Villanova University has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure an Assistant Vice President, Planning, Design & Construction.
 

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Planning, Design & Construction directs, controls, and supervises the planning, programming, budgeting, cost management, design, and construction of all University facilities. The AVP is responsible for developing, negotiating, awarding, and managing contracts with architect and engineering firms, as well as construction companies. Additionally, the AVP ensures that all projects comply with local, state, and national codes and regulations to maintain a safe teaching, research, and working environment for both the campus and the surrounding community. The AVP develops and manages the Facilities’ Capital Renewal Program and Budget.  


For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image below. 

Essential Job Functions

• Following the Facilities’ Campus Master Plan, develops and manages the university’s annual and five-year Capital Renewal Program and budget. Briefs the Board of Trustees on proposed capital renewal projects as well as progress on major projects (15%);
• Meets regularly with deans, chairs, and directors to coordinate the development of major projects. Provides guidance and direction in the formulation of project requirements. Shepherds capital projects through the University and Board approval process, briefing the Physical Facilities Committee and other committees as required (15%);
• Provides leadership for and manages the planning, programming, budgeting, scheduling, cost management, design and construction of all University facilities and utilities. Responsible for functional planning, space utilization and physical relocation for all University facilities (15%);
• Oversees the selection of design consultants and manages the process of bidding or selecting construction contractors for all facilities projects. Interviews prospective architects, engineers, contractors, and other third-party consultants / vendors and prequalify those suited for university work (10%);
• Manages the process of developing and making presentations to local township commissions and boards to obtain all necessary project approvals (10%);
• Works directly with anticipated Director of Engineering and Energy Management to develop an energy strategy for the campus and implement projects to continuously improve our energy usage (10%); 
• Directs and manages the preparation of plans, specifications and contract documents for all construction, repair, and renovation projects, whether inhouse or by contract. Responsible for engineering investigations and studies (10%);
• Manages the capital renewal program for the Inn at Villanova (3%);
• In collaboration with AVP of Operations, establishes and executes an annual inspection program to identify and document deficiencies in the physical plant. Recommend special maintenance, alteration and repair projects as needed (5%); 
• Chairs monthly project manager / maintenance supervisors meeting to coordinate and strategically plan intradepartmental operations (2%);
• Acts as VP for Facilities Management in their absence where needed and appropriate (1%);
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as needed (4%).

 

About Villanova University

Villanova University, a co-educational Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1842 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. A premier institution of higher education, Villanova provides a comprehensive education rooted in the shared commitment to the Augustinian ideals of truth, unity, and love; and a community dedicated to service to others.
 
Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others.  There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges – the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, and The College of Professional Studies. As students grow intellectually, Villanova prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.  

Villanova is a comprehensive doctoral institution with exceptionally strong financials, an excellent reputation for undergraduate education that continually generates high applications and yield rates, highly regarded schools of law and business, and loyal and generous alumni. In its application numbers, acceptance rate, and yield rate, it is among the most selective universities in the country. 

Villanova competes in Division I athletics and is an R2 Carnegie-Classification research university. At the end of FY2024, the University reported over $2B in net assets including over $1.3B in endowment. The major ratings agencies consider its debt high quality and worthy of a “stable” outlook. Villanova’s operating surplus enables it to invest in new program development, in its physical plant, and in growth.

In 2024, Villanova assumed responsibility for the campus and physical assets of nearby Cabrini University. The integration adds approximately 110 acres and nearly 1M square feet of improved space to Villanova that will be reconceived in the 
context of further master planning. That same year, Villanova also launched a new 10-year Campus Master Plan. The overarching vision of the Campus Master Plan is to build on Villanova’s existing strengths and create an environment that supports academic rigor and student success in all its forms.
 
Villanova recently announced the public phase of its $1.2B campaign, geared to advance its Rooted. Restless strategic plan. The campaign focuses on three major areas of investment: in financial aid, in research, and in capital programming and campus investment. Along with investments in the Cabrini facility – which additional space will enable Villanova to increase enrollments by 1,000 in the years ahead – the capital-program portion of the campaign will fund a new library, a new welcome center, and additional new or renovation projects.
 

Location

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Experience & Qualifications

• Formal Education
  • Degree in Engineering (civil, electrical, or mechanical preferred), Architecture, Planning Management, or related field required;
  • Registered Professional Engineer or Architect preferred;
  • LEED accreditation is preferred.
• Specific Job Knowledge
  • Extensive knowledge of building construction and estimating;
  • Knowledge of Facilities Management operations including planning, programming, budgeting, design, construction, and maintenance services for physical facilities;
  • Working knowledge of utility infrastructure, HVAC, and other mechanical systems, and building structural components;
  • Experience with and working knowledge of BOCA, NFPA, OSHA and other facility codes; 
  • Background in procurement with design and construction contract negotiation and administration experience and knowledge of several types of project delivery systems. 
• Minimum Work Experience
  • Demonstrated direct line responsibility for building construction as a construction manager or general contractor. Field experience is a plus;
  • At least ten years’ experience in a lead or management role in construction, engineering, or facilities management with increasing responsibility;
• Work Skills
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills;
  • Ability to communicate effectively with maintenance and construction supervisors; 
  • Strong, proven negotiating skills beyond the requisite technical skills. Presence, tact and poise needed to work with faculty, staff, local officials, and community groups to successfully complete projects;
  • Demonstrated leadership skills; 
  • Superior organizational and management abilities. 
• Equipment Knowledge
  • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and adept at preparing presentations. Familiarity with CPM scheduling and spreadsheet analysis. Working knowledge of facilities work management systems. 
• Exceptional Work Schedule Demands
  • Job will require some exceptional work schedules (potential long days and/or weekends) to meet specific project requirements.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Villanova is an equal opportunity employer. Villanova University is committed to providing leadership in the attainment of equal employment for all individuals. It is the policy and practice of Villanova University to recruit and select applicants on the basis of their qualifications and abilities. This effort is in compliance with all federal and state laws.