Executive Director, Physical Facilities Management

Howard University•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Executive Director of Physical Facilities Management (PFM) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of Howard University’s facilities operations and physical assets. Reporting to the Vice President for Capital Planning & Facilities Management, the Executive Director is responsible for directing daily facilities operations, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, managing external service contracts, and guiding University-wide space planning. This position ensures that the University’s buildings, infrastructure, and grounds are safe, reliable, efficient, and aligned with Howard’s mission and long-term strategic priorities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, architecture, or related field and eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, contract administration, and budget oversight; or a Master’s degree with five (5) years of directly related experience.
Expertise in higher education facilities management, contract negotiation, and budget administration.
Strong knowledge of building operations, energy management, and space utilization strategies.
Demonstrated leadership in managing large teams, service providers, and complex budgets.
Ability to develop long-term strategies that balance financial sustainability with operational excellence.
Strong interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving skills with focus on accountability and innovation.
Commitment to service quality, timeliness, and the University’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) credential from the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) is strongly preferred, reflecting advanced expertise and commitment to professional excellence in educational facilities management.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership for daily operations of maintenance, custodial services, grounds, utilities, and building systems, ensuring service quality, responsiveness, and safety.
Oversees financial management of PFM operations, including budget development, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost control for operating and capital funds.
Administers major vendor and service contracts for custodial, maintenance, utilities, and energy procurement, ensuring performance accountability and fiscal soundness.
Directs allocation, planning, and utilization of University building space to support academic, residential, and administrative priorities.
Guides preventive and deferred maintenance programs, sustainability initiatives, and capital renewal efforts to extend the life of University assets.
Ensures compliance with OSHA, EPA, fire/life safety, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure operational efficiency, contractor performance, timeliness and quality of work, and customer satisfaction.
Provides strong customer service, fostering collaboration and timely communication across the University with internal and external stakeholders.
Serves as the University’s representative in negotiations with external vendors, contractors, and government agencies on facilities-related matters.
Collaborates with Capital Planning & Facilities Management leadership to align space management, renovations, and new construction with institutional priorities.
Leads emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning for facilities operations and infrastructure systems.
Contributes to long-term campus facilities and capital master planning, aligning operational initiatives with the University’s strategic growth and infrastructure needs.
Facilitates professional development opportunities for internal and external partners, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence across the facilities ecosystem.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of the University’s mission and campus environment.