Director of Planning - Higher Education

HOK is a collective of future-forward thinkers and designers who are driven to face the critical challenges of our time. We are dedicated to improving people's lives, serving our clients and healing the planet. Together, we cultivate a culture of design excellence at the confluence of art and science, blending the power of creative expression with a clear sense of purpose.HOK is looking for a Director of Planning for Higher Education. This role involves uniting stakeholders into a cohesive team to help clients focus on what is possible. This collaborative approach is reflected in the many HOK-designed educational campuses, parks, neighborhoods, districts, and landscapes that meet the economic, social, environmental, and connectivity needs of their communities.Successful candidates will have experience in designing and implementing planning activities for higher education clients, including campus master plans, space programming, utilization analyses, engagement and outreach strategies, and participatory planning tools. Key responsibilities for this role include leading the higher education practice in business development, project design and delivery, client relations, financial management and staff development. The Director will also assist business units in developing and executing the annual business plan.Outlined below are the required skills, responsibilities, essential qualifications, and competencies critical for success in this position.RESPONSIBILITIES : LeadershipIs an extended member of the Planning firm-wide leadership team and participates in defining the vision, strategy, and business plans for the higher education planning practice by fulfilling the following criteria :  o   Maintains satisfied clients o   Advocates design excellence and innovation o   Fosters teamwork and collaboration o   Supports expert project delivery  o   Champions a profitable practice Occasionally serves as principal-in-charge (PIC) or Project Manager for Planning projects Understands the industry, client sensitivities, and market driversParticipates with other Planning Regional Leaders and Directors of Planning in HOK firm-wide activitiesHas strong communication skills (verbal and written) and is an effective collaborator and a good partnerFosters a culture of external and internal client serviceDesignResponsible for promoting and maintaining HOK’s design and planning reputation  Leads design teams by providing overall design direction to ensure high-quality designResponsible for conceptual design excellence and initiates project design and idea discussions ManagementInterdisciplinary collaboration with other HOK SME’s and RBU’sResponsible for the successful execution of the defined practice goals and business plans Monitors the status of Planning Higher Education projects Regularly reports higher education project status to the Planning firm-wide leadership team Assists in preparing project fee and workload projectionsWith the appointed PM, is responsible for higher education sector planning project performanceMonitors and maintains an appropriate level of chargeability Business Development Responsible for the development and execution of the Planning practice’s higher education marketing strategyIdentifies new business opportunitiesMaintains and grows current client relationships and proactively seeks out new opportunities and prospectsParticipates in higher education planning marketing and business development opportunities, proposals, interviews and presentationsDevelops and maintains positive industry relationships (i.e., with consultants, contractors and jurisdictional / approval agencies) to support HOK’s standing in the marketplaceAssists in preparation of other related marketing, promotional, and press-related materialsRegularly participates in the higher education Planning industry activities by way of speaking, presenting, and / or writing to enhance the Planning practice’s thought leadership Staff DevelopmentServes as mentor / advisor to Planning related staffLeads Planning input on relevant staff performance evaluations, including recommendations for bonus and promotionSupports diversity initiatives to expose staff to influences which will stimulate creativity and innovationParticipates in recruiting of Planning related staff Required SkillsAdvanced knowledge in campus planning, design development and project leadershipThorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelinesKnowledge of buildingSMART, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)Thorough understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgetsAbility to think strategically, implement change, enforces policy, and resolve conflictProven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients and internal staffProficiency in the basic technical skills of planning / architecture including the following computer skills :  o   MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlooko   Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketchup, GIS, Ecotect, and InDesign graphic softwareo   Data Analytics (preferred)o   AutoCAD, BIM, Revit (preferred)o   NewForma (preferred) QualificationsEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE : Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, urban design, or planning, Master’s degree preferred15 years’ experience, with at least 5 years within a management / leadership role Registration / Certification required if offered in your regionMembership in SCUP preferredLEED AP or GA required within 12 months of employment OTHER : Some travel and overtime may be requiredThe job duties and requirements listed in this description may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOKHOK is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits plan to meet their current and future needs. Benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage; 401(K) savings plans; disability, life, and accident insurance; paid time off (PTO); and parental leave. In addition, HOK employees enjoy a flexible work schedule with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays.HOK is a drug-free workplace. HOK is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law. LocationBoston, MassachusettsPosition TypeFull-Time / Regular