University Architect Director at Another Source in Bellingham, Washington

Job Description:

Another Source’s client, Western Washington University, is recruiting a University Architect/Director, Planning and Development to join their Facilities Development and Operations team in Bellingham, WA. 

About Western Washington University  

Western Washington University, with over 16,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs, students and faculty. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range. The city lies 90 miles north of Seattle and 60 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia. Western is the highest-ranking public, master's-granting university in the Pacific Northwest, according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings.  

Job Summary 

The University Architect/Director (UA/D) works collaboratively with external and university constituents to lead, direct, and oversee activities associated with physical facility planning and development. The UA/D leads, directs, and manages a professional team of architects, engineers, planners, project managers, and public works construction project coordinators who are responsible for the design of all university projects and the design and construction oversight of all public works projects. The Director also serves as the University Architect.  

The UA/D is responsible for all activities associated with physical planning including comprehensive plans for the campus’-built environment, land use plans, public works project budgets, space management plans, campus character, design and material standards, campus aesthetics, and environmental compliance. The UA/D must understand and actively support key sustainability issues including carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, zero waste, green building practices, alternative transportation, and associated initiatives, objectives, and goals. 

This is an important leadership role in the Facilities and Development & Operations (FDO). They are responsible for assuming department responsibilities and leading with a high level of ethics and integrity. The UA/D will support the university strategic plan, focus on team building and inspiring team members to reach their potential, while also supporting and furthering efforts of inclusion and equity in all aspects of managing the university’s design and construction program. 

The UA/D must be able to work in concert with other FDO managers and directors in all aspects of the department and university goals. This may require regular collaboration and communication with managers and directors in reviewing work plans, regular reporting to department leadership, executives, and/or the board of trustees, and making educated recommendations to any plans, budgets, or project scope. The UA/D will be expected to seek out solutions, be competent in problem solving, and be capable of facilitating consensus efforts. 

Job Duties 

45% - University Architect – Design and Construction Management 

20% - Project Planning and Public Works Oversight 

15% - Budget 

20% - Organizational Leadership 

Read in full detail with the external application link.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Must be a State of Washington licensed architect or a licensed architect with the ability to become licensed in the State of Washington within six months of start of employment. 

• Must have at least six years of architectural experience in a project architect or design architect role. 

• Must have at least three years of experience in a team supervisor role. 

• Demonstrated financial and management experience leading and overseeing project management teams responsible for the design and construction of large-scale, complex projects. 

• Working knowledge of space planning and management, university planning, transportation planning, graphic design, landscape architecture, project value engineering, and construction. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to form and deliver a persuasive line of reasoning.  

• Knowledge and experience with public works procurement, including alternate project delivery methods. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) or equivalent from other countries. 

• Experience as a campus/university architect. 

• Experience with supervision of internal teams (not external contractors/consultants). 

• Experience working as a project architect/manager in a higher education institution. 

• Understanding of the local and national construction market with alternate project delivery methods. 

For more information, please view the position announcement on the WWU Careers website.  

Western Washington University is proud to offer a comprehensive program including salary commensurate with experience and qualification, a leave plan, health, dental, vision, life, disability, retirement plan, and educational growth opportunities. Hiring range for the position is $135,898- $156,282. Through longevity this position tops out at $176,667. For more information about benefits, please review: Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position 

All employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60-days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations. 

Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.