Job Overview

The Associate Vice President, Planning, Design & Construction will provide strategic support leadership and direction for campus-wide master, capital, and space planning; space management and documentation; project development, planning, design, and engineering; and project management. In addition to main campus, the portfolio also includes UC Clermont College and UC Blue Ash College.

The Associate VP will report to the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and oversee the functional teams that support Planning, Design, and Construction.

Essential Functions

The Associate Vice President will:

• Provide leadership and direction in the development of capital and non-capital program delivery by designing and managing efficient and effective processes to align all internal and external participants in the program and by leading a high-performing professional staff of architects, project managers, planners, engineers, interior designers, and graphic designers.
• Lead the development, oversight, and execution of multi-year campus capital construction plans, including academic, research, housing, and support services.
• Mentor, develop and lead direct reports and overall team to foster self-sufficiency, empowerment, responsibility, and peak performance.
• Collaborate with University leadership, divisions, internal stakeholders, and external resources to achieve the University's strategic plan and campus master plan, meeting the needs of the stakeholders with long-term forward-thinking solutions.
• Advocate for design excellence in projects that have been cited for their contributions to enriched environments for work, learning and / or study, as well as well-crafted construction and sustainability.
• Oversee campus design and construction activities, including building renovation projects and major construction projects with capital spend of more than $1B over the next decade.
• Have the ability to navigate the unique demands, challenges and opportunities of a public Research 1 Institution and an urban campus setting.
• Balance long-term strategy and visioning with day-to-day tasks and attention to detail and execution.
• Implement and navigate effective processes and procedures while effectively prioritizing projects and initiatives.
• Lead with boldness and innovation while maintaining financial responsibility and sustainability.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with all campus constituents and work cooperatively and collaboratively with other campus offices and departments, key stakeholders, faculty, staff, and students to ensure the effective use of resources.
• Promote and model a commitment to community and belonging in all internal and external policies and actions.
• Promote good working relationships with planning, design, and engineering professionals, construction contractors, community planning groups, and local city and state agencies. Responsible for the ongoing identification of trends and emerging needs integrating professional tools and business practices.
• Encourage thoughtful, respectful debate and discussion with the aim of making productive and effective decisions.
• Encourage collaboration, transparency, and trust among individuals and departments.
• May provide direct and / or indirect supervision to exempt and non-exempt staff (i.e., hiring/ firing, performance evaluations, disciplinary action, approve time off, etc.).
• Perform related duties based on departmental need.

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree in Degree in a related field.

Required Experience

• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and include at least three (3) years of supervision.
• A license to practice at least one of the following professions: architecture, urban design, city planning.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• A Master’s degree is ideal.
• Ten (10) years of relevant work experience is ideal.

Leadership Characteristics

• Organizational skills that enable the performance of duties in a timely fashion with attention to detail; the ability to manage financial resources effectively including determining how best to utilize resources and managing budgets and expenditures; effectively engaging with stakeholders in a participatory governance environment to accomplish institutional goals and objectives; a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. 
• Leadership- develops trust, credibility, and support of stakeholders. The capacity to work effectively with leadership university-wide to leverage institutional priorities leading with enthusiasm and transparency. Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams. Creates an environment in which teams can thrive. 
• Communication- excellent oral and written communication skills that allow for effective expression when presenting to individuals or groups. 
• Emotional Intelligence- perceives the impact and the implications of decisions on other components of the organization. 
• Collaboration – identifies important connections between different groups and opportunities for successful partnerships. Must possess a philosophy of collaboration and teamwork with multiple constituencies. Cultivate strategic partnerships. 
• Initiative – promotes a culture of continuous improvement to ensure performance at the highest level. Exhibits an openness to change and the ability to provide leadership and clear communication to stakeholders throughout the change process. 

Application Instructions

1. Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and project list to the Helbling contacts listed below.   Do not apply to this posting.
2. Once application materials are received, candidates will be asked to complete an “Applicant Self-Identification Form.” 

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application, you will also be asked to include a Contribution to Community and Belonging statement. 
As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP). 

Helbling Contacts

Jill DiGiovanni, Senior Associate 
E: JDiGiovanni@zrgpartners.com 
C: (845) 392-2782 

Marc Datz, Managing Director 
E: MarcD@helblingsearch.com 
C: (412) 337-3151 

Physical Requirements/Work Environment