Director of Facility Operations and Planning

University of Southern Indiana • Evansville, IN

11h • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Facility Operations and Planning provides university-wide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all facilities, infrastructure, and long-range capital planning. Reporting to the Vice President for Finance and Administration, this role ensures the University’s physical environment is safe, functional, sustainable, and aligned with institutional priorities, student success, and institutional growth. The Director leads comprehensive facilities operations, capital planning, and construction activities while exercising fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and workforce leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field.
• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations, capital planning or construction management within large, complex organizations, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and capital project delivery.
• Senior-level working knowledge of engineering principles, building systems, plant operations, and construction management.
• Working knowledge of skilled trades, occupational safety standards, and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, summarize, and present complex data and to interpret technical plans and drawings.
• Proficiency with facilities planning, design, and asset management software (e.g., AutoCAD or equivalent).
• Proficiency with standard productivity, presentation, and data analysis tools.
• Strong problem-prevention, problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in related discipline.
• Experience in facilities management within higher education.
• Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) or equivalent professional certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead campus master planning and facilities planning initiatives in alignment with institutional strategy, enrollment trends, and academic programming.
• Translate academic, student success, and workforce development priorities into actionable facility and infrastructure plans.
• Develop capital renewal, deferred maintenance, and modernization strategies.
• Prepare project scopes, cost estimates, schedules, and funding justifications for executive leadership and governance review.
• Provide oversight of buildings, utilities, grounds, custodial, maintenance, and distribution services.
• Ensure facilities consistently support teaching, learning, research, and student life activities.
• Implement and monitor preventive and predictive maintenance programs to extend asset life and reduce operational risk.
• Administer waste disposal, recycling, and environmental services operations.
• Direct management of the University and USI Foundation rental properties and farmland.
• Direct the planning, design, and execution of capital projects and major renovations.
• Serve as the University’s primary representative with architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and institutional requirements.
• Maintain and enforce campus design, construction, and space standards consistent with University branding and values.
• Develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets, including forecasting long-term infrastructure reinvestment needs.
• Identify cost-saving, efficiency, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with State of Indiana regulations and University financial policies related to capital and operating funds.
• Present capital planning, project status, and financial updates to senior leadership and the Board of Trustees.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes related to facilities management, safety, and construction.
• Oversee inspections, audits, and required public reporting.
• Proactively manage facility-related risk in collaboration with Risk Management and Environmental Health and Safety.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of safety, accountability, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead campus energy management, conservation, and sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor utilities consumption, system performance, and energy costs.
• Support resilient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible building and infrastructure practices.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, discipline, and terminate facilities staff in accordance with University policies.
• Design efficient organizational structures, staffing models, and workflows to support operational excellence.
• Establish performance expectations, accountability standards, and continuous improvement practices.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.
• Champion change management and modernization efforts.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to align facilities services with institutional needs.
• Communicate proactively regarding projects, maintenance activities, and operational impacts.
• Coordinate with local governments, utilities, emergency services, and external agencies as required.
• Collaborate with USI Public Safety and other stakeholders to support emergency response and disaster preparedness planning.
• Serve as a key advisor during campus emergencies related to facilities and infrastructure.
• Ensure resilience and continuity of critical infrastructure systems.
• Participate in institutional business continuity and emergency management planning.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, vision, life and short term and long-term disability insurance plans.
• Retirement plan where the University makes the total contribution equivalent to 11% of annual salary.
• Full tuition fee waiver for employees/75% for spouses and dependent children.
• Vacation and sick time
• Holiday pay
• Free access to Recreation, Fitness & Wellness Center.
• Access to on-campus University Health Center and Dental Hygiene Clinic.

What This Job Offers

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