Campus Development Specialist

Job Purpose

The Campus Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the planning, design, and governance of MBZUAI’s physical campus spaces to ensure that the built environment aligns with the university’s growth strategy, operational needs, and long-term vision. The role focuses on developing and managing design projects, implementing space governance frameworks, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that campus development projects are delivered efficiently, sustainably, and in line with institutional priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Design and Development

• Lead the development of concept designs and space planning layouts for renovation, fit-out, and expansion projects, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and operational requirements.
• Coordinate architectural and design consultants, overseeing deliverables, design quality, budgets, and schedules throughout the design phase.
• Review and approve design submissions to ensure compliance with MBZUAI’s standards, regulatory codes, and health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to the development of Campus Design Standards, including guidelines for spatial typologies, materials, finishes, signage, and furniture design.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure that design outcomes address user needs, functionality, and long-term sustainability goals.

Policy and Procedure Development

• Draft, update, and maintain policies and procedures governing the allocation, management, and utilization of campus spaces.
• Ensure policies are clearly documented, communicated, and consistently applied across the university.
• Assist in preparing and distributing communications and reports that inform the campus community of space-related updates and procedural changes.

Campus Planning and Stakeholder Coordination

• Collaborate with the Advisor, Campus Development to manage and prioritize space requests from departments and research centers, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and approved budgets.
• Prepare reports and presentation materials summarizing space requests, justifications, and recommendations for review by senior leadership.
• Develop and maintain space demand projections that align with the university’s five-year strategic and operational plans.
• Facilitate coordination between university stakeholders, consultants, and contractors to ensure efficient project delivery and communication.

Other Duties

Perform all other duties as reasonably directed by the line manager that are commensurate with these functional objectives.

Academic Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Interior Design, or a related field. A postgraduate degree in a related field will be preferred.

Professional Experience

Essential

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in developing design drawings and specifications for interior fit-outs, renovations, or campus development projects within the education or commercial sectors.
• Proven project management experience, including cost control, scheduling, and consultant coordination.
• Strong understanding of architectural design principles, building codes, and sustainability standards.
• Proficiency in design and project management tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, MS Project, or equivalent).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare professional reports and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform decision-making and operational planning.

Preferred

• Previous record of successful finalized campus development projects in the UAE.