Capital Projects and Space Planner

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary 

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Infrastructure & Research Operations, the Capital Projects & Space Planner provides project management, space planning, and analytical support for Trinity College of Arts & Sciences’ academic and research facilities. The role manages small renovation and relocation projects, supports major capital initiatives, develops space utilization data, and coordinates departmental space assignments. This position plays a key role in ensuring that Trinity’s academic and research environments are aligned with institutional priorities and delivered efficiently.

The Capital Projects & Space Planner oversees planning and coordination for larger capital projects executed through the Facilities Management Department (FMD), including the Office of Project Management (OPM). The position supports the Associate Dean and Assistant Director in the planning and execution of major Academic Renewal projects (typically $30 million to $300 million) that include both programmatic renovations and building systems modernization. The position works closely with the Associate Dean for Facilities & Space Planning to support strategic facilities initiatives, space studies, and planning activities across Trinity’s portfolio. The position collaborates closely with faculty, departments, and University partners to ensure Trinity’s operational and academic needs are accurately represented in every phase of facilities project development.

Work Performed   

Project Management

• Manage small, non-capital facility improvement projects (typically under $100,000), including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.
• Develop sketches, specifications, and cost proposals for departmental renovations, reconfigurations, and relocations.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with user groups to prepare departments for renovations, construction, and occupancy of space.
• Resolve construction issues in collaboration with FMD, architects, and contractors, assisting in prioritizing changes during renovation or construction.
• Oversee procurement for small projects, including vendor contracts, quotes, and purchase orders.
• Ensure projects meet University standards, safety requirements, and budget constraints.
• Review project outcomes with stakeholders to confirm functionality and satisfaction.

Capital Project Coordination

• Collaborate with the Facilities Management Department (FMD), including the Office of Project Management (OPM), during all project phases to represent Trinity’s operational and academic requirements.
• Lead early feasibility and planning efforts for capital projects, including scope definition, budget validation, and test-fit studies.
• Review design documents and cost estimates to ensure alignment with Trinity’s space standards and programmatic needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Trinity stakeholders and FMD project teams during design and construction.
• Support the Assistant Director and Associate Dean in major Academic Renewal projects ($30M–$300M), providing programmatic planning support, space data, and coordination across departments and building systems.
• Monitor project progress, attend site visits, and advise leadership on schedule, scope, and impact considerations.

Space and Facilities Planning

• Conduct space utilization studies, test fits, and scenario modeling to support departmental and institutional planning.
• Support new-faculty recruitment and relocation planning by developing preliminary space programs and test-fit layouts.
• Maintain WebCentral data for Trinity facilities, ensuring accurate records of room assignments, functions, and departmental allocations.
• Support the development of space Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), space audits, and reporting for F&A compliance.
• Contribute to facilities planning studies and long-range master-planning efforts that align academic priorities with building renewal strategies.
• Prepare reports and visualizations to communicate planning data and project updates to leadership.

Other Duties as Assigned 

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,535.00 to USD $95,880.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Work requires knowledge of construction and renovation project finances and technical administration generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Architecture, Design, Drafting, Engineering or a related field.

Experience: Work generally requires four years of progressively responsible experience in managerial accounting, construction, architecture, design, drafting and/or project management to include job estimating and project programming to become familiar with financial administration, technical project coordination and record keeping for construction and renovation projects. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in space planning, design, or project management, to include cost estimating, programming, and project documentation, preferably in higher education or research environments. Prefer a minimum of two years of experience in a university or institutional setting and in the coordination of projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of project planning, space programming, construction processes, and facilities operations, including preventive maintenance and project delivery principles.
• Ability to interpret and apply architectural, engineering, and construction documentation and technical information.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, or similar design and documentation software, and familiarity with space management databases (e.g., WebCentral).
• Skill in space analysis, test-fitting, and programming to align physical resources with academic and operational goals.
• Knowledge of financial and analytical reasoning, including project budgeting, cost estimating, forecasting, and reporting.
• Ability to prepare accurate project reports, schedules, and summaries, and to manage multiple projects concurrently within defined schedules and budgets.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, administrators, contractors, and design professionals, and to communicate technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to customer service, quality assurance, and continuous process improvement.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, LEED, or NCIDQ preferred.