Planning and Design Manager

Job Purpose The Planning and Design Manager directs the activities of 89 Public School Districts and state-chartered charter schools statewide relative to architectural planning and design of new public and charter school facilities and/or alterations/modifications to existing facilities. Incumbent oversees activities relative to facilities planning, the review and interpretation of proposed designs, architectural drawings and building specifications for all Public School Districts. Directs analyses and interpretations of proposed designs, architectural drawings and building specifications to ensure that all proposed school construction projects throughout the state of New Mexico are sized appropriate to the adopted New Mexico Adequacy Standards, all schools comply with current adopted NM building codes, soil analysis, etc.; and ensure that all school districts adhere to an approved master plan. Incumbent assures all state requirements are met in order to obtain building permits, meet the educational requirements set forth by the Public Education Department, meet or exceed the state’s Adequacy Standards, and produce quality school construction. Incumbent establishes priority and costs of projects assigned to the agency, coordinates award of projects based on priority, budget reports, and other data, and participates in establishing and implementing short and long-range goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures. Represents the agency with clients and consultants on a range of subjects related to architecture, planning/design, and construction; performs assessments and renders decisions on behalf of the agency. Duties also include the financial management of program budgets, oversight of financial information and reports relative to program activity, and establishment of objectives, strategies, procedures and performance measures for long-term strategic planning. Duties and Responsibilities: • Directs and oversees all planning and design projects for Public School Districts statewide, applying knowledge of design, construction procedures, zoning, and building codes. • Participates in the formulation, development, implementation, and revision of contracting policies, procedures and strategies for the Agency, as appropriate. • Directs/oversees school districts in the development and perpetuation of five-year facility master plans as a prerequisite for eligibility to receive state capital outlay assistance. • Directs/oversees school districts in the development of special planning studies as awarded. • Coordinates analysis to assist communities with options for development and change. • Develops and implements plan review analysis process of all public school construction projects throughout the state, to include tracking system, plan review methods, analysis process and overall productivity practices to insure statewide consistency • Manages the analysis of architectural drawings/plans for construction and renovation of school buildings. • Oversees the approval/disapproval of plans in accordance with standards, building codes, and policies of the Public School Facilities Authority. • Formulates and enforces building standards specific to the planning and design of public school facilities throughout the state. • Incorporates standards for a safe, healthy learning environment for public school students in a cost-effective manner. • Consults with representatives of school boards, educators, and architects to explain and direct agreement on design concepts and construction standards. • Oversees the preparation of planning/design reports, special analyses and program status/expectations for agency Director and Public Schools Capital Outlay Council. • In collaboration with the Deputy Director of Capital Operations, updates legislative subcommittees, task forces, the Public Schools Capital Outlay Council, individual representatives of other agencies and the legislature when required. • Formulates analyses of projects and makes recommendations to Public Schools Capital Outlay Council for allocation of capital funding to School Districts. • Directs the planning and formulation of design alternatives and solutions for construction projects. • Advises consultants and District Administrators as how best to achieve required results. • Develops and initiates general policy and strategic objectives/timetables for program activities, and creates a standardized reporting format. • Directs the development and administration of all project budgets, fiscal controls and quality control provisions. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required • Knowledge of architectural and drafting principles and practices, preferably in school design, as well as knowledge of principles and methods of community and regional planning and research. • Ability to provide technical guidance and/or supervision to architects, structural engineers, and independent building contractors. • Ability to make decisions based on numerous information resources and implement decisions relative to planning/design budgets, goals and long-term strategies at a local and/or statewide level depending on circumstances and legislative objectives. • Ability to direct the analysis of proposed construction projects, and determining whether capital money is being used, or should be used, for each project. • Ability to ensure that the employees are producing consistent code interoperation and that the plan review process is efficient and running smoothly and effectively. • Skill in analyzing the needs of each public school and prioritizing projects for state funding. • Ability to ensure that Master Plans are acceptable and are being adhered to by each school district. Minimum Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture (Experience in architecture may substitute for the required degree on a year for year basis.) At least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified is required. Experience or education may be substituted for one another at the discretion of the Executive Director. Licenses/Certifications Required ICC certified – Building Plans Examiner, preferred. Working Conditions Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment. Work involves minimal exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Some potential exists for exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions. Physical Effort Minimal physical activity is required while performing the duties of this job; the employee may sit for extended periods. Supplemental Information Other Requirements: Extensive state travel may be required. Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico driver’s license. Job Type: Full Time Base of Operations: Albuquerque, NM