Serve as a general resource for office staff and perform related duties.
May supervise the Assistant Director, University Assistants, and student employees.
Represent the university at meetings concerning facilities and capital projects.