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 understanding of academic planning) is essential.

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 SMEs and RBUs
• 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:
• Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
• Data Analytics (preferred)
• AutoCAD, BIM, Revit (preferred)
• NewForma (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