Director of Facilities Operations - CMU Miami

Carnegie Mellon University•Miami, FL

37d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Facilities Operations will lead the operational transition and launch of CMU Miami’s newly acquired property, establishing the facilities, infrastructure, and operational foundation for the university’s new presence. The role has primary responsibility for maintaining and optimizing existing facilities and infrastructure while ensuring site security, life safety, and uninterrupted daily operations as renovations and new construction are planned. Initially reporting to the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Services, the Director will lead development of the RFP, detailed Scopes of Work, bid evaluation, and contract awards for outsourced property management and maintenance services. The role combines hands-on property and vendor management with collaboration on site development, connecting current operations to the university’s future capital expansion. This is a full-time, salaried staff position based in Miami, Florida, with a stated work posture of four days on-site and one day remote within the Miami area. Continuation of a hybrid arrangement is not guaranteed and is subject to university policy, business needs, and institutional approval.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in property management, facilities operations, or campus real estate transition.
Demonstrated technical expertise in building systems and infrastructure.
A track record of writing RFPs, drafting complex facilities Scopes of Work, and managing public or institutional procurement cycles.
Strong hands-on knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, structural components, grounds maintenance, and physical security protocols.
Experience developing long-range maintenance action plans, managing maintenance and property management budgets, and conducting lifecycle cost analyses.
Ability to operate autonomously as a first-on-the-ground leader, with contract negotiation, vendor governance, and technical troubleshooting capabilities.
Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or a related field; comparable knowledge gained through a combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Valid driver’s license.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check, including drug and alcohol screening.
Must already be legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States; CMU will not sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.
Ability to adapt to change, work collaboratively across organizational levels, maintain composure in difficult situations, meet deadlines under pressure and interruptions, maintain detailed records, prioritize multiple tasks, and follow senior leadership’s strategic direction.

Nice To Haves

Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Property Manager (CPM), or similar professional designation.

Responsibilities

Lead the on-site transition of land and existing facilities, ensuring continuity of services and oversight of grounds maintenance, physical security, life-safety compliance, asset preservation, and maintenance.
Draft, publish, and manage the RFP process for third-party property management and maintenance services.
Develop detailed Scopes of Work for grounds maintenance, custodial services, physical security, routine maintenance, and waste management.
Serve as the university’s primary liaison for monitoring contractor performance after contract award.
Establish vendor schedules, coordinate emergency repairs, and oversee physical plant needs including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, utilities, and perimeter security.
Develop initial operating and maintenance budgets, track transition and facility expenses, and manage day-to-day cost controls for vendor contracts and immediate repairs.
Coordinate and communicate across Facilities Management Services, the CMU Police Department, Campus Design and Facility Development, Enterprise Risk Management, and other departments.
Work with university leadership, campus planners, and others to align long-range facility capabilities with future academic, residential, or administrative master-planning goals.
Ensure mechanical, life-safety, structural, and environmental systems comply with local building codes, OSHA requirements, ADA standards, and university Environmental Health and Safety guidelines.
Lead a comprehensive physical asset condition assessment of structures, utilities, and infrastructure to identify deferred-maintenance risks and assess system lifecycle status.
Establish maintenance programs and translate technical facility requirements into operational Service Level Agreements and Key Performance Indicators.