Senior Planner, Project Planning - Capital Programs

Senior Planner, Project Planning - Capital Programs

The Senior Planner, Capital Programs, Project Planning has primary responsibility for project planning at all levels, from project definition through design. The Senior Planner, Capital Programs, Project Planning will be responsible for assisting in the evaluation and establishment of campus standards for project definition, planning, design, and methods of project delivery. This position is responsible for supervision of assigned planning staff as well as administration of established pre-planning and planning phase services provided to the campus by Facilities & Services (F&S).

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate duties of assigned planning staff including architectural planners and planner/historic preservation officer.
• Assist with preparation and implementation of F&S Planning, Design & Construction policies and procedures related to project planning and capital project development.
• Provides support and interpretation of the current updated campus master plan and all associated Urbana campus plans.
• Assist with preparation and implementation of University of Illinois Campus Administrative Manual and other related policies and procedures associated with the management of campus facilities and landscapes.
• Determines pre-planning scope requirements including the need for feasibility or conceptualization studies of campus projects.
• Coordinates and determines the scope and feasibility of projects.
• Assists with the creation and approval process of projects in established project management programs.
• Assist with the review and approval process of professional services agreements developed by assigned planning staff.
• As a part of new staff training, manage, review, and coordinate updates to the Project Management Manual used by Planning, Design & Construction staff.
• Assist campus clients/user groups (Colleges, Departments, etc.) in determining and coordinating the needs for new projects or renovations.
• Determines, compiles, and reconciles project budgets with input from all pertinent parties for such projects.
• Coordinates and participates in the selection of professional services consultants including the retainer program.
• Assists in the preparation of the professional services scope required for each project.
• Attends all project meetings as the campus representative on assigned projects through Design Development.
• Develops periodic status reports for assigned projects.
• Provides architectural design assistance and interpretation to the Planning, Design & Construction staff and campus partners.
• Acts as consultant to Project Management for client requested change orders and professional services consultant amendments during design and construction.
• Serves on campus committees as assigned by the Associate Director of Project Planning including Architectural Review Committee.
• May coordinate campus space management, campus lease and property management, and coordinate campus storage program.
• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Project Planning.

Support the Mission, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles of Facilities & Services.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in architecture or engineering.
• Current State of Illinois Professional Registration as an Architect or Engineer or the ability to be licensed within 6 months of hire.
• Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in facility planning and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in architecture, engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design, or similar.
• 10 years experience in project planning and capital project development, preferably in an institute of higher education.
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with 4 or more direct reports including delegation of work.
• Proven track record of successful problem resolution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with ADA Accessibility Guidelines and Illinois Accessibility code.
• Familiarity with various Building Codes.
• Familiarity with LEED rating system.
• Working skills and familiarity with AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with facilities management systems including scheduling and planning software packages.
• Working knowledge with Microsoft Office Suite including but not limited to Outlook and Excel.
• Working knowledge of Adobe and/or Bluebeam software.
• Knowledge of professional services contracts and their development.
• Ability to communicate well and coordinate the work of assigned planning and support staff.
• Ability to make decisions regarding the quality / quantity of space needs of academic units.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, develop priorities, and negotiate solutions.
• Ability to communicate well, and delegate and coordinate the work of support staff.

Appointment Information:

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, but it is a permanent position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after December 10, 2026. The budgeted salary range for this position is $95,000-$105,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, consider factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate qualifications, and budget constraints. Final salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information:

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 10, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Ken McCray at View email address on click.appcast.io, or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. For questions regarding the application process, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.