Director of Planning & Design - Facilities & Services

Director of Planning & Design - Facilities & Services

Job Summary

The Director of Planning & Design duties and responsibilities, include but not limited to: Leadership, management, and executive administrative oversight of the Capital Maintenance Renewal, Design Review, Design Services, Division of Responsibility, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Transportation Demand Management teams in support of the mission of the University.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management to all units included within the Planning & Design team. Serve as subject matter expert in support of these teams. Sets workplace climate and oversees all aspects of personnel management within the division including recruiting and retention, training and professional development, performance standards, and the promotion of access and belonging for the team and external partners.
• Administration of the processes of the Planning & Design teams for the Urbana campus, working with campus units from planning through project completion.
• Oversee the Architectural Review Committee, Retainer Work Order program, Campus Master Plan, Space Planning, and Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance program. Oversight of the procurement of professional services including but not limited to Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects, Interior Designers, and Surveyors. Monitor and review all federal, state, and University rules and regulations affecting planning and design services.
• Set the course for the division. Align the goals and objectives of the division with those of F&S and the campus to ensure that the efforts of the division complement the goals and objectives of the university.
• Make decisions about ongoing distribution of resources among the Planning & Design teams to align services with customers’ needs and campus requirements. Ensure information is effectively disseminated among campus customers and employees.
• Develop and use productivity measures and process improvement metrics using work management systems, alternate delivery methods, and other tools to enhance division operations.
• Establishment and dissemination of policies and procedures related to project definition, programming, scheduling, budgeting, and delivery methodologies.
• Oversight of the Retainer and University Qualification Based Selection processes for the employment of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors.
• Serve on F&S, campus, and community committees and panels as assigned.
• Develop and submit annual budgets and rate structures for division business units. Monitor and adjust annual budget expenditures to meet priority engineering and construction service requirements and established operating targets without incurring deficit spending.
• Provide assistance with capital projects requiring Board of Trustee actions with the Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services. Assist with the development of capital renewal, deferred maintenance, and capital improvement priorities and preparation for the Urbana campus.
• Provide expert consultation and assistance to the AVC and to campus leadership in respective functional areas. Work closely with F&S divisional peers, staff, and the campus community at large to effectively coordinate and deliver products and services. Provide guidance and input on the development and use of all planning and design support systems, including but not limited to: Kahua, PRZM, CAPS, Contracts+ and Upside.
• Perform other duties as assigned and adhere to F&S mission and guiding principles.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Architecture or Engineering, or a related field of study. • Licensed Architect, Professional Engineer, and/or Structural Engineer in the State of Illinois. • Ten years of progressively responsible project experience and five years of supervisory experience in facility planning and/or design services in universities, hospitals or similar organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ten years of supervisory experience in facility planning and/or design services in universities, hospitals or similar organizations.
  
  • Proven records of strong leadership abilities to lead teams of architect and/or engineering professionals to develop and implement major capital and renewal projects.
  • Experience with development and management of capital budgets for a large institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to delegate and supervise the work of team members within Planning & Design teams.
• Work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including but not limited Professional Service consultants, contractors, F&S Trades, faculty, researchers, facility managers, university and state administration/leadership, students on a variety of concurrent projects while handling numerous issues simultaneously and meet required and sometime challenging deadlines and budgets.
• Possess strong communication skills.
• Working knowledge of applicable University space and facility standards and management tools.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/16/2025. The budgeted salary range for this position is $165,000 to $185,000. Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 4/07/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bryan Fijalkovich via fijalkov@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1035268
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu