ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group.
We have an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director / Associate Architect .
The Assistant Director Associate Architect position in Campus Architecture & Planning (CAP) is a newer role for the University, providing leadership and expertise in guiding the stewardship of the campus built environment. This position will provide a critical role in advocating for design excellence, supporting program pedagogy and interdisciplinary engagement through efficient use of space and strategic integration of contemporary teaching, learning, and research environments. Additionally, this position will oversee opportunities to improve the experiential qualities of campus through the management of multiple programs and initiatives related to art, wayfinding, and design guidelines.
Trust, accountability, transparency, and inclusion are core values for the Campus Architecture & Planning team (CAP). We care deeply about building a practice that embraces and demonstrates these values daily, as the primary liaison between Units and UWF, CAP intentionally pursues broad collaboration of subject matter experts to facilitate informed decision-making. This position will intentionally support and promote strategic initiatives that align customer expectations with the realities of constrained funding through the inclusive development of tools and resources consistently referenced and applied.
Position Complexities:
This position has a responsibility to the three UW campuses, navigating dynamic and sometimes undefined relationships, with a core emphasis on the Seattle campus and supporting role for UW Bothell and UW Tacoma. The person in this position will acquire an in-depth understanding of the current status of campus space and location data as core data for the University, attain a comprehensive understanding of the campus physical environment as a cherished asset firmly rooted in the Pacific Northwest, become knowledgeable about the value and condition of existing artworks on campus, and become fluent in the diversity of program space typologies present at the University.
This position requires keen collaboration and facilitation skills to strategically navigate, cultivate, and preserve cross-functional relationships amongst process partners and campus leaders. The person in this position will bring superior communication and interpersonal skills, patience, advocacy, and a clear sense of mission with an ability to effectively advocate for design excellence and efficient use of space in support of the academic mission.
Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:
The Assistant Director Associate Architect provides leadership and guidance in best practices related to teaching, learning, and research environments to address a range of disciplines and scales. The roles and responsibilities for this position are dynamic and challenging due to the University's decentralized and complex environment including 3 campuses, 18 schools and colleges, and a diverse building inventory built over the past 100+ years.
To meet these challenges, the person in this position must lead efforts to develop and refine design and space guidelines and standards, mature the accuracy and use of space data utilizing our InVision platform, develop and sustain a benchmark cost database, and oversee and manage programs and initiatives that add to the unique experiential qualities of the University.
A person successfully fulfilling their mission in this space will:
Leverage their experience in academic programming and design knowledge of teaching, learning, and research environments to transform campus spaces in alignment with the University's reputation.
Rely on their keen organizational and software skills to work across multiple units and facilities to capture data and report on trends. Draw upon their design acumen and expertise to strategically select and guide improvements to the campus environment, preserving and enhancing the most revered aspects of the campus character and experience.
Rely on their training and expertise in managing and guiding a highly motivated team to excel collaboratively and consistently, garnering respect and trust with University leadership, internal and external stakeholders, and consultants.
Bring creativity and levity to facilitate team-based problem-solving strategic initiatives that are complex and often controversial to ensure effective communication and openness.
Enhance communication and team effectiveness through actions that are transparent, consistent, and fair.
Position responsibilities
Advocate for and steward the campus built environment in a manner that preserves the historic legacy while enabling a more efficient, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment. Specific responsibilities include:
Design Guidance & Program Management (30%)
Participate in the architectural design guidance for projects as a participant on project executive and working teams.
Support Account Managers in program alignment and space optimization strategies as part of project formation.
Manage and coordinate the activities of the Design Review Board and the WA State Public Art Program and inventory.
Manage existing, develop new as needed, and ensure compliance with campus improvement programs related to wayfinding, signage, lighting, site furnishings, and other related work.
Space Management (40%)
Manage and oversee the development and refinement of space guidelines and standards related to the built environment, leveraging benchmark data and costs.
Develop a process for ensuring accurate space occupancy and classification data, leveraging the InVision platform, and overseeing adherence to the program as core data for the University.
Report on the State of Space annually tracking trends, assessing against peer institutions, and providing recommendations for future initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives & Goals (20%)
Develop and oversee strategic initiatives related to space management, tracking trends and best practices for teaching, learning, research, and workplace environments.
Partner with CAP leadership team in the development and tracking of key performance metrics to advance UWF strategic initiatives.
Staff Supervision (10%)
Provide leadership and supervisory management of future Space Data Manager, Project Cost Data Analyst, and student interns.
Core Competencies
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
Be responsible and accountable.
Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
Exhibit a professional work ethic.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Requirements include:
This position requires a bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, art, or a related field, and at least 8 years of experience to include:
Experience in architectural design or design oversite of capital projects.
Experience and knowledge of academic space programming and ability to prepare concept diagrams and test fits.
Strong ability to assess program and design challenges and produce and nurture effective solutions in large workgroup settings.
Knowledge of the project construction, renovation, timelines, budget, and impacts.
Proven ability to coalesce large and diverse data sets to extract and effectively communicate meaningful observations in concise and relevant terms for business decisions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with an assorted range of stakeholders within a multifaceted organizational structure.
Strong communication and visual skills, including the development of presentation materials required for decision-making.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Experience in campus architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning, either in a major research university or similarly complex organization in a campus-like setting.
Experience in art procurement and/or management.
Experience in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and related drafting and presentation software.
Excellent hand drawing skills.
LEED accreditation and knowledge of other building and site sustainability measuring systems.
Conditions of Employment:
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Application Process:
You will be asked to submit a cover letter AND your response (in a separate "Cover Letter Assessment" to the following (limited to 7900 characters):
"We would like to know more about your experience with diversity, race and equity, and social justice. Please tell us about your experience engaging and working with diverse communities - particularly in the context of your professional, volunteer, or civic work. Please also address efforts you have made or been involved with to foster diversity competence and understanding."
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
UW Facilities manages the University's buildings, infrastructure and land, with more than 1,100 employees in a variety of fields. The Asset Management group includes Capital & Space Management, Real Estate, Sustainability and other teams responsible for planning and workload management. The Operations group includes Project Delivery, Maintenance & Construction, Campus Utilities & Operations, Building Services, Transportation Services and Safety. Supporting these groups are the Business Intelligence & Information Technology group and the Finance & Administration group.
We have an outstanding opportunity for an Assistant Director / Associate Architect .
The Assistant Director Associate Architect position in Campus Architecture & Planning (CAP) is a newer role for the University, providing leadership and expertise in guiding the stewardship of the campus built environment. This position will provide a critical role in advocating for design excellence, supporting program pedagogy and interdisciplinary engagement through efficient use of space and strategic integration of contemporary teaching, learning, and research environments. Additionally, this position will oversee opportunities to improve the experiential qualities of campus through the management of multiple programs and initiatives related to art, wayfinding, and design guidelines.
Trust, accountability, transparency, and inclusion are core values for the Campus Architecture & Planning team (CAP). We care deeply about building a practice that embraces and demonstrates these values daily, as the primary liaison between Units and UWF, CAP intentionally pursues broad collaboration of subject matter experts to facilitate informed decision-making. This position will intentionally support and promote strategic initiatives that align customer expectations with the realities of constrained funding through the inclusive development of tools and resources consistently referenced and applied.
Position Complexities:
This position has a responsibility to the three UW campuses, navigating dynamic and sometimes undefined relationships, with a core emphasis on the Seattle campus and supporting role for UW Bothell and UW Tacoma. The person in this position will acquire an in-depth understanding of the current status of campus space and location data as core data for the University, attain a comprehensive understanding of the campus physical environment as a cherished asset firmly rooted in the Pacific Northwest, become knowledgeable about the value and condition of existing artworks on campus, and become fluent in the diversity of program space typologies present at the University.
This position requires keen collaboration and facilitation skills to strategically navigate, cultivate, and preserve cross-functional relationships amongst process partners and campus leaders. The person in this position will bring superior communication and interpersonal skills, patience, advocacy, and a clear sense of mission with an ability to effectively advocate for design excellence and efficient use of space in support of the academic mission.
Position Dimensions and Impact to the University:
The Assistant Director Associate Architect provides leadership and guidance in best practices related to teaching, learning, and research environments to address a range of disciplines and scales. The roles and responsibilities for this position are dynamic and challenging due to the University's decentralized and complex environment including 3 campuses, 18 schools and colleges, and a diverse building inventory built over the past 100+ years.
To meet these challenges, the person in this position must lead efforts to develop and refine design and space guidelines and standards, mature the accuracy and use of space data utilizing our InVision platform, develop and sustain a benchmark cost database, and oversee and manage programs and initiatives that add to the unique experiential qualities of the University.
A person successfully fulfilling their mission in this space will:
Leverage their experience in academic programming and design knowledge of teaching, learning, and research environments to transform campus spaces in alignment with the University's reputation.
Rely on their keen organizational and software skills to work across multiple units and facilities to capture data and report on trends. Draw upon their design acumen and expertise to strategically select and guide improvements to the campus environment, preserving and enhancing the most revered aspects of the campus character and experience.
Rely on their training and expertise in managing and guiding a highly motivated team to excel collaboratively and consistently, garnering respect and trust with University leadership, internal and external stakeholders, and consultants.
Bring creativity and levity to facilitate team-based problem-solving strategic initiatives that are complex and often controversial to ensure effective communication and openness.
Enhance communication and team effectiveness through actions that are transparent, consistent, and fair.
Position responsibilities
Advocate for and steward the campus built environment in a manner that preserves the historic legacy while enabling a more efficient, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment. Specific responsibilities include:
Design Guidance & Program Management (30%)
Participate in the architectural design guidance for projects as a participant on project executive and working teams.
Support Account Managers in program alignment and space optimization strategies as part of project formation.
Manage and coordinate the activities of the Design Review Board and the WA State Public Art Program and inventory.
Manage existing, develop new as needed, and ensure compliance with campus improvement programs related to wayfinding, signage, lighting, site furnishings, and other related work.
Space Management (40%)
Manage and oversee the development and refinement of space guidelines and standards related to the built environment, leveraging benchmark data and costs.
Develop a process for ensuring accurate space occupancy and classification data, leveraging the InVision platform, and overseeing adherence to the program as core data for the University.
Report on the State of Space annually tracking trends, assessing against peer institutions, and providing recommendations for future initiatives.
Strategic Initiatives & Goals (20%)
Develop and oversee strategic initiatives related to space management, tracking trends and best practices for teaching, learning, research, and workplace environments.
Partner with CAP leadership team in the development and tracking of key performance metrics to advance UWF strategic initiatives.
Staff Supervision (10%)
Provide leadership and supervisory management of future Space Data Manager, Project Cost Data Analyst, and student interns.
Core Competencies
Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness.
Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively.
Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems.
Be responsible and accountable.
Use organizational skills and provide attention to details.
Maintain a positive, optimistic, and success-oriented attitude.
Exercise professionalism, which includes being tactful and courteous.
Exhibit a professional work ethic.
Continuously promote a safe work environment.
Requirements include:
This position requires a bachelor's degree in architecture, landscape architecture, art, or a related field, and at least 8 years of experience to include:
Experience in architectural design or design oversite of capital projects.
Experience and knowledge of academic space programming and ability to prepare concept diagrams and test fits.
Strong ability to assess program and design challenges and produce and nurture effective solutions in large workgroup settings.
Knowledge of the project construction, renovation, timelines, budget, and impacts.
Proven ability to coalesce large and diverse data sets to extract and effectively communicate meaningful observations in concise and relevant terms for business decisions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with an assorted range of stakeholders within a multifaceted organizational structure.
Strong communication and visual skills, including the development of presentation materials required for decision-making.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Experience in campus architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning, either in a major research university or similarly complex organization in a campus-like setting.
Experience in art procurement and/or management.
Experience in AutoCAD, Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and related drafting and presentation software.
Excellent hand drawing skills.
LEED accreditation and knowledge of other building and site sustainability measuring systems.
Conditions of Employment:
Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment.
Regular and predictable attendance is required.
Application Process:
You will be asked to submit a cover letter AND your response (in a separate "Cover Letter Assessment" to the following (limited to 7900 characters):
"We would like to know more about your experience with diversity, race and equity, and social justice. Please tell us about your experience engaging and working with diverse communities - particularly in the context of your professional, volunteer, or civic work. Please also address efforts you have made or been involved with to foster diversity competence and understanding."
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.