Senior Planner
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Job Summary
Planning Design & Construction (PD&C) at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Senior Planner! The mission of this department is to guide and monitor campus planning, capital development, and non-capital improvements to open space, buildings, transportation and other related facilities on the Boulder Campuses through annual capital development requests, long range campus master planning and the planning, design and construction of specific building projects.
This position plans changes to the Boulder campus by implementing elements of the Campus Master Plan and advancing more specific plans, procedures and standards that relate to campus physical planning projects, large and small. It directs the analysis and preparation of feasibility studies, program plans and other documents related to campus development. The position ensures a professional planning approach is taken on a wide variety of campus planning issues, such as transportation, open space planning, building program planning and facilities design. The position acts as Owners Representative, overseeing the planning and design of capital construction projects, especially from inception through Design Development.
This position provides space data analysis and cost calculations related to physical improvements to campus buildings, open space and other facilities. Both independently and with design and cost consultants, this position prepares facilities planning documents for internal clients, administrators, review committees, and State officials. The work includes the development of various planning studies and state-required program plans to validate project scope and budget to campus leadership, CU Regents, and the state legislature.
This position works with client teams from campus departments and academic units to develop a clear concept and financial plan for new construction, expansion, or renovation projects. The position secures approvals for the concept from campus, university and State of Colorado authorities to proceed with a capital construction project. Once approved, the position is responsible for managing the process to select design consultants and the design process itself to develop a physical design meeting project goals and within the established budget. The position manages necessary design approvals such as campus and university review boards, and the Campus Architect and other internal PD&C staff. This position is responsible for the review of construction documents prior to procurement; and of select shop drawings, submittals, and installed construction work to verify conformance with architectural standards.
Who We Are
The PD&C department is responsible for the planning, design and construction of buildings on campus, in support of CU Boulder's academic mission. The department focuses on long-range planning and capital development functions of the organization as a balanced counterpart to the project-related functions of Campus Design & Construction. Department staff strive to guide campus development in a way that gives physical form to the university's mission, vision, and programs through the effective use of human, environmental, and financial resources.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
Professional Planning Services
- Develop space needs assessments that adhere to campus space standards and identify space saving opportunities while promoting shared space initiatives.
- Develop space growth projections with departments.
- Work with departments to identify programmatic needs, performance requirements, and design criteria for spaces that will support their daily activities and strategic goals.
- Develop schedules, financial models, and cost estimates.
- Initiate, coordinate and review proposed feasibility studies, program plans and other planning studies relative to the Campus Master Plan and other institutional planning studies to determine the appropriateness of the program to be accommodated, and conformance with the strategic goals of campus.
Project and Design Management
- Manage planning and design phases of capital development projects.
- Support the Campus Architect and others regarding acceptable standards and quality of campus and facilities development proposals.
- Partner with the Design & Construction Department project manager during documentation and construction phases to ensure program and design intent is maintained and a quality installation is provided by the constructor.
- Direct the work of outside consultants in the preparation of program plans, facility design, precinct plans, and campus plans.
- Act as Owners Representative in establishing initial budgets, project schedules, and overseeing the work of architects and other professional consultants through the first half of the design process.
- Coordinate the interests of the customer, University of Colorado and the State of Colorado.
Disseminating Information to Internal and External Entities
- Assist the Campus Architect, Director of Planning and other administrators with matters relating to community/University development projects, assembling and disseminating information about campus planning and development, and counseling the campus community on matters related to campus planning.
- Provide information and presentations to various boards, commissions, and development related groups, including City of Boulder Planning Department.
Strategic Initiatives
- Work with senior campus leadership on capital program strategies.
- Develop precinct plans and campus-wide plans or initiatives.
- Support processes to secure approvals from university, campus, and State of Colorado authorities for capital programs and precinct plans.
- Work with PD&C leadership on continuous improvement initiatives for managing projects.
- Develop continuous updates and improvements to campus architectural standards.
- Build relationships across campus to further the goals of the Planning Department and PD&C.
- Lead planning initiatives that update and expand on campus planning guidelines such as the Campus Master Plan, Energy Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan, and Housing Master Plan.
- Direct the analysis and preparation of campus precinct plans and master plans.
- Provide subject matter expertise and act as a resource for others related to design of spaces for learning, research, student life, and administrative functions.
- Provide subject matter expertise and be a resource for others on topics and tools that touch all projects in the Planning Department. Examples of topics include codes and standard processes related to ADA, equity, inclusive design, building science, sustainability and carbon reduction, and wellness. Examples of tools include tracking and analysis software used by campus such as PREVIEW, ARC/GIS, and Dashi.
What You Should Know
This position has the ability to work in a hybrid work format, and has an expected work schedule of Monday – Friday during regular business hours.
What We Can Offer
The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $125,000 annually.
Benefits
At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
What We Require
- Bachelor’s degree in architecture, environmental design, urban planning, or related field.
- 6 years of architectural planning and design experience, urban design and/or space needs analysis.
- Licensed architect in the State of Colorado or ability to receive Colorado licensure within 12 months of hire.
- Experience in program planning, space needs and utilization, capital planning/budget estimating.
- Professional experience working with clients on the development of physical improvements, analysis of space needs and utilization and projecting future growth needs in a campus environment.
What You Will Need
- Communication and presentation skills, including written, oral, and graphic.
- Able to arbitrate between competing interests of various parties.
- Excellent conflict resolution skills.
- Able to work independently.
- Ability to mentor others and support staff development.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience working with computer applications and information systems including Microsoft Excel and ArcGIS in data driven analysis of facility planning and budgeting.
- Experience with graphic software tools such as Autocad, SketchUp, Revit, and InDesign.
- Subject matter expertise in one or more areas related to the work of the department, such as designing spaces for student life, research, learning, and administrative functions; or tools and topics touching all projects.
- LEED Accredited Professional or Green Associate.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by November 23, 2025, for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu