Chief of University Planning, Design & Construction

The Chief of University Planning, Design & Construction (UPDC) will assume stewardship of one of the University's most precious assets - a portfolio of land, buildings and related facilities spanning academic, research, administrative, residential and commercial buildings on three campuses. The St. George Campus is prominently situated in a complex urban setting, with a wide variety of architectural styles, and is surrounded by diverse neighbourhoods and landmarks. The UTSC and the UTM campuses are approximately 30 km from downtown Toronto and present different conditions and complexities.

Committed to design excellence, sensitive to its historical context and mindful of the need to approach expenditures in a responsible, sustainable way, the portfolio presents many challenges and opportunities. Overseeing an exceptional portfolio of land and buildings, this is a significant leadership position with an extensive impact on the student experience at the University of Toronto. The Chief will develop strategies to align the University’s physical assets to its academic mission, maximize value for the future, and optimize use of the university’s physical assets in the immediate term, develop both the long term and annual plans for acquisition, divestiture, construction and redevelopment of land and buildings on all campuses.

Leading a team of professionals, the incumbent is responsible for establishing the strategic direction and vision for the University Planning, Design and Construction Division through a group of Directors (Project Development, Design & Engineering, and Project Management) and support staff including architects and engineers. The Chief will provide leadership and coordination in: optimizing the utilization of the University’s existing physical resources, planning for future capital projects that are both fiscally responsible and aligned with the University’s key academic and research missions, enabling project development that is a smooth transition between planning and implementation , providing in-house design and engineering services, and ensuring successful implementation of capital projects through project management.
 
Job Duties 

• Develop strategic plans with senior management for redevelopment of University land and buildings to optimize opportunities for additional academic space and potential for leasing and commercial revenues.
• Oversee the implementation of real estate strategies, and financial strategies and tactics ensuring integration with the goals and objectives of the University.
• Provide input on the development of the University of Toronto campus master plans, on all three campuses, in accordance with University’s overall campus and facilities planning goals and objectives.
• Oversee the development of short and long-term space capital plans to ensure they are consistent with and in support of academic and budgetary priorities and the overall strategic plan based on knowledge of current zoning and regulatory requirements.
• Provide strategic guidance to the management team to ensure effective administration and delivery of design and engineering and project management services, and consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Represent the UPDC portfolio at committee meetings (e.g., task force meetings, steering committees) and governing council meetings to provide input and expertise.
• Provide strategic leadership, direction and development expertise to project management group based on construction experience to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.
• Oversee, with Directors, the development of recommendations relating to design, construction and development on all three University campuses, based on research gathered from peer institutions and leading international research universities, for approval by the University (e.g., Design Review Committee).
• Lead meetings with Municipal Councilors and Planners on a frequent basis to keep them apprised of upcoming and planned capital projects – post planning stage.
• Oversee consultation with neighborhood liaison groups on a project by project basis to maintain positive relations.
• Consult on the resolution of escalated issues, problems and concerns with municipal authorities based on knowledge of University of Toronto policies, procedures and mission.
• Oversee project and governance packages to various committees (i.e., Planning and Budget, University Affairs and Academic Board, Business Board and Governing Council) to secure funds and approval for capital projects.
• Oversee the developments of reports and presentations to obtain necessary approval including Boards and Committees of Governing Council for projects.
• Full managerial authority over the staff in the work unit/department.
• Manages staff to ensure work tasks are completed on schedule and standards and policies are followed.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of industry standards and best practices, the University’s facilities, long-term plans, aspirations and policies, procedures and processes and has an understanding of critical contextual factors, such as architectural principles and trends, planning and zoning by-laws and standards, and legislation and building codes relevant to University facilities and capital projects in order to ensure that capital priorities are tied to academic and budgetary priorities.
• Oversee large-scale University construction projects to ensure priorities and deadlines are adhered to and financial estimates and targets are managed.
• Review all standard contracts and agreements with architect and construction community to ensure they are current, fair and meet the needs of the University.
• Oversee the development of project budgets for capital projects with due consideration of available funding (e.g. donors, Faculty resources, borrowing, etc).
• Oversee the selection of consultants and architects for all large-scale capital projects as Chair of the Architect Selection Committee.
• Oversee work with City Hall on capital projects to ensure projects conform to development approvals, regulatory ordinances, bylaws, and codes.
• Submit legal documents for adjustment hearings as an officer of the University.
• Oversee the approval list of general contractors to receive tenders for large projects (i.e., over $2 million).
• Negotiate terms and conditions of construction contracts in conjunction with the Director, Project Management, on behalf of the University.
• Lead the development of annual budget and five year projections for the UPDC portfolio and each of the departments, based on understanding of resources needed for completion of work, and ensuring base and cost-recovery areas are balanced.
• Approve invoices, consultant invoices and all change orders for capital projects to ensure documentation is in accordance with University policy.
• Oversee the provision of project budgets to users for capital project financial models to ensure models meet guidelines (e.g., residence self-funding) and will be accepted by Financial Services.
• Oversee costs for projects and approved space program in accordance with the University’s short and long term capital projects plans and objectives.
• Develop schedule that identifies cash flow needs of projects to support Financial Services in managing cash flow for Capital Projects.
• Oversee the identification of project related and ongoing maintenance costs (e.g. financing costs, equipment costs, ongoing operating costs) to determine current and future costs for budgeting purposes.
• Negotiate with government bodies (e.g., City of Toronto, Province of Ontario) in relation to planning and implementation of capital projects and areas of non-compliance.
• Investigate funding and grant opportunities with private and public sector to finance capital projects.
• Consult on guidelines to direct the use of Campus space and facilities (e.g. Site Development Guidelines) to ensure a consistent approach that adheres to necessary standards across the University and meets provincial guidelines.
• Approve by-laws (e.g. parking by-law for the University) to ensure the effective use of Campus space at the University.

 
Required Qualifications 

Education

• University degree in Architecture, Engineering or Business (graduate degree preferred). Architectural Accreditations is desirable. Related courses in planning considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum ten (10) years senior level experience with a land and building portfolio, with construction management or within a large organization heavily involved in development, including several years of related space and facilities planning and/or capital projects management experience at a senior management level. Familiarity with University policy and procedures and extensive experience with and understanding of University governance. Experience with municipal procedures related to capital development. Demonstrated experience managing and leading a team of professionals. Experience working in a unionized environment. Experience managing budgets and demonstrated success delivering products on time and on budget. Technical knowledge of the current zoning by-laws, potential challenges under discussion and related provincial legislation for building, fire, health, safety and construction codes.

Other 

• Excellent oral and written communication and visual skills including the ability to communicate ideas to diverse audiences of varied technical understanding both within and outside the University. Highly developed research, presentation and organizational skills. Demonstrated leadership, project management, initiative, planning and analytical skills. Exceptional aesthetic sense and intuitive understanding of design principles. Must be highly proactive, with the ability to manage a wide and dynamic range of duties simultaneously. High degree of political acuity, tact, discretion and judgement. Ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building. Ability to frame solutions that are consistent with University academic and budgetary goals and priorities. Must be service and detail oriented. Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.

Please express your interest by sending an email to sabrina.gava@utoronto.ca and a link will be provided to apply via our career site.