Manager Facilities I – Asset Program Manager

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

20d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world’s most beautiful academic settings. The Division of Facilities and Campus Services is committed to providing the highest quality service to, students, staff, alumni and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as steward of the campus resources and operations. All employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities. Facilities Management (FM) provides maintenance, grounds, and custodial services to the entire campus. As a key steward of the University’s facilities, FM is responsible for facility assessments, skilled trades, general construction, building care, grounds, recycling, asbestos, and the management of planned, corrective, and preventive maintenance. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. The Facilities Asset Program Manager reports to the Associate Director of Asset Management, supporting the strategic development and implementation of comprehensive asset management programs for assigned facility asset classifications. This role contributes to optimizing the value of building systems in university-owned and SUNY-owned facilities assigned to Cornell, ensuring alignment with the university’s operational and sustainability goals. In partnership with leadership and stakeholders, the Asset Program Manager will:

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 3-5 years equivalent combination of education and experience in Facilities Management or Construction Technology or related field.
• Supervisory or leadership experience of a diverse workforce.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to lead others.
• Individual must have an overall understanding of general construction techniques and developed maturity in decision process and interaction with people in a team environment.
• Experience in contract and vendor management, including auditing and ensuring compliance.
• Experience with asset management systems (EAMS or similar) and familiarity with managing facility operations and maintenance (O&M) documentation.
• Strong understanding of asset management principles, building systems, and preventive maintenance strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess building system conditions, prioritize needs, and plan maintenance or renewal activities.
• Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to demonstrate initiative to develop and implement work processes and procedures.
• Must be extremely organized and have the ability to manage multiple tasks with priorities that are often in conflict.
• Experience with spreadsheet, database and project software (such as MS Excel, Access, Project).
• Must have and maintain a valid US driver’s license; may be to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle or Cornell-owned) to travel to/from job sites.

Nice To Haves

• Capability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or other relevant certifications in asset management or facilities management.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of standardized asset management programs under the direction of the Associate Director of Asset Management.
• Collaborate with Facilities and Campus Services (FCS) teams, College/Unit Facilities Managers, and FM Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to manage and implement asset management programs.
• Ensure consistent practices that balance maintenance, management, and asset functionality.
• Conduct building system assessments to document conditions, prioritize needs, and plan maintenance or renewal activities.
• Work closely with FM Maintenance Planners and the Director of Capital Renewal to align with asset management strategies and ensure sustainability.
• Partner with the Facilities Asset and Preventive Maintenance Program Coordinator to maintain accurate asset data in Cornell University’s Enterprise Asset Management System (EAMS).
• Collaborate with FM’s Knowledge and Sustainability Specialist to manage O&M documentation and processes, ensuring alignment with institutional standards.
• Ensure contracts and vendor relationships comply with asset management expectations and contract terms.
• Collaborate with FM asset SMEs to audit vendor work for quality and alignment with program goals while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of Asset Management, the Senior Associate Director of Maintenance, and FM Maintenance Shops Managers to resolve routine issues and address complex challenges.
• Recommend areas for improvement in processes and business practices related to managing facility assets.
• Work with FM Maintenance Planners, the Director of Capital Renewal, and Project Management teams to manage asset-related projects, including scope definition, schedule adherence, and progress monitoring.
• Provide updates to leadership and advocate for necessary funding.
• Advocate for funding to support asset management initiatives.
• Identify ways to increase efficiency and optimize resources while aligning with the Facilities Asset Management Program.
• Partner with campus stakeh olders, College/Unit Facilities Directors, and FCS teams to understand priorities and align them with asset management strategies.
• Advocate for initiatives that support their goals and influence project prioritization.

Benefits

• educational benefits
• access to a plethora of wellness programs
• employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• health care options to choose from
• generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), 2 floating holidays
• superior retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

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