Northeastern University, Assistant Vice President - Planning Design and Construction

Northeastern University, Assistant Vice President - Planning Design and Construction

NortheasternUniversityis currently seeking an Assistant Vice President - Planning Design and Construction to lead the world-class organization through its next and future master plans during a time of change and growth of the institution.  The University is in the process of transitioning to a hybrid budget model that has led to the expectation that the planning, design, and construction department will need to reinvent itself with an increased focus on client interface and inter-university communication.  The Assistant Vice President will be tasked with structuring the department to affect this change and leading the department through the change.

Background Information

Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university with its main campus in Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs—our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning—build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.
  • Total full-time University Enrollment: 19,856
  • Undergraduate Applications: 43,254
  • More than 203,000 alumni worldwide
  • Twenty-two U.S. alumni chapters
  • Six international alumni chapters
  • Over the past five years, Northeastern has moved up faster in the U.S. News & World Report rankings than any other university.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Facilities, the Assistant Vice President - Planning, Design and Construction (AVP-PDC) provides leadership and direction for space management, campus/project planning and development, and the timely, successful delivery of construction and renovation projects.  The AVP-PDC draws on both technical expertise and significant intellectual capacity to envision, develop and communicate ways in which physical space and facilities can express, support and help drive the implementation of the University’s strategic plans. At the same time, the AVP-PDC draws on different but equally important skills to provide effective oversight and direction for hands-on management of construction projects of all sizes involving diverse and specialized skills, detailed technical specifications, large capital investments and long-term impact on the campus community.

In all areas of responsibility, the AVP-PDC assesses the effectiveness of current practices, processes and systems, identifies areas for improvement, and recommends, develops and implements improvement projects to standardize professional practices, streamline processes and facilitate effective management and responsive service delivery.  The AVP-PDC builds strong working relationships and advocates for the Division’s interests in interactions across the University, whether acting independently or in tandem with the Vice President. The AVP–PDC also participates in University committees and initiatives as assigned and represents the Division in efforts that may involve coordination, leadership and teaming beyond areas of direct responsibility and authority.  The AVP-PDC will develop and implement tools to monitor client satisfaction with a goal of continuous improvement.

The AVP-PDC is responsible for reviewing the structure of the Planning, Design, and Project Management departments to ensure the organization is aligned with the demands of the new hybrid budget model and to ensure an efficient and customer-focused organization.
 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic support to Vice President for Facilities, leadership and direction for space management and documentation; campus-wide master, capital and space planning; project development, planning, design and engineering; and project management.  The AVP - PDC is responsible for the ongoing identification of trends and emerging needs in these areas, integrating professional tools and business practices and enhancing partnerships with Facilities clients driven by increased transparency and improved ease of service delivery.  Responsible for continued development of the management skills of direct reports, representation of the Facilities Division in campus-wide decision-making and serving as representative of the Facilities Division when the Vice President is not available.

The Assistant Vice President for Planning, Design and Construction will be responsible for a deferred maintenance project budget of $20M annually, $20M in annual depreciation-funded small projects, department funded projects (which vary in budget annually) as well as significant debt-funded large capital projects that are part of the facility master-plan (currently under development).  The group processes approximately 400 project “intake” requests annually.

The AVP - PDC represents the Facilities Division regarding complex planning, space allocation, capital budgeting and project management issues. In this process, the AVP interacts with and builds good working relationships with senior-level administrators and department directors, faculty, deans and students.  Externally, the AVP interacts with and promotes good working relationships with planning, design and engineering professionals, construction contractors, community planning groups, and local city and state agencies.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Management or Engineering Management with a minimum of 10 years of experience managing campus planning, design and construction organizations within a research university.  Registration as a Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Certified Planner or Certified Construction Project Manager desired.  Experience with Institutional Master Planning is preferred.

Other requirements include:  strong leadership skills and a collaborative, service-oriented approach to work; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; experience in team building and partnering as well as staff development;  Deep understanding of both the service and stewardship roles of university facilities organizations. Demonstrated sound judgment and leadership in complex, multi-tasked, and rapidly-changing problem-solving situations.  Ability to set and manage priorities, create clear direction and expectations for staff and follow through to ensure achievement and accountability in the face of competing demands.  Demonstrated interest in continuous client feedback, in assessing and improving project delivery process and systems.  Must be articulate, diplomatic, a strategic thinker, able to mediate and collaborate with staff, administrators, faculty, and a variety of outside constituents.  Ability to present effectively to all levels of constituents, both internally and externally.  Experience and Knowledge of Best Practices and Continuous Improvement processes related to capital construction project delivery and systems.  Strategic ability to develop an organizational structure that fosters and supports the goals of the organization.

Additional Comments:

Ideally, this position is the primary back-up for the Vice President for Facilities on all strategic matters related to master planning, space planning, project delivery, capital project budgeting, and oversight.  A dedicated approach to team building and professional development is essential.  A good sense of humor and ability to communicate with all levels of constituents is also required.

Contact:

Jim Lord

Managing Director

Helbling & Associates

O: (724) 935-7500 x 109

jiml@helblingsearch.com

www.helblingsearch.com