HOK is looking for a Director of Planning for Higher Education. This role involves uniting stakeholders into a cohesive team to help clients focus on what is possible. This collaborative approach is reflected in the many HOK-designed educational campuses, parks, neighborhoods, districts, and landscapes that meet the economic, social, environmental, and connectivity needs of their communities.

Successful candidates will have experience in designing and implementing planning activities for higher education clients, including campus master plans, space programming, utilization analyses, engagement and outreach strategies, and participatory planning tools. Key responsibilities for this role include leading the higher education practice in business development, project design and delivery, client relations, financial management and staff development. The Director will also assist business units in developing and executing the annual business plan.

Outlined below are the required skills, responsibilities, essential 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: 

o   Maintains satisfied clients 

o   Advocates design excellence and innovation 

o   Fosters teamwork and collaboration 

o   Supports expert project delivery  

o   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 strong communication skills (verbal and written) and 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 and 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