Assistant Vice President of Campus Planning and Design, University Architect

Job Summary

Required Qualifications

• •Bachelor's degree in Architecture from an accredited institution
• •Professional licensure as a Registered Architect
• •4+ years of professional experience in planning and design, including facilities, grounds, and campus development projects
• •Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor high-performing teams while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
• •Proven ability to lead complex, high-impact projects and initiatives involving diverse stakeholders and competing priorities
• •Exceptional written, verbal, visual, and presentation communication skills
• •Comprehensive understanding of higher education operations, governance, and institutional priorities
• •Demonstrated success in building relationships, influencing outcomes, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives
• •Ability to develop and deliver executive- and board-level materials by synthesizing complex technical, financial, and strategic information into clear, actionable recommendations
• •Demonstrated political savvy, diplomacy, resilience, and sound judgment
• •Ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders
• •The ability to effectively manage stressful situations and critical issues with diplomacy
• •The ability to prioritize and organize work to meet demanding deadlines
• •The ability to collaborate successfully within a team environment while receiving direction from multiple leaders
• •The ability and willingness to access all university spaces, including tunnels, rooftops, and construction sites
• •The ability to engage effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, deans, project teams, consultants, and external partners
• •The ability to balance design excellence, fiscal responsibility, operational needs, and long-term institutional stewardship
• •A deep appreciation for Rice University's architectural heritage, landscape framework, open spaces, tree canopy, and pedestrian-focused campus experience
• •A deep understanding of the campus as a critical asset that supports teaching, research, student success, community engagement, philanthropy, and the university's long-term aspirations

Desired Qualifications

• •Advanced degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Design, Landscape Architecture, or a related field
• •Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the planning, design, and development of higher education facilities, campus environments, and major capital projects
• •Demonstrated leadership experience within a complex higher education institution, preferably serving in a senior campus planning, architecture, facilities, or capital projects role
• •Active architectural licensure and membership in the American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• •Demonstrated experience leading campus master planning efforts and guiding the physical development of a major institutional campus
• •Strong understanding of design excellence, historic preservation, sustainability, and stewardship of the built environment
• •Proficiency with architectural design, planning, visualization, and graphic communication tools
• •Proven ability to partner with executive leadership, governing boards, academic leaders, and external consultants to advance strategic institutional objectives
• •Experience developing and presenting recommendations, analyses, and project updates