Executive Director of Facilities Management

UNIVERSITY OF LYNCHBURG • Lynchburg, VA

2d • $100,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for a full-time, Executive Director of Facilities Management position in the Operations Department. This position reports to, is supervised by, and evaluated by the Assistant Vice President of Operations. The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will be carried out by the Executive Director of Facilities Management. It will include the specific duties and responsibilities of this position description plus employee attitude and general working behavior. Job Type: Full-time, Exempt, Benefits Eligible. Job Purpose: The Executive Director of Facilities Management is a senior, 100% on-site leadership position responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational management, and physical development of the University's campus environment. This critical role requires a visionary, hands-on leader who can foster innovation, ensure the safety and functionality of the physical plant, manage multi-million dollar capital projects, and advance the university's mission while providing immediate, localized support to the presidential administration. The department encompasses Environmental Services & Grounds, Maintenance, Capital Projects, and Warehouse & Logistics (including vehicles, housing operations, and office moves).

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management or physical plant operations, with demonstrated success in team leadership, capital project management, and strategic planning.
• Proven experience in complex budget management, vendor contract negotiation, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to drive operational efficiency.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse workforce including tradespeople, project managers, and administrative staff.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex technical and construction details clearly to non-technical audiences, including executive leadership and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess emergency situations, identify infrastructure challenges, and implement cost-effective solutions.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, collaborative relationships across all levels of the university.
• Flexibility to pivot and direct emergency responses 24/7 in a dynamic higher education environment.
• The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, safely climb ladders, navigate confined spaces, and endure exposure to varying temperatures and extreme weather conditions during site inspections and emergencies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a senior administrative facilities role within a university, healthcare system, or similar large-scale institutional environment.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP), or a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
• Completion of OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour safety training.
• Familiarity with current trends, sustainability challenges, and technological operations (e.g., HVAC, switchgear, plumbing systems) within higher education.
• Direct experience with specific operational software platforms, including Asset Essentials and StarRez.
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive strategic plans for campus infrastructure and maintenance that align with the university’s goals and the new presidential administration's priorities.
• Provide executive leadership to the Facilities Management team. Directly supervise and mentor direct reports, and foster an inclusive, equitable work environment for a diverse workforce of tradespeople, staff, and contractors.
• Ensure strict campus compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards, and fire/life safety codes.
• Formulate and implement policies for preventative maintenance, emergency response, and severe weather protocols to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Manage complex departmental budgets, including the negotiation and oversight of external vendor contracts (e.g., landscaping, elevator maintenance, and waste management), resource allocation, and financial forecasting.
• Oversee the creation of sustainable campus initiatives—prioritizing energy management, carbon footprint reduction, and waste diversion—alongside major capital renovations (including complex electrical infrastructure upgrades) and space management solutions.
• Direct comprehensive logistical operations, including the procurement and maintenance of the university vehicle fleet, execution of annual student move-in/move-out processes, and coordination of campus-wide faculty and staff office relocations.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Facilities Management and other university divisions (such as Residence Life, Campus Safety, and the Office of the President), fostering partnerships to execute seamless campus events and transitions.
• Utilize software tools and data analytics to evaluate work order efficiency, track preventative maintenance, and inform capital spending decisions.
• Represent the university in local community relations, coordinating with city management and public works regarding zoning, comprehensive city plans, and major campus disruptions.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

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