Capital Projects and Space Planner

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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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…