Associate Vice President of Facilities Services

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

14d • $300,000 - $375,000

About The Position

The University of Chicago is seeking an Associate Vice President of Facilities Services to provide transformational strategic direction and visionary planning for the stewardship of the University’s 217-acre campus, comprised of 170 buildings and 18 million gross square feet, as well as other domestic and international sites. Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Associate Vice President will shape and champion the long-term physical, operational, and service vision for Facilities, ensuring all activities are fully aligned with the University’s overarching academic and institutional goals. With oversight of a team of approximately 300 staff, the Associate Vice President will drive operational excellence and deliver robust, forward-looking strategies for capital projects, facilities operations, finance and business services, campus planning, and sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in facilities leadership at large academic, healthcare, corporate, civic, government, or construction organizations required.
• Well-rounded experience and knowledge for managing Facilities Services and personnel required.
• Facilities leadership in operations including experience in optimizing maintenance processes required.
• Leadership in construction management, including experience having oversight of capital project delivery required.
• Demonstrated excellence in managing budgets and finances for capital projects and capital investments required.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Deep knowledge of facilities and environmental planning and design preferred.
• Facilities leadership at a major research university and/or oversight of construction of a major scientific research facility preferred.
• Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute a comprehensive, visionary strategic plan for Facilities Services, aligning stewardship, modernization, and renewal with University priorities and sustainability.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with internal stakeholders and external collaborators, integrating facilities planning and serving as a trusted advisor and ambassador for the University.
• Lead campus-wide planning, renewal, and modernization initiatives, ensuring alignment with mission, sustainability goals, and evolving needs.
• Oversee capital project delivery, construction, and renovation to ensure projects are innovative, sustainable, timely, cost-effective, and responsive to program and urban/environmental goals, with clear, transparent reporting.
• Conduct rigorous evaluations and transparent reporting of Facilities Services operations and performance, including actionable recommendations and clear rubrics aligned with University goals.
• Monitor and report on budget, financial performance, and service delivery.
• Clearly communicate goals, plans, and progress to staff and stakeholders.
• Foster transparency, accountability, and open dialogue in decision making and reporting.
• Lead fiscal responsibility, resource stewardship, sustainability, and continuous improvement in all operations and capital programs.
• Advance efficiency, technology, and best practices organization-wide.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing culture.
• Advocate for staff, attract, motivate, develop, and retain a diverse workforce.
• Lead and mentor senior management in achieving objectives.
• Maximize flexibility, responsiveness, and uphold high customer service standards for all internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the University externally on facilities, planning, and development matters.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with government agencies, unions, and other key partners.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive