DESCRIPTION

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced planning professional with a full understanding of industry practices and organization policies and procedures and full range of planning skills and expertise; resolves a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Operates with considerable independence in concept planning, project definition and feasibility phases of major construction projects.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Assistant Director of Space & Safety Planning will oversee spaced planning concepts and and allocation for academic research and instructional lab facilities. The responsibilities encompass a diverse range of technical and leadership functions, all geared towards ensuring the effective development, allocation and execution of space for the school of Biological Sciences.

The Assistant Director of Space & Safety Planning is responsible for the space management related activities for the School, across all missions and locations. Currently, School space spreads across campus and ten buildings, including a large plot of land and a greenhouse at the Biology Field Station. Space management is done in collaboration with academic and administrative leadership via the School Space Committee and in compliance with Academic Affairs space policy and practice. This position is responsible for leading and facilitating the work of the School Space Committee. As the Assistant Director of Space & Safety Planning, this position is responsible for resolving School-wide space issues involving complex planning and safety issues. In conjunction with the COO and Space Committee, monitor planning and design, providing recommendations to maximize efficient space and facilities usage. Develop short and long-term plans and solutions for space problems and issues. Responsible for the accuracy of the facilities database (Tririga) and all reporting. Facilitate requests for renovations or space upgrades, security, and management needs. Using technical expertise in equipment used in Biological Sciences, make recommendations on locations for equipment within the BioSci space limitations.

Serves as the school-wide point of contact with Facilities Design and Construction (FD&C) on all maintenance, repairs, and with Capital Planning & Management (CPM) on capital projects impacting School research and teaching space. Oversees the area of EH&S and supervises staff. Provides training and day to day management of safety team including the School of Biological Sciences EH&S & Drosophila Facility Manager and the Fly Kitchen staff. Serves as a member of the Space Committee and advisor to the Dean, Associate and Assistant Deans, Chairs, faculty and COO, in planning, executing, and facilitating infrastructure improvements within the full scope of space, facilities modifications and repairs. Should have an expert level of technical experience in Environmental Health and Safety with regards to Biological Sciences research to allow for management of space and related laboratory planning issues.

Furthermore, the Assistant Director will evaluate space infrastructure and planning requirements, proposing modifications to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and the overall user experience. The utilization of data analysis tools to generate space solutions, compare options, and provide a comprehensive view of the outcomes will be a critical component of the role. Expertise and leadership in this position will have a significant impact on the success of space planning projects, contributing to the growth and excellence of the firm. The Assistant Director of Space & Safety Planning will closely collaborate with and liaise with ACP, EH&S, CPM, FM, Design & Construction, and AVC/EVC Office. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• At least two years of experience required in facilities planning and/or designing. Experience within a corporate lab environment preferred (bonus points if at a tech company with lab space)

• Thorough working knowledge / skill in city planning, architecture, or other planning-related fields. Demonstrated knowledge of facilities/space analysis and planning concepts, and information system utilization. Experience in higher education space analysis and planning processes and methodologies.

• Strong analytical skills. Demonstrated problem solving ability including recognizing problems, developing potential solutions, implementing appropriate solutions, and monitoring and evaluating results or progress.

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including political acumen. Ability to effectively communicate, in written and verbal forms, with a broad spectrum of faculty, administrators, and other officials in the University system as well as a broad variety of people outside of the University.

• Strong organizational skills. An influencing communicator with a sensitivity toward collaborating with clients (users) to achieve win/win solutions, resourcefulness and innovative thinking, a sense of urgency to meet client’s needs in atimely manner.

• Thorough knowledge of the organization, including its architectural history, short and long range development plans, infrastructure and current, on-going and proposed design and construction plans.

• High-level skill in excel (pivot tables), database programs (complex data analysis) and presentation software (power point, visio, etc). Demonstrated ability to analyze complex situations, data and/or issues and develop clear and concise options, recommendations or reports. Demonstrated skill in using computerized systems for analyses and report preparation.

• Experience applying best practice supervisory/management tactics to mentor and motivate subordinates, a team player with confidence to articulate thoughts and ideas which demonstrate confidence and maturity.

• Flexibility in organizing, establishing and modifying work priorities for the position and the team as necessary, under pressure of deadlines and changing priorities without compromising work quality and productivity.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background check required.