Associate Vice President of Facilities PLEASE NOTE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS

Furman University•Lexington, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the vice president for finance and administration, the associate vice president of facilities (AVP) will lead a comprehensive facilities organization responsible for campus operations, maintenance, capital project management, sustainability initiatives, and infrastructure planning. The AVP provides strategic leadership and oversight for the planning, maintenance, and operation of the university’s physical infrastructure in support of the institution’s mission, operational priorities, and long-term campus planning goals. This position has direct supervision of six facilities staff and indirect responsibility for 100+ employees across multiple units. The AVP manages complex budgets, projects, and operational systems to ensure the university’s facilities are safe, efficient, and well maintained in support of the campus community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical or civil preferred), architecture, construction science, or a related field.
A minimum of ten years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, including leadership and budget oversight.
Demonstrated experience managing complex facilities operations and infrastructure systems.
Strong leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively across diverse organizational groups.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree
Licensure and registration as a professional engineer
Relevant certifications, such as, but not limited to: Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) via APPA, Certified Facility Manager (CFM) via IFMA, Facility Management Professional (FMP) via IFMA, Certified Energy Manager (CEM) via AEE
Experience in facilities leadership within a higher education environment
A person who builds relationships across the campus, among all the people who report in the division, and with suppliers and contractors.
A listen and learn leader and a strong communicator.
A leader open to new ideas, someone who understands how to manage expectations in a way that is productive.
Understanding of how to improve accessibility for students, faculty, and staff.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and direction for the Facilities Services department to ensure campus facilities are maintained in a safe, efficient, and effective manner consistent with university goals.
Develop and implement long-term operational strategies for facilities maintenance, infrastructure renewal, and capital improvements.
Translate strategic and conceptual initiatives into actionable plans for campus facilities development and improvement.
Monitor facilities operations to identify opportunities for efficiency, process improvement, and enhanced service delivery.
Provide professional expertise and oversight related to the design, renovation, and construction of campus facilities.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to support campus construction and renovation projects.
Develop project forecasts, including estimated costs, timelines, and operational impacts.
Develop and manage the Facilities Services budget of approximately $17.5 million, ensuring alignment with institutional fiscal priorities.
Oversee financial planning, capital investments, operational expenditures, and resource allocation for facilities operations.
Ensure responsible stewardship of university resources through effective planning and cost management.
Establish staffing plans, workforce development strategies, and performance management processes.
Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and service excellence across the Facilities Services organization.
Oversee campus infrastructure systems, including utilities, building systems, grounds, and maintenance programs.
Develop and monitor energy management and conservation initiatives to promote operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Support sustainability initiatives and responsible resource management across campus facilities.
Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards consistent with university policies.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental standards as well as applicable university policies.
Foster a robust safety culture both within Facilities Services and across the campus by viewing safety as a value-added function and not just a regulatory burden.
Serve as an advisor on facilities planning, infrastructure investments, and campus development initiatives.
Prepare reports and analyses related to facilities operations, budgets, and strategic initiatives.
Liaison to the Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee of the Board of Trustees and to the Furman Foundation.
Work collaboratively with university senior leadership and administrators to support campus facility needs.
Develop productive relationships with external partners, including architects, contractors, vendors, suppliers, consultants, and community officials.
Engage the campus community to assess service needs and improve facilities operations.
Participate in the university performance review process and support staff development.
Exercises significant independent judgment and decision-making authority.