Associate Director of Facilities and Operations

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Chicago, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Serve as the primary operational leader responsible for facility management, maintenance programs, building systems, environmental health and safety coordination, tenant operational support, emergency preparedness, and long-range facilities strategy of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP). Collaborate with private-sector partners, tenants, developers, contractors, government agencies, and utility providers to support the growth and success of IQMP as a world-class quantum and microelectronics ecosystem. This leader will support existing and future renovation projects, including the IQMP On-Ramp facilities, and lead facilities operations for the IQMP campus infrastructure once built.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, architecture, business administration, operations management, or a closely related field.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, campus operations, infrastructure management, research facility operations, healthcare facilities, advanced manufacturing environments, or similar complex operational settings.
Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in engineering, facilities management, business administration, architecture, construction management, urban planning, or related field.
Experience supporting research laboratories, clean rooms, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, data centers, innovation districts, research parks, or advanced technology facilities.
Experience with large-scale campus operations, public-private partnerships (P3), economic development projects, or mixed-use development environments.
Experience working within a university, government, research institution, or similarly complex organizational environment.
Professional certifications such as: Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Demonstrated knowledge of facility operations, building systems, utilities, maintenance management, and infrastructure planning.
Strong understanding of laboratory, research, advanced manufacturing, and technology facility environments.
Knowledge of applicable building codes, safety regulations, environmental compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
Ability to develop and manage complex operating and capital budgets.
Experience managing vendor contracts, service agreements, and outsourced operational services.
Excellent leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
Exceptional communication and relationship management skills with diverse stakeholder groups.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Ability to analyze complex operational issues and implement effective solutions.
Ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational execution.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment involving public, private, academic, and governmental partners.
Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and independent decision-making.

Responsibilities

Direct and oversee facility operations across the IQMP infrastructure, including building maintenance, mechanical/electrical systems, HVAC, utilities, life safety systems, security infrastructure, grounds, and common areas.
Lead and deliver complex, multi-site facilities projects across IQMP, ensuring effective budget control, scope and schedule management, while meeting customer and stakeholder requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including scientists, partners, tenants, and finance, to coordinate activities and achieve IQMP objectives.
Establish and report facility performance standards, KPIs, and other operational metrics to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Maintain contractor service level agreements, oversee contractor performance, and ensure effective project execution.
Monitor and evaluate facility condition assessments and develop long-term capital renewal strategies.
Lead operational planning for future facilities to support research, laboratory, or advanced manufacturing focus areas.
Collaborate with tenants and stakeholders regarding current and future facility requirements, occupancy planning, infrastructure needs, equipment installation, commissioning activities, and operational support services.
Support the development of operational readiness plans for new facilities and tenant occupancies.
Develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets and forecasts for facilities and infrastructure operations.
Negotiate and manage contracts with service providers, consultants, maintenance vendors, and utility providers.
Lead operational compliance efforts related to environmental health and safety, regulatory requirements, emergency management, risk mitigation, and business continuity.
Develop and maintain emergency response, disaster recovery, and incident management procedures.
Serve as a primary operational contact during emergencies and critical incidents.
Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for executive leadership, governing boards, public agencies, and external stakeholders.
Perform other duties appropriate for this position.