Assistant Vice Chancellor of Design Stewardship

For more information on the Office of Planning, Design and Construction, please visit our website at https://www.svcoperations.pitt.edu/offices/office-planning-design-and-construction. Additional qualifications and experience: • Ability to plan and schedule work credibly and logically. • High degree of analytical skills required. • Accountability for working with Project Managers on budgets for their projects and design intent of the selected design firm. • The position is responsible for interacting with public officials and bodies as the University representative for code compliance and architecture. • Reviews all projects for architectural design standards, code, and master plan conformity. Serves as the primary back up to the VC of Planning, Design, and Construction. • Serves as the day-to-day work supervisor of the staff in Design, including an Interior Designer, Environmental Graphic Designer, and Sustainability Coordinator, works collaboratively with and provides guidance and direction for architecture and engineering staff. • Has contact with all departments in the University. Ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.

Job Summary

Executive positions at the University hold significant responsibility for establishing and implementing goals, policies, procedures, strategic direction, and engagement initiatives within their department or organization.

The Assistant Vice Chancellor of Design Stewardship (AVC), within the Office of Planning, Design and Construction (PDC), is responsible for the creation and maintenance of building design standards in consultation with a broad array of University stakeholders, most notably Facilities Management, in addition to the AVC’s own staff including the University Interior Designer, PDC Sustainability Coordinator, Environmental Graphic Designer, and architecture and engineering collaborators. Under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor for PDC, the AVC creates and collaborates with a Design Review Committee and is responsible for oversight of project design and drawing reviews for capital and preservation projects. Working with project managers and client representatives, the AVC provides essential guidance in the selection of architecture and engineering firms for major capital projects of architectural significance. The AVC of Design Stewardship will engage a myriad of University stakeholders prior to making selection recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Planning, Design and Construction. The AVC’s recommendations will be heavily weighted, but final selection decisions will rest with the VC for Planning, Design, and Construction. Articulating a strong rationale for the recommendation, as well as guiding the stakeholder committee through an informed selection process is critical. Working in collaboration with those in PDC, the AVC of Design Stewardship provides input on plans and long-range capital plans to ensure responsible stewardship of campus assets and appropriate siting, massing, and aesthetics of buildings and open spaces. Projects shall be identified, estimated for probable cost, and prioritized in order to most appropriately allocate University resources, taking into consideration factors such as current condition, reliability, age, flexibility, priority, and adherence to major guiding campus documents such as the campus master plan and the strategic plan. The AVC of Design Stewardship is expected to conduct all responsibilities with the highest degree of professionalism. The incumbent must demonstrate strong skills in the technical side of the profession along with the ability to effectively direct teams to achieve project goals and objectives. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required in order to effectively communicate with all levels within the University, along with external communities and public authorities. Supervisory duties include the University Interior Designer, Sustainability Coordinator, and Environmental Graphic Designer. The AVC also works collaboratively with and provides guidance and direction for architecture and engineering collaborators. With unprecedented recent design efforts on the upper campus, the AVC of Design Stewardship will champion the redevelopment of the main and lower campus, making connections whilst invigorating the urban public realm – campus fabric.

Mobility to access all portions of the campus, including “hazardous” areas and regional campuses.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.