Assistant Vice President – Campus Planning and Design, University Architect

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy

University Architect leading Rice University’s campus planning, design standards, landscape stewardship, and capital development. Advising leadership and trustees while guiding the Campus Framework Plan and major projects.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeHouston • Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in campus planning, design, and development, with a strong focus on architectural standards, stakeholder engagement, and project management. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor staff while navigating complex institutional environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Registered Architect LicensureCampus Master PlanningHigher Education PlanningProject ManagementStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Architectural DesignUrban PlanningLandscape ArchitectureCapital Project ManagementFacilities PlanningDesign Standards DevelopmentVisual CommunicationStrategic PlanningBudget ManagementSustainability Practices

Soft Skills

LeadershipConsensus BuildingCommunicationRelationship BuildingPolitical Savvy

Tools & Technologies

Graphic Communication ToolsPlanning Visualization Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

AIA MembershipProfessional Licensure as a Registered Architect

Industry Keywords

Higher Education OperationsGovernanceInstitutional PlanningDeferred MaintenanceHistoric Preservation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the continued evolution of the Campus Planning and Design program, including governance, standards, processes, and partnerships
Serve as principal steward for planning, design, and physical development of campus facilities, grounds, and landscapes
Direct development, implementation, and updates of the campus master plan
Establish and maintain architectural, landscape, and urban design standards
Lead consultant selection, design review, and planning processes for major capital projects
Advise executive leadership, deans, academic and administrative units, and project teams on campus planning and design
Evaluate and advise on five- and ten-year capital plans, project prioritization, sequencing, campus impacts, and long-range development
Build relationships and influence decision-making across the university community, trustees, donors, and external stakeholders
Lead cross-functional teams, resolve complex planning challenges, build consensus, and facilitate decisions
Communicate plans, priorities, and project outcomes through forums, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
Lead, develop, and mentor staff
Monitor trends, best practices, regulations, and innovations in higher education planning, architecture, sustainability, and campus development
Identify and advance projects addressing deferred maintenance and preservation of physical assets
Oversee departmental operations, budgets, resource planning, and financial performance
Present planning recommendations, campus development strategies, master plan updates, and project analyses to executive leadership, committees, and the Board of Trustees
Collaborate on communications, fundraising, donor engagement, and external relations related to campus development and capital projects

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Commitment to design excellence, stewardship of the built environment, and institutional planning objectives
Ability to lead, develop, and mentor high-performing teams
Experience leading complex, high-impact projects with diverse stakeholders and competing priorities
Exceptional written, verbal, visual, and presentation communication skills
Comprehensive understanding of higher education operations, governance, and institutional priorities
Success building relationships, influencing outcomes, and leading cross-functional teams
Ability to prepare executive- and board-level materials from complex technical, financial, and strategic information
Political savvy, diplomacy, resilience, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability
Ability to manage stressful situations and critical issues, meet demanding deadlines, and collaborate while receiving direction from multiple leaders
Ability and willingness to access tunnels, rooftops, construction sites, and all university spaces
Consistent on-site presence and ability to report to campus during emergencies or crises
Advanced degree in Architecture, Urban Planning, Design, Landscape Architecture, or related field preferred
Ten years of progressively responsible higher education planning, design, and capital project experience preferred
Senior leadership experience in a complex higher education institution preferred
Active architectural licensure and AIA membership preferred
Campus master planning, historic preservation, sustainability, and built-environment stewardship experience preferred
Proficiency with architectural design, planning, visualization, and graphic communication tools preferred
Experience presenting recommendations and project updates to executive leadership and governing boards preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full-time, benefits-eligible position
Benefits information provided through Rice University HR benefits resources
Equal Employment Opportunity
Reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities