Staff Landscape Architect / Design Manager 2

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $76,725 and $97,057, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data. 

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under periodic supervision, the Design Manager 2 leads the programming, planning, design, and space management for moderate to large institutional projects, renovations, moves, and other facilities initiatives to improve the campus environment. Specific objectives include defining program requirements, creating initial scopes and budgets for potential projects, developing Requests for Qualification and Proposal (RFQPs), reviewing design and construction documents developed by consultants, and coordinating communication with internal constituencies, consultants, and vendors. Facilitates collaboration between various university departments including Business & Finance, Facilities Services, Sustainability, Campus Services, Environmental Health & Safety, Construction, and academic/administrative departments along with outside consultants to ensure efficient project development in support of overall campus master plan initiatives. Serves as the project lead for numerous projects from inception to the start of construction, and in direct support of the project until commissioning. Defines and manages the project scope, budget, and schedule, and administers the contract documents prepared by design professionals.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Planning: Lead the design, development, and detailed planning of programs and plans for moderate to large construction, renovation, and realignment of university facilities, signage, and landscaped space. Develop and prepare proposals for projects and oversee the execution of contracts and monitoring of invoices throughout planning and design. Provide guidance and counsel to university organizations for project development. Develop clear definition and statement of needs in such a way as to maximize efficiency of space, while meeting or exceeding departmental requirements. Have the proper graphic ability to communicate ideas and general planning concepts. With a $3.7-billion, 9-million-square-foot physical plant, and a capital and renovation program that presently exceeds $100 million annually, the incumbent will lead numerous projects and initiatives simultaneously. (30%)
  • Design: Oversee and instruct third-party architects and engineers to facilitate design and project documentation to reinforce the needs of the university are achieved. Ensure established master plan initiatives are implemented, and that cost and scheduling goals are met. Maintain a consistent level of quality in all designs and in construction materials, methods, and techniques. Develop project schedules, budgets, signage, security plans, etc. Interface and coordinate planning and design activities with the sponsor school or department, the construction manager, consultants, third-party construction managers, and other external parties during all phases of project planning, design, and construction. Assist in the development and coordination of specifications, university standards and contract documents by consultants for all construction activity on campus. Review assigned projects as they are developed to monitor adherence to established design concept, building codes, university planning standards. (30%)
  • Project Management: To the extent assigned, develop the scope, assist in the planning, manage the designer, and support the construction process for moderate to large projects ranging in size from $25K to $50M. Facilitate pre-bid presentations, walk-throughs, and planning meetings in coordination with the design professionals and all prospective bidders. Answer contractor questions, or seek answers to questions with appropriate individuals, and communicate these answers in writing. Seek competitive pricing and price reasonableness for all services. Receive and evaluate bids in conjunction with leadership. Coordinate contract execution with leadership, including the Business & Finance department. Communicate status of project award to bidders as appropriate. Facilitate early project document review by related departments prior and during construction as required to ensure compliance with university standards and safety requirements. Responsible for ongoing progress and status reports, both financial and narrative reports for leadership and above. Oversee the construction process to confirm compliance with contract documents, university requirements, and construction schedules. Coordinate activities with adjacent areas and organizations to minimize disruptions to university operations and safety associated with project. Verify the existence of a written, and when required site-specific, contractor safety program. Coordinate with the university's Environmental Health & Safety department and with appropriate outside agencies to coordinate preconstruction surveys and respond when unforeseen hazardous materials are discovered. As changes to the work become necessary including changes in scope, schedule, or budget, identify impacts and communicate all relevant information to leadership, end users, Facilities Services, affected departments and individuals, and members of the design and construction teams. In concert with the construction manager, help to coordinate utility shutdowns and other disruptions of university services with Facilities Services and appropriate departments. Accompany architects, engineers and any review agencies including insurance, local government officials, and inspectors during construction site inspections. Work with the project team and contractor to resolve any issues. Review and approve applications for payment and invoices while ensuring charges to the university are fair and reasonable. Ensure during and at the completion of a project, user department(s), including Facilities Services, Environmental Health & Safety, and Campus Services, are familiar with the work so that they can use and maintain the equipment. Process all closeout documentation. (30%)
  • Teamwork: Provide mentoring, coaching and direction setting to enhance services to the campus community and support existing operations and critical facilities. To that end, participate in meetings as required and lead aspects of organizational change with facility managers, planning committees, directors, deans, VPs of the various schools, departments, and programs. Assist Facilities Services and Campus Services departments with projects that are jointly managed. Assist the university and all other departmental groups in other work efforts to support the university mission. (10%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

     

    CONTACTS

    Department: Daily contact with the AVP/Director, Assistant Director and Design/Construction Managers. 

    University: Daily contact with facilities managers within each college/school, and with the Facilities Services staff. Contact with academic faculty and administrative staff as required by each project. 

    External: Daily contact with architects, engineers, third-party construction managers, and consultants. Periodic contact with government officials representing the city and county, including planning boards. Irregular contact with University Circle Inc. and University Circle institutions. 

    Students: Irregular contact with students as needed for specific project planning. 

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

    No direct supervision of staff employees.

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 5 years of architecture, landscape architecture,  engineering, design management, or construction management experience required. Experience working in an AAU, R-1 research-intensive university and/or medical facility highly desired. Experience in working in the construction field desired.

    Education: Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, business, planning, or other facilities-related field of study required.  Master's degree in architecture, engineering, business, planning, or other facilities-related field of study desired. Registration as a Licensed Architect, Landscape Architect  or Professional Engineer (any state) desired, with Ohio as preferred. Additional coursework in urban design and planning, facility planning and programming, contract law, interior design, engineering desired.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Experience with all aspects of project planning and design required, including programming, planning, design and space planning, basic cost estimating, construction document preparation, project management, and construction administration. 
  • Proven track record of leading multiple, critical high-profile projects. Ability to set priorities and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
  • Experience in the design of technology-enhanced instructional space and research labs. (Does not apply to Landscape Architect role.)
  • Strong financial acumen, budgeting, and decision-making skills. A powerful intellect, broad vision, sound judgment, and common sense.
  • Conceptual thinker who is attentive to details.
  • Well-developed customer service acumen. Superb awareness, social and diplomatic skills to be effective in a complex organization.
  • Effective communicator with excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate and build strong project teams. 
  • Ability to interact with engineers and architects (at a very technical level) regarding campus infrastructure, as well as design and construction of the various building types associated with a research university.
  • Ability to read drawings and to explain content of drawings to others who are not experienced in the use of building plans and documentation. Exceptional proficiency in preparing, presenting, and defending briefs, point papers, and decision memorandums. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and auto-CAD. Strong graphic skills with the ability to produce, direct and critique drawings and presentations used to communicate design concepts and details.
  • Knowledge of relevant local, state, federal laws/regulations including applicable building and fire codes.
  • Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance. 

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    Travel as required to investigate methods, materials, and equipment for future use or to expedite jobs. Must be physically capable of performing frequent inspections of all areas of campus and construction sites. This position requires frequent standing and walking, as well as some bending, crouching, and climbing. Must be willing to work extended hours when needed.

    Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer.  All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

    Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of  Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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