Vice President, Facilities Management

Loyola Marymount University•Westchester, IL

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President for Facilities Management (VPFM) provides strategic, mission-aligned leadership for the stewardship, evolution, and day-to-day reliability of the university’s facilities, spaces, and campus environments. The VPFM serves as a proactive planning leader and strategic thought partner to university leadership, aligning campus and facilities planning, capital investment, and service delivery with the university’s strategic priorities, student experience, financial stewardship, and mission and values. The scope of the role includes executive oversight of facilities operations and maintenance; utilities and energy management; environmental stewardship and sustainability; design, construction, commissioning, and capital renewal; deferred maintenance planning and asset management, planning, and project delivery for the university’s campuses and properties. The VPFM leads a multifaceted organization of hundreds of staff members and supervisors from comprehensive backgrounds in an organization that operates in a 24/7 environment and is responsible for mission critical infrastructure and services that support all campus constituents and residents. The VPFM must execute all duties with cultural humility, demonstrated commitment to mission integration and belonging, and a proactive and sophisticated communications strategy appropriate for multilingual teams with varied access to university communications channels. This scope explicitly includes facilities planning, operations, and capital project delivery across the University’s on campus and off-campus real estate portfolio, including academic, residential, administrative, and auxiliary properties. Leadership, Strategy & Integrated Planning Serve as a strategic thought partner to the EVP/COO and senior leaders, advancing integrated planning that aligns facilities, real estate, and capital investments with institutional priorities, financial stewardship, and LMU’s mission, values, and mission integration/belonging commitments. Provide executive leadership to a multifaceted organization of hundreds of staff members and supervisors across multiple trades and disciplines (e.g., multi-craft artisans and technicians, custodial and grounds, planners, designers and architects, construction and project delivery personnel, procurement, finance/budget, and administrative/customer service teams), as well as a broad ecosystem of consultants, contractors, and vendors. Steward the Facilities Management operating and capital budgets; develop transparent budget models, forecasts, and resource plans; and ensure strong procurement and contract management practices in partnership with Finance and key stakeholders. Develop, implement, and routinely update a comprehensive Facilities Management strategic plan and multi-year capital renewal strategy; establish governance, policies, and standards that reflect best practices, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement. Build a service-oriented culture grounded in safety, respect, inclusion, and accountability; strengthen talent development, performance management, and, where applicable, constructive labor relations and collective bargaining partnerships. Lead a proactive communications strategy for a multilingual, shift-based workforce and diverse campus constituencies; ensure timely, clear, and accessible information sharing before, during, and after major projects, disruptions, and emergencies. Provide executive leadership for emergency management, incident response, and business continuity planning in close coordination with Public Safety, Risk Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology Services, Residence Life, and other partners; ensure 24/7 readiness for mission-critical systems and services. Facilities Operations, Maintenance & Service Delivery Provide executive oversight for 24/7 facilities operations and service delivery for university campuses and properties, including preventative and corrective maintenance, custodial services, grounds and landscape management, warehouse/fleet operations, building services, and service center/work order intake and dispatch. To explore LMU’s campuses, please visit these interactive maps. Implement and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs; leverage a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and data analytics to plan work, track completion, manage backlog, and improve service levels. Ensure the reliability, safety, and code compliance of all buildings, grounds, and mission-critical infrastructure (e.g., utilities distribution, central plant and mechanical systems, emergency power, fire/life safety systems, elevators, building automation), with clear standards and rapid response protocols. Establish and monitor service-level expectations, operational benchmarks, and key performance indicators; regularly report performance, risks, and resource needs to university leadership and stakeholders. Oversee vendor/contractor performance and contract administration, ensuring safety, quality, schedule adherence, and compliance with LMU standards and applicable laws. Ensure a positive safety culture and robust compliance practices across operations, coordinating with university compliance officers and external regulators as needed; maintain compliance with OSHA and other federal, state, and local regulations and codes impacting facilities operations. Energy, Utilities, Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship Provide executive leadership for the University’s energy management, utilities, environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and recycling programs, advancing sustainability outcomes that reduce lifecycle costs, strengthen resilience, and support institutional climate, conservation, and resource efficiency goals. Lead, maintain, and continuously advance LMU’s nationally recognized recycling and waste diversion programs, ensuring the University sustains and builds upon its reputation as a higher education leader in sustainability and recycling innovation. Identify and implement emerging best practices, technologies, and partnerships that further reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational effectiveness. Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to improve building performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and other natural resources, and strengthen the reliability and resilience of mission-critical infrastructure in the face of climate, regulatory, and operational risks. Integrate sustainability principles into facilities operations, capital planning, design standards, construction practices, and procurement decisions, ensuring that environmental stewardship is embedded across the full lifecycle of university assets. Ensure responsible environmental compliance and risk management related to facilities operations and construction activities, including hazardous materials, stormwater, air quality, and waste management, in close coordination with Environmental Health & Safety, University compliance officers, and external regulators. Partner with Finance and other University leaders on utility budgeting, forecasting, rate analysis, and procurement strategies; monitor performance metrics and transparently report outcomes, progress, and opportunities for continuous improvement. Capital Planning, Design, Construction & Space Strategies Provide executive leadership for campus and facilities planning, including the development, interpretation, and implementation of the university’s master planning processes; demonstrate a deep understanding of the institutional, political, regulatory, and community dynamics that influence successful planning and project outcomes. Ensure university compliance with all applicable land-use requirements, including the Development Agreement, Specific Plan (Master Plan), zoning, entitlements, and related regulatory commitments; work closely with the university’s master plan compliance officer to monitor, document, and report compliance Serve as a key liaison to the university’s land-use attorneys, providing strategic input and operational coordination related to planning approvals, entitlements, regulatory strategy, and risk mitigation associated with facilities, capital projects, and real estate initiatives. Act as the university’s facilities and planning representative to the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to support permitting, inspections, approvals, and long-range planning efforts. Collaborate closely with External Relations, university compliance officers, and senior leadership to proactively manage neighborhood and community relations related to facilities operations, construction activity, and long term planning initiatives, address concerns, support transparency, and advance projects in alignment with institutional priorities. Serve as a liaison to neighborhood advisory councils and other community stakeholder groups, representing LMU’s interests while fostering constructive relationships and demonstrating the university’s commitment to responsible stewardship and civic partnership. Anticipate regulatory, political, and entitlement-related risks and opportunities; advise the EVP/COO and senior leaders on planning strategy, sequencing, stakeholder engagement, and mitigation approaches related to land use, code compliance, and external approvals. Loyola Marymount University Expectations Exhibit behavior that supports the mission, vision, and values of the university. Communicate and employ interpersonal actions that model high standards of professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct. Demonstrate a commitment to outstanding customer service, inclusive excellence, and respect for a diverse community.

Requirements

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, facilities management, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in facilities management, campus planning, capital project delivery, real estate/property operations, or related fields, including significant experience leading large, complex service organizations.
Demonstrated experience leading diverse, multi-trade teams and managers operating in a 24/7 environment; experience working with unionized and non-union workforces and collective bargaining agreements preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in campus master planning, capital planning and project delivery (e.g., design-bid-build, design-build, CM/GC), capital renewal/deferred maintenance strategy, facilities operations and maintenance, utilities/energy management, environmental stewardship, and space planning and utilization.
Strong fiscal management skills including multi-million-dollar budgeting, forecasting, procurement, contract administration, vendor management, and the ability to develop and present compelling business cases and recommendations to executive leadership and governance groups.
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and codes related to facilities and construction (e.g., OSHA, environmental regulations, fire/life safety, and building codes), and experience leading safety and risk management programs.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; ability to prepare and present clear, concise executive summaries and reports that translate highly technical information for diverse stakeholders.
Proven relationship management, consensus-building, and change leadership skills, including the ability to navigate political dynamics in a complex organization.
Ability to demonstrate a record of leading an organization and producing outcomes that reflect diverse, inclusive, and equitable values; ability to communicate effectively with multilingual audiences and a workforce with varied access to communications channels.
Demonstrated computer competency, including CMMS/work order management systems, building automation/building management systems, project management tools, and data analytics/reporting platforms.

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree is preferred.
Higher education experience is preferred.
Professional licensure and/or certifications such as Registered Architect, Professional Engineer, Certified Facility Manager (IFMA), LEED AP, Project Management Professional (PMP), or equivalent are preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic thought partner to the EVP/COO and senior leaders, advancing integrated planning that aligns facilities, real estate, and capital investments with institutional priorities, financial stewardship, and LMU’s mission, values, and mission integration/belonging commitments.
Provide executive leadership to a multifaceted organization of hundreds of staff members and supervisors across multiple trades and disciplines (e.g., multi-craft artisans and technicians, custodial and grounds, planners, designers and architects, construction and project delivery personnel, procurement, finance/budget, and administrative/customer service teams), as well as a broad ecosystem of consultants, contractors, and vendors.
Steward the Facilities Management operating and capital budgets; develop transparent budget models, forecasts, and resource plans; and ensure strong procurement and contract management practices in partnership with Finance and key stakeholders.
Develop, implement, and routinely update a comprehensive Facilities Management strategic plan and multi-year capital renewal strategy; establish governance, policies, and standards that reflect best practices, customer service excellence, and continuous improvement.
Build a service-oriented culture grounded in safety, respect, inclusion, and accountability; strengthen talent development, performance management, and, where applicable, constructive labor relations and collective bargaining partnerships.
Lead a proactive communications strategy for a multilingual, shift-based workforce and diverse campus constituencies; ensure timely, clear, and accessible information sharing before, during, and after major projects, disruptions, and emergencies.
Provide executive leadership for emergency management, incident response, and business continuity planning in close coordination with Public Safety, Risk Management, Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology Services, Residence Life, and other partners; ensure 24/7 readiness for mission-critical systems and services.
Provide executive oversight for 24/7 facilities operations and service delivery for university campuses and properties, including preventative and corrective maintenance, custodial services, grounds and landscape management, warehouse/fleet operations, building services, and service center/work order intake and dispatch.
Implement and continuously improve preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance programs; leverage a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and data analytics to plan work, track completion, manage backlog, and improve service levels.
Ensure the reliability, safety, and code compliance of all buildings, grounds, and mission-critical infrastructure (e.g., utilities distribution, central plant and mechanical systems, emergency power, fire/life safety systems, elevators, building automation), with clear standards and rapid response protocols.
Establish and monitor service-level expectations, operational benchmarks, and key performance indicators; regularly report performance, risks, and resource needs to university leadership and stakeholders.
Oversee vendor/contractor performance and contract administration, ensuring safety, quality, schedule adherence, and compliance with LMU standards and applicable laws.
Ensure a positive safety culture and robust compliance practices across operations, coordinating with university compliance officers and external regulators as needed; maintain compliance with OSHA and other federal, state, and local regulations and codes impacting facilities operations.
Provide executive leadership for the University’s energy management, utilities, environmental stewardship, waste reduction, and recycling programs, advancing sustainability outcomes that reduce lifecycle costs, strengthen resilience, and support institutional climate, conservation, and resource efficiency goals.
Lead, maintain, and continuously advance LMU’s nationally recognized recycling and waste diversion programs, ensuring the University sustains and builds upon its reputation as a higher education leader in sustainability and recycling innovation.
Identify and implement emerging best practices, technologies, and partnerships that further reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational effectiveness.
Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to improve building performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and other natural resources, and strengthen the reliability and resilience of mission-critical infrastructure in the face of climate, regulatory, and operational risks.
Integrate sustainability principles into facilities operations, capital planning, design standards, construction practices, and procurement decisions, ensuring that environmental stewardship is embedded across the full lifecycle of university assets.
Ensure responsible environmental compliance and risk management related to facilities operations and construction activities, including hazardous materials, stormwater, air quality, and waste management, in close coordination with Environmental Health & Safety, University compliance officers, and external regulators.
Partner with Finance and other University leaders on utility budgeting, forecasting, rate analysis, and procurement strategies; monitor performance metrics and transparently report outcomes, progress, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Provide executive leadership for campus and facilities planning, including the development, interpretation, and implementation of the university’s master planning processes; demonstrate a deep understanding of the institutional, political, regulatory, and community dynamics that influence successful planning and project outcomes.
Ensure university compliance with all applicable land-use requirements, including the Development Agreement, Specific Plan (Master Plan), zoning, entitlements, and related regulatory commitments; work closely with the university’s master plan compliance officer to monitor, document, and report compliance
Serve as a key liaison to the university’s land-use attorneys, providing strategic input and operational coordination related to planning approvals, entitlements, regulatory strategy, and risk mitigation associated with facilities, capital projects, and real estate initiatives.
Act as the university’s facilities and planning representative to the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies to support permitting, inspections, approvals, and long-range planning efforts.
Collaborate closely with External Relations, university compliance officers, and senior leadership to proactively manage neighborhood and community relations related to facilities operations, construction activity, and long term planning initiatives, address concerns, support transparency, and advance projects in alignment with institutional priorities.
Serve as a liaison to neighborhood advisory councils and other community stakeholder groups, representing LMU’s interests while fostering constructive relationships and demonstrating the university’s commitment to responsible stewardship and civic partnership.
Anticipate regulatory, political, and entitlement-related risks and opportunities; advise the EVP/COO and senior leaders on planning strategy, sequencing, stakeholder engagement, and mitigation approaches related to land use, code compliance, and external approvals.