VP, Facilities Services & Campus Planning

University of Delaware • Newark, NJ

21d

About The Position

The Vice President for Facilities Services & Campus Planning serves as the chief executive responsible for the strategic vision, leadership, and stewardship of the University's physical infrastructure and campus development. This role is pivotal in shaping the long-term trajectory of the institution’s-built environment, ensuring alignment with academic, research, and community engagement goals. The Vice President provides executive oversight for all aspects of facilities planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance across six campuses encompassing 440 buildings, 7.5 million square feet of space, and over 2,000 acres. The Vice President leads a workforce of nearly 600 professionals and fosters a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability. A key strategic priority is the continued development of the 270-acre STAR Campus , a transformative initiative that positions the University as a hub for research, innovation, and economic development. The Vice President will lead efforts to cultivate public-private partnerships, attract corporate collaborators, and create a vibrant, multi-use environment that integrates academic, clinical, residential, and commercial functions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive executive leadership experience in facilities management, campus planning, or real estate development.
• Proven track record in leading large-scale capital projects, including planning, design, construction, and financing.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing public-private partnerships and economic development initiatives.
• Deep expertise in campus master planning, sustainability, and infrastructure modernization.
• Experience in environmental compliance, mitigation, and remediation in coordination with regulatory agencies.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, financial acumen, and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision - Partner with the President, EVP, and senior leadership to define and execute a long-term vision for campus development that supports the University's mission, academic priorities, and institutional growth.
• Campus Master Planning - Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Campus Master Plan that guides capital investment, land use, sustainability, and infrastructure modernization.
• Operational Excellence - Oversee all facilities operations, including maintenance, custodial services, energy management, and capital projects, ensuring high performance, cost-efficiency, and service excellence.
• STAR Campus Development - Serve as the executive sponsor for the STAR Campus initiative, coordinating land use planning, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships to realize a dynamic, innovation-driven ecosystem.
• Public-Private Partnerships - Identify, negotiate, and execute complex real estate and development agreements that advance institutional priorities and generate long-term value for the University and the State.
• Capital Planning & Budgeting - Direct the formulation of the annual and five-year capital plans, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance.
• Talent Development & Organizational Leadership - Cultivate a high-performing leadership team and workforce, championing professional development, succession planning, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Act as a senior liaison to internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, community leaders, corporate partners, and media, representing the University’s interests with integrity and strategic acumen.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees