Higher Education Planning Leader

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 seeking a Higher Education Planning Leader. By bringing stakeholders together on a single team, our Planners help clients focus on what is possible. Today, that collaborative approach to strategy, planning and urban design is evident in the numerous HOK-designed educational campuses, neighborhoods, districts, and landscapes that respond to the economic, social, environmental, and connective needs of the people in that community.

To perform this position successfully, experience in the design and implementation of planning activities related to higher education clients (such as campus master plans, space programming, utilization analyses, engagement and outreach strategies, and participatory planning tools and understand of academic planning), is essential.

Responsibilities for the Planning Leader in our growing practice include leading the higher education planning practice in business development, project design/delivery, client relations, financial management and staff development. The Planning Leader will also assist the business unit in developing and executing the annual business plan.

The required skills and responsibilities associated with the role of the Planning Leader are outlined below. Also detailed are the qualifications and competencies critical for success in this position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership

• Is 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:

• Maintains satisfied clients Advocates design excellence and innovation Fosters teamwork and collaboration Supports expert project delivery Champions a profitable practice
• Occasionally serves as principal-in-charge (PIC) or Project Manager for Planning projects
• Understands the industry, client sensitivities, and market drivers
• Participates with other Planning Regional Leaders and Directors of Planning in HOK firm-wide activities
• Has effective communication skills (verbal and written), is an effective collaborator and a good partner
• Fosters a culture of external and internal client service

Design

• Responsible for promoting and maintaining HOK’s design and planning reputation
• Leads design teams by providing overall design direction to ensure high-quality design
• Responsible for conceptual design excellence, initiates project design and idea discussions

Management

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other HOK SME’s and RBU’s
• Responsible 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 projections
• With the appointed PM, is responsible for higher education sector planning project performance
• Monitors and maintains an appropriate level of chargeability

Business Development

• Responsible for the development and execution of the Planning practice’s higher education marketing strategy
• Identifies new business opportunities
• Maintains and grows current client relationships and proactively seeks out new opportunities and prospects
• Participates in higher education planning marketing and business development opportunities, proposals, interviews, and presentations
• Develops and maintains positive industry relationships (i.e., with consultants, contractors, and jurisdictional/approval agencies) to support HOK’s standing in the marketplace
• Assists in preparation of other related marketing, promotional, and press-related materials
• Regularly 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 Development

• Serves as mentor/advisor to Planning related staff
• Leads Planning input on relevant staff performance evaluations, including recommendations for bonus and promotion
• Supports diversity initiatives to expose staff to influences which will stimulate creativity and innovation
• Participates in recruiting of Planning related staff

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge in campus planning and project leadership
• Thorough knowledge of sustainability, integrated design, and LEED guidelines
• In-depth understanding of project work plans, schedules, staffing, and budgets
• Ability to think strategically, implement change, enforce policy, and resolve conflict
• Proven ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with external clients and internal staff
• Proficiency in the basic technical skills of planning and architecture including the following computer skills:

oMicrosoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook

oData Analytics (preferred)

oAutoCAD, BIM, Revit (preferred)

oNewForma (preferred)

Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, or planning, Master’s degree preferred
• 15+ years’ experience, with at least 5 years within a management/leadership role.
• Registration/Certification required if offered in your region.
• Membership in SCUP preferred.
• LEED AP or GA required within 12 months of employment.

OTHER:

• Some travel and overtime may be required
• The job duties and requirements listed in this description may be altered or supplemented at any time at the sole discretion of HOK

HOK 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.