Director of Campus Grounds and Landscape

Job Description

The University of Texas at Austin seeks a visionary and experienced grounds and landscape professional to serve in the newly created role of Director of Campus Grounds and Landscape. This inaugural position is being created to enhance the focus on the campus environment, experience, and overall aesthetic in support of the University of Texas brand.

Reporting to Brent Stringfellow, Associate Vice President for Campus Operations and University Architect, the Director is responsible for leading the team that stewards the constructed and natural outdoor campus environments. In this role, they will be the chief advocate for the campus grounds and landscape, ensuring that the UT Austin campus reflects the tradition and beauty for which it enjoys its national reputation. This role will sustain the campus grounds as a critical part of making UT Austin one of the most recognizable universities in the world.

The Director will work with campus stakeholders to provide a strategic and aspirational vision for the grounds and an understanding of the operational and technical requirements to manage the grounds daily. The Director may find themselves leading landscape design teams for a new building or walking campus, assessing safety, maintenance, or aesthetic appearance issues. This leader oversees a staff of over 100, including specialists in landscape, construction, and planning. Depending on their background, the Director may also serve as the University Landscape Architect.

The Director of Grounds and Landscape will inspire and guide dynamic teams in crafting and sustaining the beauty and functionality of the university’s outdoor spaces. This visionary leader will blend creativity with collaboration, fostering a culture of teamwork and innovation. They will be a strategic thinker who confidently partners and sets the course for innovation, and is a customer-focused leader who drives continuous improvement. With honesty, respect, and integrity, they will lead with purpose.

About Us

Like the state it calls home, The University of Texas at Austin is a bold, ambitious leader supporting some 52,000 diverse students, 3,000 teaching faculty, and top national programs across 19 colleges and schools. As Texas’ leading research university, UT attracts more than $650 million annually for discovery. Amid the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city recognized for its creative and entrepreneurial spirit, the university provides a place to explore countless opportunities for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, entrepreneurs and engineers.

Duties & Responsibilities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5 to 7 years of supervisory and/or project/process management experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in landscape management, maintenance, and construction, with experience working with sustainability programs
• In-depth knowledge of landscape construction standards, techniques, and grounds maintenance practices, particularly in public gardens, higher education, resorts, or similar institutions
• Expertise in urban forestry principles and safety, environmental, and accessibility regulations, with experience ensuring compliance and mitigating risks
• Proven ability to supervise and develop teams of professionals and contracted service providers
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with proficiency in written and oral communication
• Detail-oriented and results-driven, with demonstrated ability to work independently, make decisions autonomously, and implement strategic initiatives
• Experience managing projects, budgets, procurement, and safety compliance programs
• Proficient in computer skills, including office software, financial management systems, email applications, work management software, and centralized irrigation systems
• Ability to work on-site during emergencies, inclement weather, or events, and travel as needed, including overnight stays

Education and Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, business, engineering, or a related field
• Relevant professional credentials, certifications, or registration
• Demonstrated knowledge of maintenance management software programs

Additional Information

For more information about the role, please contact Abigail Maynard at abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net.

Application Instructions

The University of Texas at Austin has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Kenna Boyd, Associate Partner, Katie Dean, Partner, and Abigail Maynard, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Inquiries, applications, and nominations should be sent to abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net. Required application materials include a resume and cover letter that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications of the role. The search process will unfold with the greatest possible attention to candidate confidentiality.

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The university is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities and admissions.