Director, Planning, Design / Architectural Services – Detroit Public Schools – Detroit, MI

The Director, Planning, Design & Architectural Services will oversee all district facilities planning, design and construction work in collaboration with senior Operations management. This includes but is not limited to master planning, annual planning and budgeting and project planning, design and construction. The Director, Planning, Design & Architectural Services will ensure that all facilities planning, design and construction work will be undertaken to provide thoughtfully designed and executed learning and playing environments for students and families that are clean, safe and efficient and support their academic and social/emotional growth.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Sr. Deputy Executive Director, Physical Plant Operations, the Director, Planning, Design & Architectural Services will:
Develop design and construction standards and specifications
Maintain and update the district’s standard specifications for project renovations including but not limited to lighting and paving
Maintain and update the district’s standard drawings
Assist in the preparation of the Physical Plant Operations facility master plan. Maintain professional contacts with community groups and other organizations as a representative of the Operations team.
Participate in long range planning and implementation of operations goals as a member of the administrative team
Assist in preparing the annual capital budget for Operations including funding requests for facilities capital improvements and capital maintenance projects
Assist in monitoring and managing the Operations budget
Direct and coordinate the planning, design, and construction of annual capital improvements and capital maintenance projects and other critical infrastructure programs and renovation projects including but not limited to building renovations, swimming pools and playground modifications
Determine the need for planning and design consultants to facilitate project development
Prepare the scope of work and criteria for use in hiring consultants through the district’s selection process
Hire consultants, supervise their work and approve their work for final acceptance and payment
Supervise and review the work of contractors assigned to infrastructure programs and maintenance and renovation projects
Provide timely resolution of problems arising during architectural planning, design and construction projects; ensure the completion of such projects on time and within budget
Represent the school district in meetings with representatives of city, county, state and federal agencies and with community-based groups
Supervise district staff in carrying out design and construction functions including hiring, promoting, orienting, training, assigning work, reviewing work performance, conducting performance appraisals and disciplining
Identify land parcels in the city for possible acquisition by the district for recreation purposes
Monitor contractors for compliance with all aspects of contracts including but not limited to timeliness, cost effectiveness, safety and health issues
Secure field measurements and quotes from distributors and installation contractors for project and maintenance needs (i.e., floor coverings, paint, etc.).

CORE COMPETENCIES
Ideal candidates will demonstrate the following:

Strong management skills and experience managing varying program disciplines
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong ethics and objectivity, with the ability to navigate in a political environment without being political
Energy and motivation, with the ability and desire to take initiative
Accountability: Able to accept responsibility and account for his/her actions
Accuracy: Able to perform work accurately and thoroughly
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, problem solving and organizational skills
Able to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously
Able to thrive in a fast-paced and achievement-oriented environment
Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and take initiative
Willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the success of a dynamic team committed to a new future for Detroit education
Able to communicate effectively to different audiences, including senior leadership, department heads, elected officials, city management, other government agencies and members of the public
Personal alignment with the District’s mission, vision and core values

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

In-depth knowledge and understanding of renovation and design governing regulations, standards and procedures
Strong working knowledge of physical plant operations including document preparation and review
Experience developing and implementing process improvements that result in improved efficiencies;
Understanding of local, state and federal laws and regulations related to environmental review, resource management and historic preservation

EDUCATION

Must possess and provide proof of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, business administration, or public administration required. Master’s degree preferred.
Proof of education must be submitted along with on-line application.

How to apply

Please submit cover letter and resume to recruitment@detroitk12.org.

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