University Architect

University Architect

The Pennsylvania State University's Office of Physical Plant (OPP), Division of Planning, Design, and Properties (PDP), seeks a highly motivated leader to serve as University Architect
. In this role, you will guide the design process and collaborate with designers and building users to deliver architectural projects. This position offers an opportunity to shape the built environment at one of the nation's leading universities while contributing to its legacy of excellence.

Your responsibilities will cover design projects at University Park, the Commonwealth Campuses, the Hershey Medical Center, and the Dickinson School of Law. This position reports to the Director of Planning, Design, and Properties.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the development of architectural concepts, massing, materials, and general detailing for capital projects.
• Managing the Architect/Engineer selection process for major projects.
• Enforcing design quality standards to ensure alignment with the university's long-term legacy and interests.
• Developing and maintaining the university's architectural design goals, standards, and guidelines.
• Assisting in preparing presentations for design approvals.
• Collaborating directly with senior OPP leadership, academic and administrative leaders, OPP and university staff, faculty, consultants, and the broader community.
• Serving on or supporting various university committees and initiatives.
• Evaluating and improving practices to support engagement within the design and planning processes.

This role is part of the Physical Plant team that is responsible for programming, designing, and constructing capital projects and maintaining landscapes and facilities across the university. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading teams to achieve design and planning excellence.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture. Master's degree preferred.
• At least 8 years of related experience, with a preference for experience in higher education projects.
• A professional license as a Registered Architect is required or the ability to be licensed in the state of Pennsylvania within one year
• LEED accreditation is desirable.
• A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check, as well as standard background checks, are required.

Benefits for full-time employees at Penn State include:

• Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans
• Tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26)
• Generous vacation time and sick time
• 14 paid holidays/campus closure days

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.