Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services
| Industry: | Facilities Management |
| Location: | Arkansas - Fayetteville |
| Sector: | Higher Education |
| Search ID: | 24-0804-93 |
Description
The University of Arkansas has retained Helbling, a ZRG company to conduct an executive search to secure an Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Services.
For more details about this opportunity, please view the position profile by clicking on the cover image to the right.
Position Summary
The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities will serve as a strategic leader within the campus community infrastructure team, providing leadership, planning, direction and oversight of campus facilities operations, building maintenance, plant and building systems, utility production and distribution, construction management and facility support services. This position will also facilitate critical collaboration and communication within the campus community infrastructure team, with the broader campus community, and with the external community, U of A System and state partners. U of A is currently performing nearly half a billion in active projects and another half billion that are in the planning stage. This role is crucial for ensuring that the campus environment supports the institution's mission and objectives of student success, research and employer of choice.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of the university’s facilities and infrastructure.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of the university’s facilities and infrastructure.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a strategic vision for campus facilities that aligns with the university’s overall mission and strategic goals.
- Collaborate with senior university leadership to develop long-term campus planning efforts, master plans, space utilization and sustainability initiatives; and to prioritize and fund capital projects and infrastructure improvements.
- Effective communication with the facilities team, senior administration, university stakeholders, contractors, vendors and consultants and political, governmental, civic and community leaders and organizations.
- Proactive in problem-solving, course correction and process improvement.
- Exhibit financial acumen, planning and execution.
- Identify, recruit, retain and develop diverse talent in alignment with the university’s mission and values.
Operational Management:
- Oversee the daily operations of the facilities management department, including maintenance, groundskeeping, custodial services and utility services.
- Ensure the effective and efficient use of resources, including budgeting, staffing and procurement processes.
- Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
Construction and Renovation Projects:
- Manage the planning, design and construction of new buildings, renovations and major capital projects.
- Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required quality standards.
- Coordinate with campus units, architects, contractors and external consultants to achieve project goals.
Facilities Planning and Space Management:
- Collaborate with campus leadership on space planning and allocation to ensure optimal use of campus facilities.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive facilities database and management system.
- Conduct regular assessments of campus space needs and recommend adjustments as necessary.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship:
- Lead sustainability initiatives to reduce the university’s environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices.
- Implement energy management programs and initiatives to enhance energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.
- Collaborate with faculty, staff and students on sustainability education and outreach efforts.
Safety and Compliance:
- Ensure all campus facilities comply with local, state and federal regulations, including safety, health and environmental standards.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment.
- Oversee emergency preparedness and response plans related to facilities and infrastructure.
- Lead, mentor and develop a diverse team of facilities professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and excellence.
- Promote professional development opportunities and continuous learning for facilities staff.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the facilities department and with other university stakeholders.
Budget and Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the facilities department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
- Ensure financial accountability and transparency in all facilities-related expenditures.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support facilities projects and initiatives.
About University of Arkansas
Its 'students-first' philosophy is a big reason why the University of Arkansas (U of A) consistently ranks among the nation's top public research universities and best values. Its students participate in one-on-one research with renowned faculty and study abroad in more than 50 countries. Students learn in small classes, led by professors passionate about the subjects they teach, and have access to internships with some of the world’s most famous companies. And best of all, students have the academic support and career guidance needed to prepare for success after graduation.
Founded in 1871 as a land-grant institution, the University of Arkansas is the flagship of the University of Arkansas System. Its more than 32,000 students represent 49 states and more than 120 countries. The U of A has 10 colleges and schools offering more than 250 academic programs. 7,037 degrees and certificates were awarded in the academic year 2024. In FY 2023, the U of A had an endowment market value of $1.6B with a record $221.5M in research conducted. The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has repeatedly been ranked by Forbes as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers.
U of A’s picturesque campus in Fayetteville is in the hilly northwest corner of Arkansas overlooking the Ozark Mountains with some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking and biking trails. Fayetteville offers everything you would want from a college town, and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S.
Location
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management or a related field
- Ten years or more of leadership experience in the facilities arena, working in a broad, multi-faceted private or public sector organization.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing successful teams, delivering exceptional service, collaborating across a large organization and delivering on strategic initiatives and capital projects.
- Strong knowledge of facilities operations, construction management, space planning and sustainability practices.
- Demonstrated excellence with strategic planning, project management and organizational skills.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets and capital projects.
- Demonstrated excellence with outstanding communication, interpersonal and team-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, staff, students and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in management (MBA)
- Professional engineer, mechanical or civil engineer
- Fifteen years or more experience of managerial experience in the facilities arena
- Five years or more experience in higher education
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to effectively communicate verbally & written not only with staff, but with deans, directors, department heads, vice chancellors, faculty, etc.
- Knowledge of building maintenance.
- Knowledge of utility production.
- Knowledge of business and administrative support.
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university welcomes applications without regard to race/color, sex, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All applicant information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.