HOK is seeking a Higher Education Planning Leader. By bringing stakeholders together on a single team, our Planners help clients focus on what is possible. Today, that collaborative approach to strategy, planning and urban design is evident in the numerous HOK-designed educational campuses, neighborhoods, districts, and landscapes that respond to the economic, social, environmental, and connective needs of the people in that community.   

To perform this position successfully, experience in the design and implementation of planning activities related to higher education clients (such as campus master plans, space programming, utilization analyses, engagement and outreach strategies, and participatory planning tools and understand of academic planning), is essential.   

Responsibilities for the Planning Leader in our growing practice include leading the higher education planning practice in business development, project design/delivery, client relations, financial management and staff development. The Planning Leader will also assist the business unit in developing and executing the annual business plan.   

The required skills and responsibilities associated with the role of the Planning Leader are outlined below. Also detailed are the qualifications and competencies critical for success in this position.   

RESPONSIBILITIES:   

Leadership   

Is an extended member of the Planning firm-wide leadership team and participates in defining the vision, strategy, and business plans for the higher education planning practice by fulfilling the following criteria:  

Maintains satisfied clients   Advocates design excellence and innovation  Fosters teamwork and collaboration  Supports expert project delivery  Champions a profitable practice   Occasionally serves as principal-in-charge (PIC) or Project Manager for Planning projects Understands the industry, client sensitivities, and market drivers Participates with other Planning Regional Leaders and Directors of Planning in HOK firm-wide activities  Has effective communication skills (verbal and written), is an effective collaborator and a good partner  Fosters a culture of external and internal client service   

Design   

Responsible for promoting and maintaining HOK’s design and planning reputation Leads design teams by providing overall design direction to ensure high-quality design Responsible for conceptual design excellence, initiates project design and idea discussions    

Management   

Interdisciplinary collaboration with other HOK SME’s and RBU’s Responsible for the successful execution of the defined practice goals and business plans Monitors the status of Planning Higher Education projects Regularly reports higher education project status to the Planning firm-wide leadership team Assists in preparing project fee and workload projections  With the appointed PM, is responsible for higher education sector planning project performance Monitors and maintains an appropriate level of chargeability    

Business Development   

Responsible for the development and execution of the Planning practice’s higher education marketing strategy  Identifies new business opportunities Maintains and grows current client relationships and proactively seeks out new opportunities and prospects  Participates in higher education planning marketing and business development opportunities, proposals, interviews, and presentations Develops and maintains positive industry relationships (i.e., with consultants, contractors, and jurisdictional/approval agencies) to support HOK’s standing in the marketplace Assists in preparation of other related marketing, promotional, and press-related materials Regularly participates in the higher education Planning industry activities by way of speaking, presenting, and/or writing to enhance the Planning practice’s thought leadership   

Staff Development   

Serves as mentor/advisor to Planning related staff   Leads Planning input on relevant staff performance evaluations, including recommendations for bonus and promotion Supports diversity initiatives to expose staff to influences which will stimulate creativity and innovation Participates in recruiting of Planning related staff