Campus Planning Leader
About The Position
Perkins&Will is seeking a visionary Campus Planning Leader to build and grow its higher education campus planning practice within the Urban Design group. The role partners with institutional leaders to translate academic missions, strategic priorities, and data-driven insights into campus strategies that inspire innovation, strengthen community, and create lasting impact. Guided by the firm’s Living Design principles, the position advances sustainable, equitable, and visionary planning solutions. The leader oversees campus planning initiatives and project delivery, advises institutional leadership, develops client relationships and business opportunities, and mentors multidisciplinary teams. The position requires residence on the West Coast, with Bay Area residence preferred. Hybrid work flexibility is available, relocation will be considered, and occasional project-related travel is required.
Requirements
- 15 or more years of experience leading higher education campus planning and master planning efforts on the West Coast, particularly in California.
- Strong understanding of enrollment, space utilization, capital planning, research, housing, and student life.
- Strong design, facilitation, and communication skills, including the ability to communicate ideas across scales through sketches, diagrams, presentations, and digital tools.
- Established relationships within the higher education sector.
- Demonstrated success in business development, practice building, and leading, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency with design and visualization tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, Rhino, GIS, and related platforms.
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, or a related field.
- LEED Green Associate credential within six months of hire and professional accreditation in one area of Living Design.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with major research universities and public systems.
- Master’s degree.
- Architectural license, AICP, PLA, or equivalent credential.
Responsibilities
- Lead campus planning initiatives for colleges and universities, translating institutional vision, academic priorities, and data-informed insights into campus, district, and site strategies that advance sustainability, resilience, mobility, and equity.
- Advise institutional leadership, facilitate engagement processes, build stakeholder consensus, and guide strategic decision-making.
- Build and grow the campus planning practice through business development, client relationship management, thought leadership, industry engagement, and pursuit leadership.
- Lead teams and project delivery, mentor planners and designers, and oversee scope, financial performance, quality, and risk management.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off.
- Professional development stipend.
- Dedicated continuing education time.
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Access to firmwide affinity groups and leadership development programs.
- Studio initiatives and events.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
